Chinese government hackers penetrate U.S. internet providers to spy

Chinese government-backed hackers have penetrated deep into U.S. internet service providers in recent months to spy on their users. The unusually aggressive and sophisticated attacks include access to at least two major U.S. providers with millions of customers as well as to several smaller providers. The hacks raise concern because their targets are believed to include government and military personnel working undercover and groups of strategic interest to China. Though there is no evidence that the new inroads are aimed at anything other than gathering intelligence, some of the techniques and resources employed are associated with those used in the past year by a China-backed group known as Volt Typhoon. U.S. intelligence officials said that group sought access to equipment at Pacific ports and other infrastructure to enable China to sow panic and disrupt America’s ability to move troops, weaponry and supplies to Taiwan if armed conflict breaks out.