FBI director Christopher Wray issued a stark warning this week, stating that Chinese hackers are actively developing the capability to cause physical damage to critical infrastructure in the United States. Wray expressed concerns that these hackers are strategically waiting for the right moment to unleash devastating attacks.
According to Wray, a hacking campaign known as Volt Typhoon has successfully infiltrated multiple American critical infrastructure sectors, including telecommunications, energy, and water. The goal of this campaign, as described by Wray, is to target civilian infrastructure in a manner that induces panic among the population.
While the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied any government involvement in Volt Typhoon, security experts from Microsoft and Google have linked the hackers to China. Wray emphasized that the cyber threats are closely tied to the ongoing tensions between the US and China, particularly concerning Taiwan.
During a recent testimony to lawmakers, Wray reiterated the severity of the situation, highlighting the intention of Chinese hackers to cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities. He emphasized the urgent need for increased attention to the targeting of critical infrastructure, such as water treatment plants, electrical grids, and transportation systems.
Wray also pointed out that Chinese hackers pose a continuous threat to US economic security through the theft of innovation and personal data. He emphasized that these cyber activities extend beyond economic implications, reaching into American society to undermine freedoms and threaten individuals.
The warnings from Wray and other government officials come amidst growing concerns about the cybersecurity threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party recently held a hearing to address the cyber threats to American homeland security posed by Chinese hackers.
