Amidst mounting concerns of cyber threats, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, R-Va., launched a resolute effort to safeguard the nation from potential attacks. Highlighting the unsettling discovery of Chinese malware within Department of Defense networks, Kiggans is rallying fellow lawmakers to demand transparency and fortify cyber defenses to protect critical infrastructure and ensure national security.
"Ensuring that we have the proper safeguards in place to protect our most critical infrastructure is of paramount importance in the face of increasing CCP aggression," Kiggans said.
Kiggans' call to action is in response to a recent report revealing the presence of Chinese malware deep within Department of Defense networks, potentially compromising critical base utilities. This concerning discovery has raised alarms about national security vulnerabilities and the safety of both military personnel and civilians relying on these systems, according to a newsletter.
In a coordinated effort with fellow lawmakers, transparency and accountability are being demanded from the Biden administration, according to a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III and Director of Cyber Security Rob Joyce.
The congresswoman's initiative seeks a detailed report outlining the extent of compromised infrastructure and the potential risks posed by the malware infiltration. Acknowledging the pervasive threat posed by cyberattacks from a variety of sources, including state-sponsored actors, Kiggans underscores the need for a robust defense strategy, the newsletter reported.
This comprehensive approach aims to not only counteract immediate risks but also to eliminate vulnerabilities that could undermine vital facilities and military operations. Kiggans expresses anticipation for the administration's response and looks forward to concerted efforts to rectify the issue and bolster the nation's cyber defenses, according to the newsletter.
U.S. intelligence officials are engaged in a pursuit of Chinese malware that holds the potential to disrupt American military operations. This malware is feared to provide China with the capability to obstruct or slow down U.S. deployments and resupply activities, with particular concern surrounding its impact during a possible Chinese maneuver against Taiwan, according to the New York Times.
An unidentified official informed the publication that Chinese hackers have deployed a potentially devastating malware, referred to as a "ticking time bomb," capable of severing critical utilities like water, communications and power on U.S. military bases, thereby impeding military deployments, the New York Times reported.
The hackers' potential impact extends beyond military operations, as the same infrastructure systems servicing U.S. military bases are frequently shared by local residents' homes and businesses across the nation. The initial indications of this hacking activity surfaced in May on Guam, a Pacific island housing a significant U.S. air base, where Microsoft detected an enigmatic computer code within its telecommunications systems, as reported by the New York Times.
Republican congressional representatives challenge the Biden administration regarding suspected Chinese malware impacting utility systems. A group of 11 Republican Congressional members, including Kiggans, authored a letter addressed to the Biden administration, seeking clarification following a New York Times report which indicated the administration's belief in the presence of Chinese malware within networks overseeing diverse utilities for military bases, according to Fox News.
