China Hack Report: Daily US Tech Defense

Shhh! China's Eavesdropping on US Bigwigs Calls & Texts Heres How to Protect Your Privacy This Holiday Season


Listen Later

This is your China Hack Report: Daily US Tech Defense podcast.

Hey there, I'm Ting, and welcome to the China Hack Report: Daily US Tech Defense. It's Christmas Eve, but cyber threats don't take holidays, so let's dive right in.

Over the past few days, we've seen some critical China-linked cyber activities affecting US interests. The big story is the recently discovered Chinese hacking and espionage campaign that scooped up data on hundreds of thousands of American mobile phone users, likely stealing information about more than 1 million customers[1][2]. This operation exploited weaknesses in the communications networks of top US telecommunications companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies.

The Chinese hackers were able to determine who thousands of mobile phone users were talking to, when they spoke, and where they were communicating from. They even narrowed their focus to target high-profile Americans, including top government officials in the Biden administration, such as at least one cabinet secretary and a top White House Homeland Security Adviser. In some cases, they obtained audio calls and reviewed text messages.

The FBI and Homeland Security officials have confirmed that the Chinese hackers compromised the system by exploiting existing basic gaps in security. They've given industry leaders a list of remedies to detect and prevent ongoing attacks, as well as recommendations on how to root the hackers out. However, officials admit they cannot say with certainty that the Chinese hackers have been fully kicked out of these telecommunications networks.

In response to these threats, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued guidance, warning Americans, especially those highly targeted, to secure their communications against eavesdropping and interception. They advise using free messaging platforms that offer end-to-end encryption, such as Signal, for one-on-one and group chats, as well as voice and video calls[4].

Additionally, Congress has taken steps toward funding a program to purge Chinese technology from US telecommunications systems, targeting gear manufactured by Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE. This move is part of a broader effort to address the pervasive Chinese hacking that has been targeting essential communications and infrastructure systems in the US.

FBI Director Christopher Wray has emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Chinese hackers are targeting critical infrastructure, including water treatment plants, electrical grids, oil and natural gas pipelines, and transportation systems. He warned that the risk poses a threat to every American and requires immediate attention.

So, what can you do? First, be aware of the threats and take steps to secure your communications. Use encrypted messaging platforms and be cautious with sensitive information. Stay informed and stay vigilant. That's all for today's China Hack Report. Stay safe out there, and happy holidays.

For more http://www.quietplease.ai


Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

China Hack Report: Daily US Tech DefenseBy Quiet. Please