In the digital era, businesses are increasingly storing customer data online, which brings both benefits and risks. One significant advantage is the ability to access this information from anywhere at any time. However, the downside is the heightened vulnerability to cyberattacks, as hackers can infiltrate these digital systems as easily as companies can access them. A recent report has uncovered that Chinese hackers might have breached a major US telecommunications company as far back as the summer of 2023, well before this information became public knowledge.

Investigation findings revealed the presence of malware on the telecom company’s systems, linked to Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups. Alarmingly, this malware had been operating unnoticed for around seven months. This breach occurred prior to US government and cybersecurity experts detecting signs of attacks by Chinese hackers on America’s leading communication firms. Cybersecurity expert Marc Rogers noted the long-standing vulnerability of the telecom infrastructure and emphasized that the breach signaled a real compromise dating back to 2023.

Despite the crucial nature of these revelations, the identity of the attacked telecom company remains undisclosed. The unclassified report does not specify the firm’s name, and sources close to the situation have refrained from revealing it. This incident is not an isolated case. Chinese state-sponsored hackers have previously targeted US infrastructure, exemplified by the group known as Salt Typhoon, believed to be affiliated with China’s Ministry of State Security.

This group has executed attacks on telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon, extracting personal information from millions. Furthermore, it has been reported that phones used by notable US officials, including President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, were compromised. In response, the FBI has issued a bounty of $10 million for information leading to the apprehension of the Salt Typhoon hackers. US intelligence agencies have also alerted companies to watch out for a sophisticated piece of malware known as Demodex, designed to evade detection and conceal its activities.