Recent cyberattacks on U.S. critical infrastructure by the Chinese-linked group known as Volt Typhoon are likely to inspire similar future cyberattacks, according to Major General Lorna Mahlock, commander of the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF). Speaking at the Modern Day Marine defense conference in Washington on April 30, Mahlock highlighted the persistence of Volt Typhoon activities and the likelihood that other cyber actors will emulate their tactics, techniques, and procedures.
The Volt Typhoon hacks targeted a wide range of sectors including communications, utilities, education, and government, demonstrating the group’s capability to infiltrate critical U.S. infrastructure. The operations, which went undetected for years, utilized sophisticated “living-off-the-land” techniques that allow attackers to blend into normal network activity. This method of operation has proven particularly challenging to detect and counteract.
Mahlock’s comments come against the backdrop of heightened concerns about national security and cyber warfare. The U.S. has long identified China as a significant cyber threat, with think tanks and government strategies warning of potential attacks on critical infrastructure by Chinese state-sponsored actors in the event of heightened geopolitical tensions.
The CNMF, as part of the U.S. Cyber Command, plays a crucial role in identifying and mitigating such threats both domestically and globally. The force’s efforts to shore up defenses are critical as the U.S. prepares for possible future conflicts that could see an increase in cyber warfare tactics aimed at disrupting national security and civilian life.
The implications of these cyber threats are profound, affecting not just military operations but also the everyday lives of citizens through potential disruptions to essential services like food, water, and healthcare delivery. The 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, which led to widespread fuel shortages, underscores the tangible impact of such cyber activities.
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