FBI Director Warns of Chinese Cyber Threats to U.S.
FBI Director Christopher Wray is set to address Congress on Wednesday about the significant cyber threats that Chinese government-backed hackers pose to American infrastructure and innovation.
Wray will highlight the strategic positioning of these hackers within crucial U.S. systems, emphasizing the potential to “wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities.”
His testimony will stress the urgent need for public awareness and action.
Chinese Hackers Target Critical Infrastructure
Wray’s forthcoming remarks to the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party will underscore the alarming focus of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) hackers on U.S. critical infrastructure, including water treatment facilities and electrical grids.
Wray’s message will convey the seriousness of these risks, urging immediate attention to protect Americans from potential catastrophic consequences.
“Could disrupt critical communications infrastructure between the United States and Asia region during future crises.”
Congressional Hearing on Cybersecurity Threats
The hearing will feature testimonies from national security officials like Jen Easterly of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, shedding light on the cybersecurity threats from China.
Wray will outline the vulnerabilities of essential U.S. systems, including pipelines and transportation networks, to Chinese government-supported cyberattacks.
Wray’s testimony will likely reference the discovery of “Volt Typhoon,” a hacking operation by China-based groups that targets critical communication infrastructures.
This operation uses botnets to infiltrate and potentially disrupt sensitive systems, posing a significant threat to U.S. security, especially given its proximity to strategic locations like Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
U.S. Countermeasures and Growing Concerns
The U.S. has been proactive in countering these threats, with recent actions by the Justice Department and FBI to disable parts of the Volt Typhoon campaign. Wray’s address will also mention the risk posed by Chinese-manufactured drones to U.S. critical infrastructure and national security
The FBI Director’s message will encapsulate broader concerns about China’s activities, including its role in the opioid crisis through chemical companies and efforts to silence dissent among Chinese expatriates.
Wray will emphasize the multifaceted nature of the threats, ranging from economic security to the theft of personal and corporate data.
With information from CBS News
