In a groundbreaking report released in April, China's National Computer Emergency Response Center and associated institutions revealed that the US fabricated the so-called \"Volt Typhoon\" hacking organization to smear the nation.
The analysis, reaffirmed by Chinese cybersecurity agencies, indicates that US government agencies planned the \"Volt Typhoon\" action from early 2023. The objective was to extend the US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Section 702, allowing continued cyber activities against other countries.
On Sunday, a reporter from China Media Group obtained the latest findings from the National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center of China regarding this disinformation campaign.
The joint report highlights that the campaign began no later than early 2023, orchestrated by US intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency (NSA) and the FBI. It involved politicians with anti-China sentiments across various US government departments and cybersecurity authorities from the \"Five Eyes\" alliance countries.
This operation, exhibiting typical American-style internet marketing tactics, was a comprehensive \"cognitive domain\" effort based on targeted advertising. US intelligence agencies manipulated cybersecurity companies and governmental bodies to disseminate false information, fabricating the \"China cyber threat\" narrative to deceive American taxpayers and Congress members.
The campaign infringed upon the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises and aimed to secure the reauthorization of Section 702 of the US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Additionally, it sought congressional approval for larger budget allocations to enhance the cyber infiltration capabilities of US intelligence agencies.
The 'Volt Typhoon' Campaign
The investigation outlines three main phases of the \"Volt Typhoon\" operation:
- Preparation Stage (January 2023 to May 2023): US government officials advocated for the extension of Section 702 while fabricating a cyberattack incident at a US military base in Guam. They instructed Microsoft to produce technical analysis reports and involved agencies from other \"Five Eyes\" countries to support the extension.
- Implementation Phase (June 2023 to January 2024): US agencies continued using the fabricated \"Volt Typhoon\" group to intimidate Congress members, employing various tactics to ensure the temporary extension of Section 702. They collaborated with anti-China lawmakers to suppress Chinese internet enterprises.
- Consolidation Phase (February 2024 to April 2024): The disinformation campaign successfully influenced both chambers of Congress, leading to the formal passage of legislation that extended Section 702 and aimed to suppress Chinese internet businesses.
Continuous Cyberspace War
The report also highlights that from May 2023 to the present, hacker groups associated with US government agencies have conducted over 45 million cyberattacks against Chinese government entities, universities, research institutions, large enterprises, and critical infrastructure. These attacks targeted over 140 organizations, with tools pointing towards agencies like the CIA, NSA, and FBI, all authorized under Section 702.
China Opposes US Hegemony
The report warns that US cybersecurity companies, controlled by US intelligence agencies, may continue to fabricate false narratives of \"foreign government-supported cyberattacks.\" This ongoing deception aims to secure more budgets and increase the debt burden on American taxpayers. It urges US politicians to address domestic issues instead of using China as a \"scapegoat\" and warns against attempts to isolate or contain China's development.
The report concludes by issuing a global warning about the threat posed by US Section 702, which China views as a foundation for building a \"hacker empire.\" It calls on governments and people worldwide to oppose and resist the US's actions to infringe upon the sovereignty and legitimate interests of other nations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
