FBI Director Christopher Wray has issued a stark warning regarding Chinese government-backed hackers actively targeting US critical infrastructure. These hackers, according to Wray, are not merely engaging in espionage but are actively preparing to “wreak havoc” on essential services like water, energy, and communication systems.
Wray highlighted the scale and sophistication of the hacking campaign, emphasizing that it goes far beyond traditional cyber espionage. The goal, he asserted, is to pre-position themselves within US infrastructure networks to be able to disrupt or disable these services in the event of a conflict or geopolitical crisis. The hackers are actively working to embed themselves deeply into the systems that Americans rely on every day.
The FBI and other US intelligence agencies are working to detect and disrupt these hacking efforts. Wray stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in bolstering cybersecurity defenses, urging businesses and organizations that control critical infrastructure to enhance their security protocols and collaborate with federal agencies. He stated that the threat is real, and the consequences of a successful attack could be devastating. The urgency of the situation requires a coordinated and proactive defense to protect the nation’s essential services from potential disruption. There is an all-out effort to shore up defenses.
