T-Mobile disclosed on Wednesday that it had recently detected attempts by “bad actors” to infiltrate its systems, but emphasized that no sensitive customer data, including calls, voicemails, or texts, was accessed.
The announcement follows reports of a Chinese-linked cyberespionage operation, dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” targeting U.S. telecommunications companies.
Jeff Simon, T-Mobile’s Chief Security Officer, explained in a blog post that the company identified the attacks originating from the network of an unnamed wireline provider connected to T-Mobile. While the attackers did not succeed in compromising customer data or disrupting services, T-Mobile severed its connection with the compromised provider as a precaution.
Simon noted that while the traits of the hackers resembled those of Salt Typhoon, the identity of the attackers remains uncertain. The company has reported its findings to the U.S. government for further assessment.
This revelation comes amidst a broader cybersecurity concern highlighted by the FBI and Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, who earlier this month confirmed an investigation into a “significant cyber espionage campaign” linked to Chinese hackers. According to reports, the campaign targeted major U.S. telecom firms, including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen, and allegedly stole customer call records and sensitive information.
The operation reportedly compromised private communications for government officials and political figures, including campaign staff for Donald Trump and Kamala Harris during the lead-up to the November 5 presidential election.
T-Mobile Thwarts Cyberattack Amid Reports of Chinese-Linked Espionage Campaign
