Senate Republicans urged the Trump administration to initiate offensive cyber operations against China due to escalating hacking incidents tied to Chinese groups, notably the Salt Typhoon and Silk Typhoon hacks. In a letter led by Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Roger Wicker, they emphasized the need for decisive action to protect critical U.S. networks, citing breaches of sensitive systems, including those of the Treasury and state departments. However, the lawmakers did not specify actionable steps or the agencies responsible for such operations, leaving the National Security Council silent on the matter.
We possess the most powerful offensive cyber systems in the world, and when an adversary attacks our people, government, and critical infrastructure, there must be an appropriate response.
The missive references recent Chinese intelligence-backed infiltrations into U.S. telecommunications networks, known as the Salt Typhoon hacks, which affected at least nine American telecom operators.
Collection
[
|
...
]