FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed that Chinese hackers are actively preparing to “wreak havoc and cause real-world harm” to the United States. Wray addressed the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, emphasizing the imminent threat posed by China’s cyber capabilities to critical infrastructure across the nation.
While concerns about China’s offensive cyber capabilities have been ongoing, Wray’s public announcement underscores the gravity of the situation. The head of the National Security Agency and other senior officials joined Wray in testifying about Chinese cyber activity in front of the panel, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
Wray pointed out that People’s Republic of China (PRC) hackers are strategically targeting vital components of American infrastructure, including water treatment plants, electrical grids, and oil and natural gas pipelines. He emphasized, “Our water treatment plants, our electrical grid, our oil and natural gas pipelines, our transportation systems – they are all under threat.”
The FBI Director expressed his concerns, stating that Chinese hackers are actively working to identify and prepare for the destruction or degradation of civilian critical infrastructure. Wray emphasized, “Cyber threats to our critical infrastructure represent real-world threats to our physical safety.”
Notably, the Chinese government has consistently denied allegations of engaging in hacking efforts, further complicating the diplomatic landscape between the two nations.
This revelation comes amid efforts by both US and Chinese officials to ease tensions in their relationship. In a meeting in November, Chinese President Xi Jinping assured President Joe Biden that China would not interfere in the upcoming 2024 US election. However, Wray remains skeptical, stating, “China has promised a lot of things over the years, so I’ll guess I’ll believe it when I see it.”
The issue extends beyond technology, as highlighted by Jen Easterly, the leader of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. She argued that the inherent insecurity of critical infrastructure technology stems from decades of software developers not being held accountable for defective technology. Easterly stressed the need to prioritize security over features and speed to prevent the nation from being vulnerable to cyber invasions.
Despite previous efforts by the FBI and the Justice Department to prevent malign campaigns by Chinese government hackers, the vulnerabilities persist. Recent reports indicate that federal law enforcement, through court orders, has intervened to protect hundreds of devices from Chinese hacking campaigns targeting sensitive US critical infrastructure. However, Chinese hackers remain deeply entrenched within the US infrastructure.
The FBI and Justice Department’s actions are part of a broader government-wide initiative to counter the persistent Chinese hacking efforts that could potentially hinder any US military response to a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The hackers are suspected of using compromised devices to infiltrate sensitive critical infrastructure, including ports and transportation networks.
Wray’s remarks underscore the multifaceted nature of China’s efforts, extending beyond technology to target the fundamental freedoms of American citizens. He warned that China aims to reach inside US borders, silencing, coercing, and threatening citizens and residents.
As the US government grapples with this growing cyber threat, it remains to be seen how diplomatic assurances from China will translate into concrete actions, leaving the nation on high alert against potential cyber attacks.
