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Salt Typhoon Telecom Attacks

Cyber attack

About

The Salt Typhoon cyber attack is a significant threat to global telecommunications, attributed to Chinese state-sponsored hackers. It began as early as 2022 and targeted major U.S. telecommunication networks, including AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen. The attack compromised sensitive data, such as phone call and text message metadata, affecting millions of users. It also accessed law enforcement portals used for monitoring communications, potentially revealing surveillance targets. Salt Typhoon's tactics involve exploiting vulnerabilities in network infrastructure like routers and firewalls. The group uses advanced malware to maintain persistent access, enabling prolonged espionage activities. The attack has raised concerns about national security and privacy, with U.S. officials describing it as the worst telecom hack in U.S. history. Despite efforts to mitigate the damage, the full extent of the breach remains unclear, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure.