Is the world about to end thanks to Biden’s presidency? Well, to be honest, things aren’t looking good at all.
China’s strategic agenda to infiltrate the cybersecurity infrastructure of the United States has been disclosed during a congressional hearing, shedding light on attempts to sow panic and disrupt everyday life in America. Jen Easterly, the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, testified before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), revealing that the Chinese military doctrine aims to induce societal panic through ransomware attacks on critical U.S. systems.
Easterly highlighted the aftermath of the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in May 2021, emphasizing the widespread panic caused by the disruption of gas supply to the Eastern seaboard. She envisioned a scenario where multiple pipelines, telecommunication networks, and essential services such as transportation and healthcare could be simultaneously disrupted, creating an extensive and chaotic impact on society.
The congressional hearing, titled “The CCP Cyber Threat to the American Homeland and National Security,” featured testimony from experts, including General Paul Nakasone, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Harry Coker, Jr., director of the White House’s Office of the National Cyber Director. Wray emphasized the urgency for Congress and the federal government to enhance cybersecurity measures to safeguard Americans from potential threats posed by the Chinese government.
During the hearing, Wray announced the FBI’s successful operation in eliminating a Chinese malware attack on U.S. small businesses. He highlighted the significance of countering state-sponsored hacking groups like Volt Typhoon, which targeted critical infrastructure sectors such as communications, energy, transportation, and water.
Wray further underscored the substantial cyber force of China, stating that even if all U.S. cyber personnel were dedicated to countering the Chinese threat, they would still be outnumbered by at least 50-to-1. He called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and the American public to effectively defend against cyber threats.
General Nakasone emphasized the importance of renewing Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 as a crucial authority used by the National Security Agency to protect the nation. He described Section 702 as transparent, effective, and essential for balancing civil liberties, privacy, and national security requirements. The general highlighted its role in identifying and addressing various threats, including those related to cybersecurity and the illicit use of chemicals in activities like fentanyl production.