US Senators have called for increased cybersecurity measures after a recent hacking incident attributed to China, known as Salt Typhoon, which targeted American telecommunications companies and stole sensitive data. The attack is believed to be the largest of its kind in US history.
Senator Ben Ray Lujan said that more needs to be done to prevent similar attacks, while Republican Senator Ted Cruz warned that other countries may target US infrastructure in the future. Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has proposed requiring telecom firms to submit annual certifications on their cybersecurity plans.
The White House confirmed that at least eight US companies were affected by the hacking incident, and a significant amount of Americans’ metadata was stolen. Chinese officials have denied the allegations, calling them disinformation.
The House is set to vote on an annual defense bill that includes funding for removing equipment made by Chinese telecom firms from US networks, estimated to cost $4.98 billion. The move aims to address concerns over cybersecurity and national security.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/senators-say-us-must-boost-security-after-chinese-salt-typhoon-telecom-hacking-2024-12-11