Chinese Hacking Group “Volt Typhoon” Disrupted by US Government Operation

According to Reuters, networks controlled by a Chinese hacking group known as “Volt Typhoon” have been disrupted through a U.S. government operation.

The group has raised concerns among intelligence officials, who say it is part of a broader effort to undermine Western critical infrastructure, including seaports, internet service providers, and facilities. This has raised fears that the infiltrators were working to impair the United States’ readiness in the event of China attempting to forcibly reclaim Taiwan.

Nearly every country worldwide uses infiltrators for intelligence gathering, and major powers like the United States and Russia have vast centers for such groups, which cybersecurity experts have labeled with various names, such as APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) groups or Fancy Bear.

Experts become concerned when the focus of such groups shifts from intelligence gathering to digital sabotage. Microsoft stated in a blog post in May of last year that Volt Typhoon “seeks to develop capabilities that could disrupt vital communications infrastructure between the United States and the Asia region in future crises.” This immediately brought to mind the escalating tensions between China and the United States regarding Taiwan. It is certain that any conflict between these two countries would involve cyber attacks across the Pacific, according to Reuters.