Chinese state-sponsored hackers reportedly gained access to U.S. wiretap systems, compromising the networks of major telecom companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies.
According to anonymous sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, the hackers may have infiltrated these networks for several months or longer.
The breach reportedly allowed the attackers to access infrastructure used for lawful U.S. requests for communications data, raising concerns about national security and privacy. Alongside wiretap systems, the hackers allegedly accessed more general internet traffic flowing through the compromised networks.
In response, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has emphasized that countering cyberattacks from Chinese state actors is a top security priority. This breach highlights the ongoing cyber tensions between the U.S. and China, further underscoring the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive communication systems.
