A top U.S. cybersecurity official warned on Friday that Chinese hackers are strategically positioning themselves within U.S. critical infrastructure networks, potentially preparing for a major conflict. Morgan Adamski, executive director of U.S. Cyber Command, stated that ongoing Chinese cyber operations are aimed at gaining an advantage if tensions between the U.S. and China escalate into a serious conflict.
Adamski’s remarks, made during a presentation at the Cyberwarcon security conference in Arlington, Virginia, highlighted that Chinese-linked hackers have already infiltrated key IT networks. These actions are part of a broader strategy to enable potential disruptions, such as manipulating vital systems like HVAC controls in server rooms or even interfering with critical energy and water systems during a crisis.
🇺🇸🇨🇳BREAKING: CHINESE HACKERS ARE READY FOR CYBER WAR
U.S. cyber officials warn: Beijing’s hackers are deep in critical systems—power grids, water supplies, even telecoms—ready to flip the switch if conflict sparks.
Dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” they’ve stolen call data, breached… pic.twitter.com/47QwWcwntB
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 22, 2024
Chinese hackers preparing for conflict, says US cyber official https://t.co/qJRMCvBAG9 pic.twitter.com/uRAY3iATyF
— Reuters World (@ReutersWorld) November 22, 2024
The warning comes as the U.S. government continues to respond to a series of cyber espionage activities attributed to China. A recent attack on U.S. telecommunications firms, identified as the “Salt Typhoon” operation, is one of the most significant and damaging cyberattacks in the country’s history. This operation involved stealing sensitive telecommunications data, including call records, and compromising communications between high-ranking officials from both major U.S. political parties ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Chinese hackers were able to deeply penetrate U.S. telecommunications infrastructure over the past several months.
The worst part? The networks are still compromised and it may take incredibly drastic measures to boot them from U.S. systems.https://t.co/VEnviG2NIt
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) November 23, 2024
NSA director Gen Haugh tells me he’d like to publish a hunt guide for Salt Typhoon so companies and allies can find, oust and protect against Chinese telco hackers. That needs collective action at speed, he said at NSIF2024.https://t.co/GnImrfoWg0
— Katrina Manson (@KatrinaManson) November 20, 2024
The Chinese government consistently denies any involvement in cyberattacks targeting U.S. entities. Despite these denials, U.S. officials, including those at the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), have been working to assist potential victims by providing technical help and issuing warnings. These agencies are also actively sharing information on Chinese cyber operations globally, including sanctions, indictments, and cybersecurity advisories, in an effort to disrupt Chinese cyber activity.
Senator Warns Chinese Hackers "Salt Typhoon" Have Access To All U.S. Mobile Phones https://t.co/lu0MrFDXGc
— The Beach From Florida (@BeachFrmFL) November 23, 2024
The U.S. has also responded offensively, according to Adamski, with coordinated efforts to degrade and disrupt Chinese cyber operations. These actions are part of a larger strategy to safeguard critical infrastructure and reduce vulnerabilities ahead of any potential conflict with China. The growing threat of cyberattacks from China underscores the increasing role of cybersecurity in national defense, particularly as the U.S. faces evolving geopolitical tensions.
