Senator Ron Wyden has introduced the “Secure American Communications Act” in response to recent Chinese state-sponsored cyberattacks on U.S. telecommunications networks. The legislation aims to strengthen cybersecurity measures across American telecom companies following the Salt Typhoon breaches.

Key Provisions of the Bill:
– Mandatory FCC cybersecurity rules implementation
– Annual security vulnerability testing
– Required system patching and documentation
– Independent security audits
– Compliance reporting

The Salt Typhoon Breach Impact:
– Eight major U.S. telecom providers affected, including T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies
– Compromised carriers in multiple countries
– Unauthorized access persisted for months
– Substantial internet traffic data stolen
– No confirmed compromise of classified communications

Federal Response:
– FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced urgent action to enhance network security
– CISA and FBI released guidance for protecting telecom infrastructure
– Recommendations for encrypted messaging apps usage
– Ongoing efforts to remove threat actors from affected systems

The Chinese hacking group, also known as Earth Estries, Ghost Emperor, FamousSparrow, and UNC2286, has been targeting government entities and telecom companies since 2019, primarily in Southeast Asia. The incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in U.S. telecommunications infrastructure and the need for stronger cybersecurity regulations.