A hack of U.S. telecommunications systems linked to China that initially appeared to focus on the American presidential campaigns goes much deeper, according to investigators, and is likely part of a vast effort by Beijing to spy on the United States.
The FBI and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned on Wednesday that the breach first detected late last month has now “revealed a broad and significant cyber espionage campaign.”
The two agencies said in a statement that their investigation has confirmed Chinese-linked hackers compromised the networks of multiple U.S. telecommunication companies, gaining access to a potential treasure trove of information.
Specifically, they said the hackers would have been able to access customer call records and infiltrate the private communications of a select number of government officials and politicians.
Additionally, the hackers appear to have been able to copy information requested by U.S. law enforcement as a result of court orders.
“We expect our understanding of these compromises to grow as the investigation continues,” the FBI and CISA said.
“We encourage any organization that believes it might be a victim to engage its local FBI field office or CISA,” they added.
The two agencies first announced they were investigating a breach of U.S. telecommunications systems in late October, less than two weeks before U.S. voters cast their ballots in nationwide elections.
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