China's Persistent Telecom Attacks: A Call for Collaboration, Not Regulation

2024-12-23

The United States faces a critical cybersecurity threat: persistent attacks on its telecommunications infrastructureby Chinese actors. Dubbed “Salt Typhoon,” these attacks have compromised at least eight major communication companies, including those used by top government officials. While federal agencies urge new regulations, this approach misses the mark.

Instead of hastily implementing new rules, the focus should be on:

Understanding the Attack: A thorough investigation is crucial to determine how the Chinese gained access, the extent of the damage, and the best long-term solutions to prevent future incidents.
Streamlining Existing Processes: Numerous federal agencies already have cybersecurity authority. Overlapping regulations and requirements create confusion and burden security teams, diverting resources from critical defense efforts.
Supporting Critical Infrastructure: The government must acknowledge that critical infrastructure cannot defend against sophisticated nation-state actors alone. Stronger federal support is essential, including improving resource allocation and simplifying existing regulations.
Modernizing Technology: Outdated equipment and reliance on products from adversarial nations create significant vulnerabilities. Government incentives and support are needed to encourage infrastructure modernization.

This crisis demands collaboration, not finger-pointing. The government and the telecommunications industry must work together to enhance cybersecurity and deter future attacks.

What Undercode Says:

This article highlights a crucial point: the current response to the “Salt Typhoon” attacks risks exacerbating the problem. Over-regulation, while seemingly a solution, can actually hinder effective cybersecurity measures.

Focus on Practical Solutions: Instead of imposing new rules, the government should prioritize strengthening existing cybersecurity frameworks. This includes streamlining existing regulations, improving information sharing between agencies and the private sector, and investing in robust cybersecurity research and development.
Empower Security Teams: Security professionals on the front lines need the flexibility to implement the most effective defense strategies for their specific organizations. Over-regulation can stifle innovation and make it difficult for companies to adapt to the ever-evolving threat landscape.
Invest in Long-Term Solutions: The “Salt Typhoon” attacks underscore the need for a long-term, proactive approach to cybersecurity. This includes investing in cybersecurity education and training, developing and deploying advanced threat detection technologies, and strengthening international cooperation to combat cyber threats.

The government and the private sector must work together to build a more resilient and secure cyberspace. This requires a shift in focus from reactive measures to proactive, collaborative strategies that empower security professionals and foster innovation.