There are new details in what’s being called one of the worst cyber hacks in history. Federal officials revealed the scope of the attack is wider than first thought, impacting multiple U.S. communication networks.
Chinese government affiliated hackers are accused of stealing records, intercepting voice calls and getting into the wiretap system used by the Justice Department to investigate people suspected of crimes or spying.
Officials said most of the private communication the hackers accessed involved people affiliated with the government or politics.
However, their access to at least eight American companies like Verizon and AT&T is prompting a warning to all Americans from the FBI.
They advise people to make calls or send messages over encrypted apps like WhatsApp or iMessage. That’s because the issue isn’t resolved.
Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger said the hackers are still believed to be lurking in some systems.
“There is a risk of ongoing compromises to communications until U.S. companies address the cybersecurity gaps, the Chinese are likely to maintain their access,” Neuberger said.
In addition to the U.S. companies, White House officials said the Chinese hackers infiltrated dozens of companies across Asia and Europe over the last one to two years.
The group allegedly responsible for the hack is Salt Typhoon. This is the same group behind the hacks of the Trump and Harris campaigns before the election.
The Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. denied accusations that it’s responsible for the hack.
