Trump Administration Signals Tougher Response to Chinese Cyberattacks
Incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz emphasizes need for offensive measures following unprecedented Chinese hack targeting U.S. leaders and infrastructure.
- The Chinese-affiliated hacking group Salt Typhoon conducted a massive cyberattack earlier this year, breaching U.S. telecommunications systems and targeting President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance.
- The attack, described by officials as the largest telecom hack in U.S. history, compromised metadata and infiltrated critical infrastructure, including water systems and power grids.
- Mike Waltz, Trump's pick for national security adviser, called for a shift in U.S. strategy to impose higher costs on cyberattackers and deter future breaches.
- Senator Marco Rubio and Senator Mark Warner both characterized the hack as a historic and alarming breach of U.S. cybersecurity.
- Chinese officials dismissed the allegations as disinformation, reiterating their opposition to cyberattacks and cyber theft in all forms.