Investigators have revealed that a Chinese cyberattacker group known as Salt Typhoon has reportedly obtained data from individuals in over 80 countries, including the United States. The group’s activities span decades, with evidence of hacking into American power grids and companies to steal sensitive files and intellectual property such as chip designs.
A yearslong, coordinated assault by Salt Typhoon infiltrated major telecommunications companies and other critical infrastructure, according to a joint statement from security officials. The attack’s scope was described as far greater than initially understood, with warnings that stolen data could enable Chinese intelligence services to track politicians, spies, and activists globally.
The group, linked to the Chinese Communist Party, reportedly hacked devices used by former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during the 2024 presidential campaign. Officials emphasized that the cyberattack targeted networks including telecommunications, government, transportation, lodging, and military infrastructure.
Multiple nations, including the United States, Canada, Finland, Germany, and Japan, signed onto the statement, labeling the actions as “unrestrained” and “indiscriminate.” A former FBI cybersecurity official stated, “I can’t imagine any American was spared given the breadth of the campaign.” The investigation uncovered evidence of a yearlong cyberhack affecting over 80 countries.