The FBI and Justice Department have taken action against a Chinese hacking campaign targeting critical US infrastructure by employing a court order to address vulnerabilities in thousands of internet-connected devices.
This move is part of a broader government initiative to counter the persistent Chinese hacking threat, especially concerning potential disruptions in the event of a US military response to a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The court order enables the Justice Department to update software on vulnerable devices, aiming to impede communication with the hackers.
The US government remains vigilant amid concerns about the depth of Chinese infiltration into critical infrastructure.
Senior national security officials have expressed alarm over the Chinese hackers’ intrusion into US maritime and transportation networks, viewing it as a potential means to cripple computer networks in the event of a US-China conflict.
Microsoft, whose customers were targeted, revealed the alleged Chinese hacking campaign last year, indicating attacks on critical infrastructure in Guam, a key US territory in countering China’s territorial ambitions in the Pacific.
The US government’s actions seek to mitigate the impact of the Chinese hacking effort and safeguard critical systems. Despite these measures, the hackers are believed to be deeply entrenched in US infrastructure, prompting ongoing efforts to secure networks and prevent potential cyber disruptions.
