The FBI reveals a widespread spy attempt by Chinese hackers

Beijing-related hackers have compromised the networks of many telecommunications companies with the aim of getting client's phone data, acquired access to private communications at “a limited number of individuals”, according to a joint statement issued by the FBI and federal agency on Cyber Security and Infrastructure.

The FBI did not identify any of the individuals who were targeted by Chinese hackers, but said most of them “are mainly involved in government or political activities”.

FBI officials also suggested hackers may have tried to compromise programmes such as those subject to the Foreign Intelligence Monitoring Act. The latter gives US intelligence agencies sweeping competencies to monitor the communications of individuals suspected of being agents of a foreign power.

The warning follows several cases of hackerry involving known figures and that American authorities have linked to China. Officials say they are part of an effort to steal technological and government information, also targeting vital infrastructure as the electricity network.

In September The FBI reported that it had blocked a major Chinese hacker operation known as Flax Typhoon, which involved installing a maliciously designed computer program, in more than 200,000 computer devices, including cameras and video recorders.

The devices were then used to create a massive network of infected computers that could be used to perform other cybercrimes.

Last month, officials said hackers linked to China had targeted Mr. Trump's phone, then candidate for president, as well as Senator JD Vance, candidate for vice president, along with the phones of people associated with the democratic candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Authorities did not elaborate on how or whether cases published Wednesday are linked to previous hacker campaigns.

In their statement Wednesday, The FBI and the federal agency on Cyberetic Safety and Infrastructure said officials are working with the telecommunications industry and with those who have fallen victim to hackerry, for efficiency over ongoing cyber-snitting efforts.

China has dismissed the American officials' accusations of involvement in cyber-spy. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has not yet responded to a request for comments made Wednesday on the issue. / VOA/