Chinese Hackers Preparing For Major Conflict With U.S., Says Official

A top U.S. cybersecurity official has warned that Chinese-linked hackers are mobilizing in preparation for a potential conflict with the United States, Fortune’s Data Sheet reported.

The goal of the hackers is to disrupt systems during a conflict, potentially by tampering with HVAC systems in server rooms or interrupting power and water supplies to data centers.

Morgan Adamski, Executive Director of U.S. Cyber Command at the Department of Defense, stated during an industry conference on Friday that these hackers have infiltrated critical IT networks.

Their goal, she explained, is to disrupt systems during a conflict, potentially by tampering with HVAC systems in server rooms or interrupting power and water supplies to data centers.

Federal agencies are collaborating with targeted organizations to mitigate these risks.

Adamski emphasized that the U.S. is "laser-focused on degrading and disrupting PRC cyber operations worldwide." In response, China officially denies conducting any operations against the U.S.

However, one prominent attack, known as Salt Typhoon, breached several U.S. telecom companies this year.

The hackers reportedly accessed call records, law enforcement requests, and communications involving both U.S. presidential candidates during the recent election. Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, described it as “the worst telecom hack in our nation’s history—by far.”