According to ABC News, a massive Chinese spying operation targeted weaknesses in U.S. telecommunications networks, stealing data from hundreds of thousands of mobile phone users.
Experts believe the total number of people affected may exceed 1 million. This hacking campaign is described as one of the most significant intelligence-gathering efforts by China in recent years.
FBI and Homeland Security officials explained that the hackers exploited weak points in routers used by major telecom companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies.
These routers acted as gateways, giving the hackers access to phone numbers and other private details. They were able to gather information such as who people were talking to, when the calls were made, and even the location of the callers.
Initially, the hackers focused on mobile users in the Washington, D.C., area. However, they later shifted to more specific targets, including high-ranking government officials and prominent individuals. In some cases, the hackers were even able to access audio recordings of calls and read text messages sent by their victims.
ABC News reported that among those targeted were members of the Biden administration, including a cabinet secretary and a top Homeland Security adviser. Others included individuals connected to President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance, and key members of political campaigns. These high-profile individuals were informed about the breach.
The operation likely lasted for months or even over a year, going undetected by security systems. Experts are still unsure if the hackers have been completely removed from the networks, and the full scope of the breach is still being investigated.
The investigation also revealed that Chinese hackers gained access to sensitive information about federal investigations. This included data about Justice Department warrants, raising fears that China may have learned the identities of individuals under federal investigation or surveillance.
FBI and Homeland Security officials have provided telecom companies with a list of recommendations to fix the security vulnerabilities. These measures aim to detect and prevent further attacks and ensure that hackers are removed from the system.
However, experts warn that the problem is far from over. The scale of this hacking campaign highlights serious challenges in protecting critical communication networks. Authorities are continuing their efforts to understand the full extent of the breach and improve cybersecurity defenses.
