A sweeping cyberespionage campaign by Chinese hackers has compromised data on almost every American, according to U.S. officials and experts.
The hacking group, known as Salt Typhoon, is believed to have infiltrated networks across more than 80 countries, targeting telecommunications companies, transportation systems, hotels, government agencies, and military infrastructure.
Unprecedented Breach
Officials described the operation as China’s most ambitious cyber campaign to date.
The FBI said Salt Typhoon reached into more than 600 companies worldwide, stealing personal data, surveilling communications, and feeding intelligence back to the Chinese Communist Party.
“I can’t imagine any American was spared given the breadth of the campaign,” said Cynthia Kaiser, a former FBI cyber official.
Salt Typhoon cyber actors infiltrated the networks of multiple telecommunications companies, recklessly stole personal data belonging to millions of Americans, and in some instances surveilled communications—all in support of the Chinese Communist Party.
The expectation of… pic.twitter.com/nC8qSTbQA5
— FBI (@FBI) August 28, 2025
Scale and Impact
Victims reportedly include President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and countless other U.S. citizens.
The stolen information could be used to track individuals through telecom networks, fuel artificial intelligence development, or lay the groundwork for future cyberattacks.
British and American officials called the campaign “unrestrained” and “indiscriminate.”
Long-Term Operation
Unlike China’s previous Volt Typhoon operation, which targeted U.S. infrastructure, Salt Typhoon focused on gathering personal and commercial data.
Analysts say the campaign began in 2019 and spanned multiple sectors globally.
China has been tied to earlier breaches, including the 2014 Office of Personnel Management hack and the 2021 Microsoft email server intrusion.
Calls for Stronger Response
Lawmakers and cybersecurity experts are urging Washington to expand FBI cyber capabilities and harden defenses against Beijing’s operations.
“This shows the CCP’s playbook—planned since 2019 and sweeping up everyday Americans’ calls,” Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) warned.
“We must build a strong perimeter against CCP cyber aggression.”
