US Agencies Issue Guide to Thwart Cyber Threats From China

Three federal agencies, including the FBI, CISA, and NSA, have released a comprehensive guide aimed at helping telecommunications companies safeguard their networks from cyber threats affiliated with the People's Republic of China. The guide, titled "Enhanced Visibility and Hardening Guidance for Communications Infrastructure," outlines strategies to identify and respond to anomalous activities and vulnerabilities, urging organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures. Recent warnings have revealed that PRC-affiliated hackers have infiltrated multiple telecom networks, compromising sensitive data, including customer call records. This comes in the wake of a broader advisory highlighting the actions of a Chinese government-backed group, Volt Typhoon, which has been targeting critical infrastructure sectors, particularly those relevant to transportation. Cybersecurity experts recognize that the integration of Secure by Design principles by software manufacturers is vital to fortifying defenses against cyber threats. Given the interconnectivity of modern transportation systems with telecommunications networks, it is essential for transportation agencies and businesses to collaborate closely with cybersecurity teams. Building robust defenses requires not only advanced technical measures but also continual training and awareness efforts to equip personnel with the necessary skills to recognize and respond to potential cyber incidents effectively.