A sophisticated cyberattack has left a trail of clues pointing to the involvement of Chinese hackers, compromising smartphones and mobile devices belonging to government officials, politicians, tech experts, and journalists. The attackers used zero-click exploits to gain unauthorized access to these devices without requiring user interaction.
US authorities have warned of a sprawling Chinese hacking campaign targeting Americans, allowing hackers to listen in on phone calls in real-time and read text messages. This malicious activity has been linked to prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance, during the 2024 election campaign.
Chinese officials have denied allegations of cyberespionage, instead accusing the US of mounting its own cyberoperations. The Chinese government views this as an excuse for issuing sanctions against Chinese organizations and restricting access to their technology companies globally.
Mobile networks are a top concern, with many countries banning Chinese telecom companies from their networks due to security concerns. However, Chinese tech firms continue to maintain routing and cloud storage systems in the US, creating opportunities for cyberattacks.
Experts warn that mobile devices have become an intelligence treasure trove, containing sensitive information and passwords. The White House has reported instances of impersonated officials using compromised phone connections, highlighting the need for vigilance from smartphone users.
To mitigate these risks, federal officials have launched a program to create a “cyber trust mark” for connected devices that meet federal security standards. However, experts stress that no device is completely secure if its user doesn’t follow basic security precautions.
The US intelligence community views China as a significant threat to national security, with cyberespionage being one of the tools used to gain an advantage in military conflicts. National security officials must be proactive in preventing similar incidents from recurring and emphasizing the importance of shared information platforms for secure communication.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/china-cybersecurity-hacking-smartphones-37bb5f10c6e21fec2863b1faf269cecc