The Biden administration is actively searching for malicious computer code that it believes China has hidden deep within critical infrastructure networks in the United States and around the world. This includes power grids, communications systems, and water supplies that are essential for military bases. American military, intelligence, and national security officials have raised concerns that this malware could be used by Chinese hackers, potentially working for the People’s Liberation Army, to disrupt U.S. military operations, particularly in the event of a conflict such as an attack on Taiwan.
According to one congressional official, this malware is like a “ticking time bomb” that could enable China to interrupt or slow down American military deployments and resupply operations by cutting off power, water, and communications to U.S. military bases. However, its impact could extend beyond the military, as this critical infrastructure also serves ordinary Americans.
The existence of this malware campaign first came to light in late May when Microsoft discovered mysterious computer code in telecommunications systems in Guam and other locations in the United States. However, more than a dozen U.S. officials and industry experts have indicated that this Chinese effort has been ongoing for at least a year, and the U.S. government has been actively searching for and attempting to eradicate the code.
The extent of the malware’s presence in global networks is not fully known. The discovery of the malware has led to meetings in the White House to understand the problem and plan a response. Officials have started briefing members of Congress, state governors, and utility companies about the findings.
There is ongoing debate within the Biden administration about the primary goal of this operation. Some officials believe it is primarily aimed at disrupting the military, while others think it may aim for broader civilian life disruption in the event of a conflict. The initial searches for the code have prioritized areas with a high concentration of American military bases.
In response to questions, the White House stated that the Biden administration is working to defend critical infrastructure from disruptions, including coordinating efforts to protect water systems, pipelines, rail, and aviation systems. The administration has also implemented rigorous cybersecurity practices through executive orders.
The U.S. government and Microsoft have attributed the recent malware attack to state-sponsored actors from China. While there is debate about the intent of these intrusions, there is consensus regarding their source.
The public disclosure of this malware operation comes at a tense moment in U.S.-China relations, with concerns over Chinese threats against Taiwan and American efforts to restrict the sale of advanced semiconductors to China.
The discovery of the code in American infrastructure raises questions about China’s intentions and whether it is a signal or preparation for potential conflict. Slowing down American military deployments by even a few days or weeks could provide China with an advantage if it were to attempt to take control of Taiwan by force.
Another theory is that the code is meant to distract American citizens in the event of an attack or other Chinese actions overseas. It is believed that any disruptions in U.S. infrastructure could divert attention away from an overseas conflict.
Chinese officials have not commented on the discovery of the code, but they have repeatedly denied conducting cyber operations against the United States. In the past, they also denied being responsible for the theft of security clearance files from the Office of Personnel Management.
The recent intrusions are seen as different from past Chinese cyber operations because their objective appears to be disruption rather than surveillance. The potential targets are utilities that serve both civilian populations and military bases, with only nuclear sites having fully self-contained communication systems, electricity, and water pipelines.
While the most sensitive planning occurs on classified networks, the military relies on secure unclassified networks for basic communications, personnel matters, logistics, and supply issues. If the malware is activated, its effectiveness in slowing down the U.S. response is uncertain. However, intelligence analysts believe that China may see value in a disruptive attack that slows down the U.S.
The first indications of this new campaign were revealed by Microsoft in May when it provided details about the malware found in Guam and other locations. The Department of Homeland Security, the National Security Agency, and other agencies issued a warning about the state-sponsored hacker responsible for the intrusion.
There was a brief discussion about leaving the malware in place to monitor it and prepare plans to neutralize it if necessary. However, senior White House officials rejected this option due to the potential threat and chose to remove the malware as quickly as possible.
Overall, the discovery of this malware campaign has significant implications for U.S. national security, highlighting the need to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats originating from state-sponsored actors like China.
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