Official announcements from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Treasury Department

FBI Uncovers Large-Scale Chinese Cyber Espionage Targeting T-Mobile and U.S. Telecoms

Nov 16, 2024, 12:34 AM

A joint investigation by the FBI and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has uncovered a large-scale cyber espionage campaign allegedly conducted by Chinese state-sponsored hackers, specifically the Salt Typhoon group. The hackers targeted multiple U.S. telecommunications companies, including major providers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, as well as some international firms. The breach allowed the hackers to access call records, personal data, and law enforcement wiretap data of individuals working in government and politics. The FBI described the espionage campaign as 'broad and significant,' highlighting the extensive nature of the infiltration. The hackers reportedly exploited vulnerabilities in Cisco routers and used AI methods in the operation. The investigation is ongoing, and further security compromises are expected to be uncovered.