Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently spoke out about the “Salt Typhoon” cyberattack, a sophisticated hacking campaign attributed to China that has compromised major U.S. telecommunications networks. Describing the breach as “extraordinarily impactful” and “absolutely unacceptable,” Mayorkas addressed concerns over the Biden administration’s efforts to combat the ongoing threat.
During an interview, Mayorkas emphasized the complexity of the situation but did not directly explain why the administration has been unable to fully stop the attack. He highlighted the collaborative efforts between telecommunications companies, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other federal agencies to mitigate the damage.
The “Salt Typhoon” hack, regarded as one of the most significant intelligence compromises in U.S. history, has raised alarms about national security and critical infrastructure vulnerabilities. The breach reportedly allowed Chinese hackers to infiltrate networks of major telecom providers, including Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies, gaining access to sensitive communications data like unencrypted messages and call logs.
In response to the attack, federal agencies have proposed new measures to strengthen cybersecurity defenses. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced potential regulations that would require telecommunications providers to submit annual certifications of their cybersecurity plans. These proposals aim to modernize cybersecurity frameworks and enhance protections for critical infrastructure.
Despite these steps, the “Salt Typhoon” attack underscores the challenges of defending against state-sponsored cyber threats. The breach has highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity measures and raised questions about the administration’s preparedness in addressing such sophisticated intrusions.
As efforts to counter the attack continue, the administration faces increasing pressure to ensure that such breaches are not repeated, with national security experts urging more aggressive actions to safeguard the country’s telecommunications networks.
WATCH
When asked why the U.S. government hasn’t yet stopped the sweeping Chinese hack of eight U.S. telecom firms, DHS @SecMayorkas tells @margbrennan “this is an ongoing situation. It is not static.”
“The intrusion is a very sophisticated one. The telecommunications companies are… pic.twitter.com/Q6jadP7oro
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) December 22, 2024