FBI Identifies Chinese Cyber Campaign Targeting US Politicians

The FBI announced Wednesday the discovery of a significant Chinese hacking operation targeting U.S. telecommunications networks and individuals in politics. The cyber campaign, described as “broad and significant,” raises concerns about Beijing’s attempts to infiltrate critical American infrastructure.

The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) revealed that the operation involved installing malware on more than 200,000 devices in the U.S., a scheme disrupted by federal authorities in September. Hackers allegedly sought customer call records and technological data tied to individuals involved in political activities.

Phones belonging to President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign were reportedly among the targets. While the FBI has not named specific individuals, it confirmed that the hackers focused on those with connections to government and politics.

In a joint statement, the FBI and CISA emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, stating, “We expect our understanding of these compromises to grow as the investigation continues.” The agencies continue to assist victims and share intelligence to bolster defenses across the communications sector.

China has denied involvement in the hacking campaign, dismissing allegations of espionage. However, the FBI’s findings indicate a coordinated effort to extract sensitive information and disrupt U.S. infrastructure.

The revelation underscores the growing cyber threat posed by foreign adversaries. Federal agencies are urging organizations to report potential breaches and work to strengthen their cybersecurity measures.

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