Washington – In a decisive step to protect American infrastructure, the Trump administration moved on Wednesday to seize three internet domains tied to a Chinese technology company that U.S. officials say was used by Chinese military‑linked hackers to breach multiple federal agencies and critical civilian institutions.
Federal agencies targeted
The Justice Department disclosed that the alleged cyber‑espionage campaign compromised a wide range of high‑profile entities, including NASA, the Federal Reserve, the Departments of Justice and Energy, and the U.S. Senate. In addition, the hackers reportedly accessed U.S. military networks, major hospitals, power utilities and defense contractors.
How the attackers operated
According to the department, the actors – identified as affiliates of China’s People’s Liberation Army and intelligence services – leveraged a Chinese tech firm to mask their activity, embed themselves deeper into target networks and increase the efficiency of their attacks. The seized domains were believed to serve as command‑and‑control hubs for the intrusion.
Administration response
President Trump’s administration acted swiftly, ordering the seizure of the domains to halt further intrusion and directing federal agencies to issue an advisory on the hackers’ techniques. The advisory will help affected organizations purge the intruders and strengthen their defenses.
“We will not allow foreign adversaries to undermine the safety of our hospitals, the integrity of our financial system, or the security of our military,” a senior administration official said. “This decisive action demonstrates our commitment to defending American sovereignty and protecting the families who rely on these essential services.”
Impact and next steps
While the full extent of the damage remains classified for security reasons, officials indicated that the breach could have exposed sensitive data and operational details. The Justice Department plans to work with the affected agencies to assess any compromised information and to pursue further legal action against the Chinese entities involved.
Cybersecurity has long been a flashpoint in the U.S.–China relationship. The Trump administration has repeatedly highlighted the threat posed by Chinese state‑sponsored hacking, from alleged attacks on military transportation networks in 2023 to the 2024 telecom infiltration that targeted then‑presidential candidate Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance.
Broader context
China routinely denies U.S. accusations and counters by accusing American agencies of cyber‑aggression. Nonetheless, the administration’s recent seizure underscores a broader strategy to confront foreign cyber threats head‑on, protect American innovation, and safeguard the constitutional right of citizens to privacy and security.
Federal agencies are expected to release further guidance in the coming days, urging hospitals, power companies and other critical infrastructure providers to review their networks for signs of compromise and to implement recommended security hardening measures.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
