NW Kentucky News

The Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs convened a hearing titled "Salt Typhoon: Securing America’s Telecommunications from State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks." Lawmakers focused on cyber espionage by state-sponsored groups, particularly Salt Typhoon, highlighting these threats to U.S. critical infrastructure and personal data security. There was a consensus for a proactive cybersecurity strategy, moving away from a reactive "damage control" approach, with federal agencies and private industry collaborating closely.

Historical context was provided about Salt Typhoon, a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group. In late 2024, the group breached American telecommunications systems, extracting real-time data on U.S. politicians and seeking further vulnerabilities. According to Josh Steinman, CEO of Galvanick, these actions underscore longstanding concerns from intelligence chiefs about infrastructure vulnerabilities. He noted China's cyber forces as potentially ready to cause significant disruptions during critical times.

Dr. Edward Amoroso, CEO of TAG Infosphere Inc. and NYU professor, emphasized the significant nature of Salt Typhoon's actions, labeling them a critical point in cyber espionage, with potential impacts on democratic systems' trust and integrity. He called for a shift from defense-focused strategies to proactive measures including investments in AI-driven cybersecurity.

Subcommittee Chairman William Timmons (R-S.C.) criticized previous "damage control" tactics, advocating for a shift to proactive stances. He insisted on holding foreign state actors accountable while enhancing cybersecurity collaboratively with private sectors. Josh Steinman suggested leveraging national security interests to reform infrastructure policies under President Trump's administration, urging for sustainability during conflicts.

In the hearing, Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) explored aligning cybersecurity regulations and AI utility. Representative Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) addressed protecting against state-backed energy grid attacks, using AI. Representative John McGuire (R-Va.) spoke on revamped strategies for emerging threats.