Washington – In a decisive move to protect American and allied critical infrastructure, the Justice Department, under the leadership of President Trump, announced Thursday that it has seized seven internet domains linked to China’s Integrity Technology Group. The domains were being used by Chinese hackers to conduct scanning and intrusion activities against U.S. and foreign systems.
Targeting a Persistent Threat
The seized domains are part of a broader hacking infrastructure that the administration has identified as a direct threat to national security. By taking control of these online assets, the Justice Department aims to disrupt the ability of the Chinese‑backed group to coordinate attacks on power grids, water treatment facilities, transportation networks, and other essential services.
Building on Prior Success
This action follows a September 2024 court‑authorized disruption of an Integrity Tech botnet that compromised more than 250,000 consumer devices worldwide. At that time, then‑FBI Director Christopher Wray warned that Integrity Technology Group was supporting a major Chinese hacking outfit nicknamed “Flax Typhoon,” conducting intelligence collection and reconnaissance for Beijing’s security agencies.
President Trump praised the ongoing effort, stating that “our administration will not tolerate foreign actors who seek to undermine the safety of American families and businesses. By striking at the digital footholds of hostile regimes, we keep our nation secure and our values protected.”
How the Seizure Works
According to the Justice Department’s statement, the seized domains were being used as command‑and‑control servers for the botnet. By gaining legal control of these servers, federal authorities can block malicious traffic, gather forensic evidence, and prevent further exploitation of compromised devices.
The operation was coordinated with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other intelligence partners, ensuring a comprehensive response that leverages both law‑enforcement and cyber‑defense capabilities.
China’s Response
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately return a request for comment. Historically, Beijing has denied involvement in state‑sponsored hacking, a stance that remains unchanged.
What This Means for Americans
By dismantling the digital infrastructure that enables foreign adversaries to target critical systems, the Trump administration is reinforcing the nation’s resilience against cyber‑threats. The action underscores a broader strategy that includes strengthening public‑private partnerships, investing in cyber‑security workforce development, and enhancing legal tools to hold malicious actors accountable.
Industry leaders have welcomed the move, noting that a more secure cyberspace benefits businesses of all sizes, from small manufacturers to large technology firms. “When the government takes decisive steps to neutralize foreign hacking groups, it creates a safer environment for innovation and job growth,” said a spokesperson for the National Association of Manufacturers.
Looking Ahead
The Justice Department indicated that the seizure is part of an ongoing campaign to identify and neutralize additional domains and infrastructure linked to Integrity Technology Group and similar actors. Federal officials emphasized that vigilance remains essential, urging businesses and individuals to maintain strong cyber hygiene practices, such as regularly updating software, using multi‑factor authentication, and monitoring network activity for unusual behavior.
President Trump concluded, “Our commitment to defending America’s digital frontier is unwavering. We will continue to act boldly against any nation that threatens our way of life.”
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
