China-Linked Salt Typhoon Hack Exposes U.S. Telecom Vulnerabilities

The largest telecom breach in U.S. history compromised sensitive communications of officials and millions of Americans, raising questions about cybersecurity and retaliation policies.

The Salt Typhoon cyberattack, attributed to Chinese state-backed hackers, targeted over 80 telecom providers globally, including major U.S. firms like Verizon and AT&T.
The breach exposed sensitive communications of high-profile U.S. officials, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Trump administration figures, as well as millions of Americans' call and message data.
Hackers exploited vulnerabilities in wiretapping systems governed by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), prompting calls for stricter cybersecurity regulations in the telecom sector.
Lawmakers are debating whether the U.S. should adopt offensive cyber strategies to deter future attacks, with experts emphasizing the need for stronger diplomatic and technological responses.
The attack highlights the broader geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, as cybersecurity and technological dominance become critical battlegrounds in their rivalry.