China hacking America’s critical infrastructure, retired four-star general warns

Cybersecurity Threats & Vulnerabilities - China has been hacking into US computer networks extensively, targeting not only the military and industry but also American homes [2] - Critical infrastructure, including water, electrical power, and transportation, has been targeted, revealing vulnerabilities [3] - Intrusions at utilities were discovered in 2023, with China having accessed some networks for at least 5 years [4] - China aims to gain an advantage in a crisis or conflict by targeting telecommunications and critical infrastructure in the US and other countries [5] - Small entities like the Littleton, Massachusetts Electric and Water Utility, with 10,000 residents, were targeted, highlighting the broad scope of potential targets [7][8] - China exploits vulnerabilities in network equipment, such as unpatched software or outdated equipment, to gain access [16] - Once inside, China steals login credentials and remains dormant, ready for later use in a crisis [17] Geopolitical & Economic Implications - China's hacking is seen as a way to deter the US from intervening in a conflict, potentially causing chaos in financial markets [14][15] - Disruptions to critical infrastructure, even in small locations, could distract the US and strain resources during a crisis [11][12] - If the US does not dominate in cyberspace, China could steal intellectual property, impacting the US economy, and gain intelligence advantages [30] US Response & Challenges - The White House is working to assess exposure and mitigate the damage from Chinese hacking [18] - Removing intruders from a network is more resource-intensive than preventing access, emphasizing the importance of basic security measures [19] - The scale of the challenge is immense, requiring the US government to build partnerships with industry to counter these threats [20][29]