U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has introduced the “Secure American Communications Act” in response to recent cybersecurity breaches by the Salt Typhoon hacking group. This new bill seeks to address vulnerabilities within American telecommunications networks, which were exploited by Chinese state-sponsored hackers earlier this year. The bill mandates that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforce robust cybersecurity regulations for telecom providers, ensuring they take proactive measures to safeguard their systems against future threats. Wyden emphasized that these long-overdue changes aim to protect Americans’ communications and prevent foreign espionage from undermining national security.
The bill outlines several key requirements for telecom providers, including mandatory annual security tests to identify vulnerabilities, documentation of corrective actions, and independent compliance audits. These audits must be conducted by external firms to ensure transparency and accountability. The legislation also calls for strict oversight of telecom infrastructure, compelling providers to report any instances of non-compliance with the new cybersecurity standards. Wyden’s proposal comes after the recent breaches, which affected major telecoms such as T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies.
Salt Typhoon, also known by other aliases like Earth Estries and Ghost Emperor, is a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group that has been active since at least 2019. The group targeted several U.S. telecom companies and carriers, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, including internet traffic from American businesses and millions of customers. The breaches reportedly lasted for months, leaving telecom systems vulnerable to ongoing espionage. While the U.S. government has stated that classified communications were not compromised, the extent of the breach raises concerns about the security of critical infrastructure.
In light of these attacks, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has voiced support for Wyden’s bill, calling for urgent action to secure American telecom networks. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI have already issued warnings about the Salt Typhoon group and provided guidance on strengthening telecom defenses. Wyden has called for immediate action from Congress to pass the bill and implement comprehensive security measures, stressing that the failure to act has already exposed American networks to significant risks.
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