According to reports from Ars Technica, Chinese government-linked hackers have infiltrated the networks of major US Internet service providers, potentially gaining access to court-authorized wiretap systems. The Wall Street Journal revealed that companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen were among those affected.

The cyberattack, attributed to a Chinese hacking group known as Salt Typhoon, may have compromised network infrastructure used for lawful US communications data requests. “For months or longer, the hackers might have held access to network infrastructure used to cooperate with lawful US requests for communications data,” sources told the Wall Street Journal.

The Washington Post reported that the operation was likely aimed at uncovering Chinese targets of American surveillance. The FBI, along with other intelligence agencies and the Department of Homeland Security, is in the early stages of investigating the breach.

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Verizon Sets Up War Room to Address Breach

Verizon has reportedly set up a war room at its Ashburn, Virginia facility, collaborating with the FBI, Microsoft, and Google’s Mandiant. A US security official stated, “There is some indication [the lawful intercept system] was targeted.”

The full extent of the breach remains unclear, including whether the hackers accessed actual surveillance target lists or communications. President Joe Biden has reportedly been briefed on the situation.

Chinese Embassy Denies Allegations

The Chinese Embassy in Washington denied the allegations, claiming that US intelligence and cybersecurity companies were “spreading disinformation” about Chinese government involvement in attacks on US targets.

As the investigation continues, the incident raises concerns about the security of US communications infrastructure and the potential implications for national security.

Read more at Ars Technica.