US Navy hit by Chinese hacking campaign, report says
- The breach by the ‘Volt Typhoon’ group is thought to be part of a campaign intended to disrupt communications in the Pacific region ahead of a possible crisis
- Microsoft earlier warned that the hackers had gained access to targets in the US and Guam, which is home to a key US military installation in the area
Suspected Chinese hackers allegedly breached the US Navy as part of a broader campaign that cybersecurity experts believe was intended to disrupt communications in the Pacific region ahead of a possible crisis.
US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro told CNBC on Thursday that the Navy was affected by a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group dubbed Volt Typhoon, which has been accused of breaching government, communications, manufacturing and IT organisations.
Microsoft Corp., which named the group and warned of the breaches on Wednesday, said the hackers had gained access to targets in the US and Guam, which is home to a key US military installation in the Pacific.
Microsoft said it had “moderate confidence” the breaches were carried out in preparation to upend communications in the event of a future crisis. The company’s disclosure came amid mounting concerns that China might take military action to enforce its claim to the self-ruled island of Taiwan.
The US Navy did not respond to a request for comment.
The National Security Agency, along with intelligence agencies from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada also shared more details on the hackers. Those counties are all part of a key intelligence alliance, which includes the sharing of cybersecurity information, known as the Five Eyes.
