US Cybersecurity Official Warns Of Chinese Hackers Preparing For Conflict With The US

A U.S. cybersecurity official warned on Friday that Chinese hackers are positioning themselves within key U.S. infrastructure networks in anticipation of a potential conflict. Morgan Adamski, executive director of U.S. Cyber Command, stated that China-linked cyber operations are designed to give Beijing an advantage in the event of a major crisis or military confrontation with the U.S.

Speaking at the Cyberwarcon security conference in Arlington, Virginia, Adamski outlined how Chinese hackers have been targeting critical IT networks, including systems that control energy, water, and communication services. The goal of these infiltrations is to enable potential disruptions in the event of heightened tensions between the two countries.

This warning follows the recent discovery of the “Salt Typhoon” cyber espionage campaign, which has been called the worst telecom hack in U.S. history. The breach affected several major telecommunications companies and resulted in the theft of sensitive call records, as well as the compromise of communications from top U.S. political officials. The FBI has been investigating the extent of the damage, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been providing assistance to affected organizations.

Despite Beijing’s repeated denials of involvement in these cyberattacks, U.S. officials are taking proactive steps to counter Chinese cyber activities. Adamski revealed that the U.S. government has implemented synchronized offensive and defensive actions to degrade Chinese cyber capabilities. These efforts include public exposés of Chinese operations, sanctions, and indictments aimed at disrupting China’s cyber espionage activities.

The growing cyber threat from China underscores the increasing importance of cybersecurity in national defense. As the U.S. continues to face challenges from state-sponsored cyberattacks, the need for stronger defenses to protect critical infrastructure becomes more pressing. The situation highlights the role of cyber warfare in modern geopolitical conflicts and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard national security.