Investigations have revealed that a Chinese cyberattacker group known as Salt Typhoon has potentially accessed data from individuals across over 80 countries, including the United States. The operation, described by officials as the most extensive of its kind, targeted telecommunications companies and other critical infrastructure, with reports suggesting stolen information could be used to track politicians, spies, and activists worldwide.
A joint statement from multiple nations, including the U.S., Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan, and others, condemned the attack as “unrestrained” and “indiscriminate,” linking it to Chinese government-sponsored actors. The breach reportedly spanned years, with investigators noting that the scale of the campaign made it unlikely any American was spared.
The group, tied to the Chinese Communist Party, is alleged to have hacked devices used by former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during the 2024 presidential campaign. Security experts highlighted the infiltration of global networks, including telecommunications, government, transportation, and military systems, as part of a broader effort to undermine international security.
No details were provided on specific measures taken to address the breach or mitigate its impact.
