Chinese hackers breach US Congressional emails
The group, nicknamed Salt Typhoon, gained access to e-mail systems used by some staff members of the House China Committee
A Chinese hacker group compromised emails used by staff members of powerful US House of Representatives committees, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing sources close to the matter.
The group, nicknamed Salt Typhoon, gained access to the e-mail systems used by some staff members of the House China Committee, as well as assistants of committees dealing with foreign affairs, intelligence, and armed forces, the report said. It does not specify which staff members were targeted.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu condemned what he called "speculation and unfounded allegations", while the Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to comment. The White House and the offices of the four committees allegedly targeted did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Financial Times quoted a person with knowledge of the attack as saying that it was unclear whether the attackers had access to lawmakers' emails during the intrusions, which were detected in December.
US Congressmen and their staff, especially those overseeing the vast US military and intelligence agencies, have long been among the main targets of cyber espionage, and reports of cyber attacks or attempted attacks have emerged periodically.
