China's Hacking Reached Deep into U.S. Telecoms

China's recent cyber intrusion into U.S. telecommunications has been revealed to be more extensive than previously acknowledged, with hackers reportedly able to listen to phone calls and read text messages. Senator Mark Warner, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed shock at the depth of the breach, which was attributed to a group linked to Chinese intelligence known as Salt Typhoon. The hackers exploited vulnerabilities in aging telecommunications infrastructure, affecting major providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. While the hackers have seemingly paused their activities since the breach was discovered, officials warn that they may still be embedded within the systems. The intrusion is considered the most serious telecom hack in U.S. history, surpassing previous incidents like the SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline hacks. Although the hackers could not access encrypted communications, they were able to gather metadata and geolocation data from calls and texts involving national security officials and politicians. Warner emphasized the need for public awareness of the vulnerabilities exposed by this incident and called for stronger security standards in the U.S. telecommunications sector, similar to measures taken in Australia and Britain following similar breaches.

- China's hacking of U.S. telecoms is more extensive than previously reported.

- Hackers exploited vulnerabilities in aging telecommunications infrastructure.

- The breach is considered the most serious telecom hack in U.S. history.

- The hackers could gather metadata and geolocation data from communications.

- There is a call for stronger security standards in U.S. telecommunications.