Verizon and AT&T: Navigating the Salt Typhoon Cyber Threat
In a world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, U.S. telecom giants Verizon and AT&T have found themselves in the crosshairs of the China-linked Salt Typhoon cyberespionage group. Verizon, in a statement to TechCrunch, confirmed that it has successfully secured its network after this targeted attack.
- Containment Achieved: Verizon spokesperson Richard Young assured that the company has “contained the cyber incident” and has not detected any further threat activity on its network for some time.
- Expert Assurance: A respected cybersecurity firm confirmed Verizon’s containment efforts, although the firm remains unnamed.
- Targeted Attack: The breach focused on a “small number of high-profile customers in government,” highlighting the precision of these cyber espionage tactics.
“Immediately upon learning of this incident, Verizon took several key actions to protect its customers and its network, including partnering with federal law enforcement and national security agencies,” said Vandana Venkatesh, Verizon’s chief general officer.
{Vandana Venkatesh}
Similarly, AT&T confirmed that it has also secured its network from the Salt Typhoon threat. According to Reuters, an AT&T spokesperson mentioned that they currently detect no nation-state actor activity within their networks. The spokesperson added that Chinese-backed hackers targeted individuals of foreign intelligence interest.
This marks the first public acknowledgment by Verizon and AT&T of their networks being impacted by this cyber campaign. Initial reports surfaced in October, revealing that some of the largest U.S. phone and internet companies had been compromised to gather intelligence on U.S. citizens.
U.S. officials noted that at least eight telecommunications providers were targeted, including Lumen (formerly CenturyLink) and T-Mobile. On Friday, Anne Neuberger, deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology, announced the identification of a ninth victim. While not naming this new victim, Neuberger mentioned one breached administrator account had access to over 100,000 routers.
The evolving landscape of cybersecurity demands vigilance and robust defenses. As these telecom giants bolster their security measures, it serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced in maintaining digital integrity.
