Microsoft Says China Hackers Targeted ‘Critical’ U.S. Infrastructure In Guam—A Key Military Asset In The Pacific

Forbes Business Breaking Microsoft Says China Hackers Targeted ‘Critical’ U. S. Infrastructure In Guam—A Key Military Asset In The Pacific Antonio Pequeño IV Forbes Staff I cover breaking news.

Following May 24, 2023, 06:57pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Topline Microsoft announced Wednesday that it uncovered infrastructure hacking activity conducted by state-sponsored Chinese hacker Volt Typhoon—which targeted Guam and raised alarm over how the island’s military infrastructure might be compromised in the future. A security surveillance camera is seen near the Microsoft office building in Beijing, July 20, 2021. .

. . [+] State-backed Chinese hackers have been targeting U.

S. critical infrastructure and could be laying the technical groundwork for the potential disruption of critical communications between the U. S.

and Asia during future crises, Microsoft said Wednesday, May 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File) Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Key Facts Microsoft said in a statement it assessed with “moderate confidence” that the attack on internet routers and other devices was a means of developing cyber capabilities that could threaten communications infrastructure between the U.

S. and Asia during future crises. The U.

S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency and international partners said in a joint report that Volt Typhoon could apply the same techniques against other sectors worldwide. Microsoft said it directly notified targeted or compromised customers of the intrusion and provided information needed to secure businesses.

Key Background Volt Typhoon has been active since mid-2021—targeting infrastructure organizations in Guam and the U. S. that span sectors such as communications, manufacturing, utility, transportation, construction, maritime, government, information technology, and education.

Microsoft said that the observed behavior from the hackers indicated they intended to primarily spy and maintain access to infrastructure without being detected for as long as possible. Volt Typhoon is capable of infiltrating corporate systems and stealing user credentials using an unnamed vulnerability that makes it easier to navigate networks and avoid detection, according to Microsoft. Some of the concern about the hack is rooted in its being directed at Guam—a U.

S. territory and island of Micronesia which serves as a crucial military hub. The island, which is the westernmost U.

S. territory, serves as a means of deterrence and would be critical in responding to Chinese encroachment in the Asia-Pacific region. Particularly, Guam’s proximity to Taiwan is important should a military conflict ever occur on the island with China.

The hack by Volt Typhoon comes just months after a Chinese spy balloon was shot down in U. S. airspace—but not before the balloon was able to transmit sensitive intelligence from U.

S. military sites. Crucial Quote “The FBI continues to warn against China engaging in malicious activity with the intent to target critical infrastructure organizations and use identified techniques to mask their detection,” Bryan Vorndran, the FBI’s cyber division assistant director, said in a statement .

“We, along with our federal and international partners, will not allow the PRC to continue to use these unacceptable tactics. ” Further Reading Chinese Malware Hits Systems on Guam. Is Taiwan the Real Target? (The New York Times) U.

S. says Chinese hackers breach gear in Guam, key to Pacific defense (The Washington Post) Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn . Send me a secure tip .

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