FBI Warns Denmark of Chinese Hacker Attack Targeting Elected Officials

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to the Danish government about a Chinese hacker group called Volt Typhoon that has infiltrated critical U.S. infrastructure, according to a new letter. The targeted sectors include telecommunications, energy, and water. FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that the hackers are waiting for the opportune time to act and that China is developing the capability to physically destroy U.S. critical infrastructure.

Wray emphasized that the hackers' intentions align with China's broader goal of preventing the United States from defending Taiwan. The Chinese government has denied any affiliation with the Volt Typhoon group, claiming it is a criminal organization specializing in ransomware. This development comes amid deteriorating relations between the U.S. and China, with the two countries exchanging veiled threats of war in recent months.

Why this matters: The FBI's warning highlights the escalating threat posed by Chinese state-sponsored hacking groups to critical infrastructure in the United States and its allies. The potential for devastating cyberattacks on essential sectors underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to counter these threats.

Director Wray has repeatedly warned about the significant threat the Chinese government poses to U.S. national and economic security. He stated that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is using cyber intrusions, criminal activity, and intellectual property theft to gain economic and geopolitical advantages. The FBI is working to counter this threat through partnerships with the private sector, academia, and other government agencies, sharing threat intelligence, distributing cybersecurity advisories, and conducting court-authorized operations to disrupt and deter these cyber incidents.

"The Chinese government poses the biggest long-term threat to our economic and national security," Wray said, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts and the need for continued vigilance and investment to protect the U.S. from the CCP's broad and unrelenting targeting of critical infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• FBI warns Denmark of Chinese hacker group Volt Typhoon infiltrating U.S. critical infrastructure.
• Hackers aim to physically destroy U.S. critical infrastructure, aligned with China's goal to prevent U.S. defense of Taiwan.
• China denies affiliation with Volt Typhoon, claiming it is a criminal ransomware group.
• FBI Director Wray warns of China's significant threat to U.S. national and economic security through cyber intrusions and theft.
• FBI partners with private sector, academia, and agencies to counter Chinese cyber threats to critical infrastructure.