FBI Director Christopher Wray warns that Chinese hackers are developing the ability to physically wreak havoc on critical infrastructure in the United States. This hacking campaign, known as Volt Typhoon, has infiltrated multiple American critical infrastructure companies including telecommunications, energy, and water. Wray believes that the hackers are waiting for the right moment to deal a devastating blow. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies any government involvement in Volt Typhoon, stating that it is a criminal ransomware group. However, Microsoft and Google security experts have linked the hackers to China, and Wray believes the effort is related to tensions between the US and China over Taiwan.
Wray has raised concerns about the lack of public focus on the fact that Chinese hackers are targeting critical infrastructure in the US, including water treatment plants, electrical grids, pipelines, and transportation systems. He stresses the risk this poses to American citizens and communities, calling for immediate attention to the threat. Wray also highlights that Chinese hackers are actively attacking the US economy and security, engaging in the theft of innovation, personal data, and corporate information. He notes that these attacks pose a threat to American freedoms as well, with hackers targeting citizens and residents to silence, coerce, and threaten them.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied any government involvement in the Volt Typhoon hacking campaign, stating that it is a criminal ransomware group. The Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. has accused the US of politicizing cybersecurity issues and using cyberattacks to target and frame China. However, Microsoft and Google security experts have previously linked the hackers to China, and Wray believes that the campaign is connected to US-China tensions over Taiwan. He warns that Chinese hackers are intent on causing real-world harm to American citizens and communities, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and action to counter this threat.
Wray’s warning about Chinese hackers targeting critical infrastructure in the US has been echoed in testimony before Congress, where he highlighted the risk posed to water treatment plants, electrical grids, pipelines, and transportation systems. He stressed the importance of addressing the threat posed by these hackers, who are actively engaged in attacking the US economy, security, and personal data. Wray emphasized that these attacks not only impact security and economic interests but also target American freedoms, posing a direct threat to citizens and residents across the country. The FBI director’s statements have raised concerns about the growing cyber threat posed by China to the US.
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party has heard testimony from Wray and other government officials about the cyber threat posed by Chinese hackers to American national security. Wray has warned lawmakers about the intentions of Chinese hackers to wreak havoc and cause harm to American citizens and communities. The committee has discussed the need for increased vigilance and action to counter the threat posed by Chinese cyberattacks, particularly on critical infrastructure. Wray’s testimony emphasizes the urgency of addressing the risk posed by Chinese hackers to American security and economic interests, calling for a coordinated effort to combat this threat.
