US Agency Broke Into Chinas Telecommunications Networks
The National Security Agency has revealed that its cyber-warfare unit has penetrated several telecom operators in China and gained control over parts of their networks. The hackers were able to steal network equipment, file-transfer protocols, and sensitive data. Among those affected were leading network carriers China Mobile Ltd, China Unicom, and China Telecom Corp.
China’s telecommunications sector is considered to be the last gold mine of telecommunications
China’s telecommunications sector is booming, but there are still many challenges for the sector to overcome. For example, the rapid development and growth of mobile businesses has led to low profits and huge gaps among carriers. The government’s third revolution in telecommunications was designed to improve technology and reduce costs, while preventing monopoly and over-competition. Now, China’s telecom sector is being reformed and implementing western-style telecommunications laws and creating an independent regulatory body.
The Chinese telecommunications sector has seen investments from the United States, Canada, Sweden, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea. However, most companies are Chinese. In fact, there are only two foreign-owned fixed-line operators in the country.
It faces threats from Chinese companies
A US Agency Broke Into Chinas Telecommunications Networks has warned that Chinese companies and their affiliates could pose a threat to American businesses. The agency has asked its law enforcement and national security partners to update the “Covered List” of companies that could pose a security threat. The list of companies includes China Telecom (Americas), China Mobile International USA, and Huawei Technologies Company.
The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has added the Chinese companies ZTE, Huawei, and Pacific Networks to its list of national security threats. These companies are controlled by the Chinese government and could be forced to voluntarily comply with requests for interceptions and misrouting of communications. In addition, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has said that these companies could be used to spy on US citizens.
It is a national security threat
The US National Security Agency has reportedly infiltrated Chinese telecom networks. The hackers, who reportedly used phishing tactics, gained access to a government-funded university, and are now in control of parts of China’s telecommunication networks. As a result, they have reportedly stolen sensitive data, including passwords and file-transfer protocols.
The data is extensive and contains information on more than 10,000 cyberattacks against Chinese targets over the last several years. These hacking attacks have been a source of controversy between the United States and China. China has been increasingly vocal about accusing American agencies of stealing its secrets, but Washington has tended to keep quiet.
