US accuses Chinese hackers of cyber espionage against telcos

Chinese state-sponsored hackers perpetrated a "broad and significant cyber-espionage campaign" in which they breached multiple telecommunications companies, US officials said in a statement on Wednesday, confirming additional details about cyberattacks with major national security implications.

The hackers infiltrated the networks of multiple telecommunications companies to steal customer call records and compromise the communications belonging to a "limited number" of people in government and politics, officials said. In addition, the attackers copied certain information that was subject to US law enforcement requests pursuant to court orders, the officials said.

"We expect our understanding of these compromises to grow as the investigation continues," according to the officials. The statement didn't identify the affected telecommunications companies.


Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Thursday that his nation had "no interest in interfering in other countries' internal affairs through cyberspace."

"We also oppose spreading China-related disinformation due to political agenda," he added at a regular press briefing in Beijing.