The US congressional staff systems, especially those that oversee America’s sprawling military and intelligence agencies, have been mostly targeted after several hacking attempts continue to be reported, including the latest China-linked attack.
As of January 7, a Chinese-linked hacking group reportedly breached the email systems used by staff members of several key U.S. House of Representatives committees, raising serious national security concerns.
According to reports, the cyber espionage campaign known as Salt Typhoon accessed communications systems used by aides on the House China committee, as well as those covering foreign affairs, intelligence, and armed services.
China Targets Key US Congressional Committees
US officials say the Ministry of State Security, the Chinese intelligence service, accessed email systems used by congressional staff on powerful House committees, including those overseeing China policy, foreign affairs, intelligence, and defence, according to the Financial Times.
The intrusions are part of Salt Typhoon, a long-running MSS cyber-operation that reportedly enables China to monitor US telecommunications and, in some cases, email.
Although sanctions against Beijing were considered last year, they were shelved amid diplomatic concerns.
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Officials from China rejected the claims as politically motivated.
Previous Cyberattacks Reported
In November, multiple congressional offices were notified by the Senate Sergeant at Arms of a “cyber incident” in which hackers may have gained access to communications between the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and several Senate offices.
The CBO provides critical financial research and analysis to lawmakers, making such communications a valuable target for cyber intrusions.
In 2023, reports indicated that two senior U.S. lawmakers were among the targets of a Vietnam-linked hacking operation.
The hacking group Salt Typhoon, reportedly linked to Chinese intelligence, has been a persistent threat to the U.S. intelligence community.
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This group is alleged to have intercepted large volumes of American telephone communications and private conversations, including those involving senior U.S. politicians and government officials. These operations have drawn significant attention due to their potential implications for national security and political operations.
Beijing has consistently denied involvement in these cyber activities.
In response to Salt Typhoon’s operations, the U.S. imposed sanctions early last year on hacker Yin Kecheng and the cybersecurity firm Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology, citing their alleged role in the group’s espionage activities.
These measures were aimed at curbing cyber threats and signalling U.S. intent to hold foreign actors accountable for targeting government institutions and sensitive communications.
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