Srinagar, Sept 05: A massive cyberattack carried out by Chinese state-backed hackers struck more than 80 countries last year, potentially compromising data on nearly every American — including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance — U.S. officials revealed after a year-long probe.
According to reports, the hacking group, known as Salt Typhoon, infiltrated major telecommunications companies to secure long-term access to vast networks, investigators said in a joint statement last week.
Officials warned the breach was far more extensive than initially believed, with stolen data giving Chinese intelligence the ability to exploit global communications and track politicians, spies, and activists. The group targeted phones of then Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance in October last year, according to a report by The Independent.
According to a report by The New York Times, experts believe the recent Salt Typhoon cyberattack may signal a new phase in China’s cyber capabilities—one that could challenge its strategic adversaries and reinforce Beijing’s pursuit of greater global influence.
Meanwhile, British cybersecurity officials stated that the hackers were involved in a sophisticated and coordinated effort, further raising alarms among global security communities.
