Washington, DC [US]: In a gripping testimony before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, FBI Director Christopher Wray sounded the alarm on the imminent danger posed by Chinese hackers to the critical infrastructure of the United States. Wray warned that China’s government-backed hackers are strategically positioning themselves within American infrastructure, with a focus on targets crucial to the nation’s well-being.
Wray asserted that Chinese hackers are actively preparing to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities. The primary targets include water treatment plants, electrical grids, and oil and natural gas pipelines. The FBI director emphasized the tangible threat that these cyber intrusions pose to the physical safety and prosperity of the nation.
Despite China’s consistent denial of hacking allegations, Wray pointed out that vulnerabilities in US technology have made it easier for Chinese hackers to exploit basic flaws. Jen Easterly, head of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, supported this viewpoint, highlighting the inherent insecurity in critical infrastructure due to decades of prioritizing features and speed to market over security.
The hearing occurred amid diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the US and China. Recent exchanges, including assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Joe Biden regarding non-interference in the 2024 US election, have aimed to improve relations. However, Wray expressed skepticism about these promises, stating, “China’s promised a lot of things over the years, so I’ll guess I’ll believe it when I see it.”
The focus of the hearing extended beyond immediate concerns about US elections to the broader issue of Chinese hackers infiltrating key US infrastructure. Recent actions by the US Justice Department and FBI revealed attempts to counter the persistent threat of Chinese hacking. Despite these efforts, Chinese hackers remain deeply embedded in US infrastructure, presenting an ongoing challenge.
Wray underscored the magnitude of the challenge, noting that China’s cyber operatives outnumber FBI agents significantly. Gen Paul Nakasone, head of the National Security Agency, emphasized the need for continuous vigilance, characterizing the threat as persistent and not episodic.
In his concluding remarks, Wray widened the scope of China’s efforts, warning that their actions extend beyond technology. He cautioned that China targets American freedoms, reaching inside US borders to silence, coerce, and threaten citizens and residents across the nation.
