China admits behind closed doors it was involved in Volt Typhoon attacks

• In a December 2024 meeting, China privately took responsibility for cyber offensives
• These include attacks on US infrastructure, like communications and energy
• The state warned that US increasing support for Taiwan was a key factor

Amid a serious escalation of hostilities between the two nations, senior Chinese officials have apparently acknowledged behind closed doors that Beijing was involved in a series of cyberattacks on US critical infrastructure.

These attacks saw Chinese Volt Typhoon hackers infiltrate US critical infrastructure systems for years, including compromising energy, communications, transportation, and water industries.

China had previously denied any involvement in these attacks, but the Wall Street Journal now reports Beijing officials admitted involvement in an “indirect and somewhat ambiguous” way, interpreted by US officials as a “warning to the U.S. about Taiwan.”

Monitor your credit score with TransUnion starting at $29.95/month

TransUnion is a credit monitoring service that helps you stay on top of your financial health. With real-time alerts, credit score tracking, and identity theft protection, it ensures you never miss important changes. You'll benefit from a customizable online interface with clear insights into your credit profile. Businesses also benefit from TransUnion’s advanced risk assessment tools.

Preferred partner (What does this mean?)

View Deal

Escalating tensions

News about increasing reciprocal tariffs between the two nations is pretty unavoidable, but the trade war is not the only stage for offensives, with US officials reportedly considering pursuing cyber strikes against China and security experts warning that China is poised to retaliate against tariffs with a “Typhoon” attack - referring to hacking groups Salt and Volt Typhoon.

This news comes after the Trump administration has implemented mass federal layoffs, which a former NSA cybersecurity director has warned will have a “devastating impact on cybersecurity”.

These admissions are, of course, likely to be a tactical move from China to underscore its own capabilities and willingness to use them.

For example, the Salt Typhoon attack into telecoms networks is considered a “historic counterintelligence failure”, and some officials even believe the group still lurks on US networks.

Previously, the US state department had opposed Taiwanese independence, but under Trump this seems to be much more uncertain, and escalating tensions between China and the US could lead to cyber offensives on both sides.

Taiwan has a strong economy, and crucially, is home to manufacturers of semiconductors - computer chips which are essential to almost all modern technology, and are used in satellite systems, phones, laptops, and AI.

You might also like

• Take a look at our picks for the best antirvirus around
• Why no business is safe from state-sponsored cyber attacks
• UK government introduces new Cyber Security Bill to keep critical infrastructure safe