A Chinese cyberattack has compromised more U.S. telecom companies than previously reported, including Charter Communications (CHTR.O), Consolidated Communications (CCII.UL), and Windstream, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Hackers exploited unpatched devices from security vendor Fortinet and compromised routers from Cisco Systems (CSCO.O), infiltrating networks of major firms such as AT&T (T.N), Verizon (VZ.N), Lumen Technologies (LUMN.N), and T-Mobile (TMUS.O).
The attack, linked to the Chinese-backed Salt Typhoon cyberespionage operation, raised concerns about the scale of the breach and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned telecom and tech executives that Chinese hackers could potentially disrupt U.S. ports, power grids, and other infrastructure. The affected companies have since secured their networks and worked with law enforcement and government officials to mitigate further damage. However, the hack is a reminder of the growing risks of state-sponsored cyberattacks.
