An investigation by third-party watchdogs revealed this week that hackers likely supported by the Chinese government have been targeting American internet service providers.
A group of Chinese hackers known as Volt Typhoon were found to have exploited a flaw in software used by US-based internet service providers. The software was reportedly made by a third-party company called Versa Networks, which was unaware of the software exploit at the time of the attacks.
The group reportedly targeted critical infrastructure, including communications and telecom networks.
Part of the attacks included attempts to disrupt communications regarding US troop movements at Pacific military bases. Security analysts believe the move was part of an effort by China to secure a way to disrupt military communications in the event China invades Taiwan. China has since rejected any accusations that it is affiliated with Volt Typhoon.
Chinese embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu said in a statement, “Volt Typhoon is actually a ransomware cybercriminal group…and is not sponsored by any state or region.”