Investigators have revealed that a Chinese cyberattacker group known as Salt Typhoon has potentially obtained data from individuals in over 80 countries, including the United States. The group’s operations, described as the most ambitious to date, targeted more than 80 nations and may have stolen information from nearly every American, according to officials. Experts and security authorities highlighted the scale of the breach, which involved infiltrating major telecommunications companies and other critical infrastructure.

The attack, a yearslong coordinated effort, was disclosed in a joint statement by investigators who emphasized its unprecedented scope. The stolen data could enable Chinese intelligence services to monitor global communication networks, tracking politicians, spies, and activists. Hackers linked to the Chinese government have been targeting networks globally, including telecommunications, government, transportation, lodging, and military infrastructure, the statement said.

British and American officials labeled the attack “unrestrained” and “indiscriminate,” with Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain also signing onto the statement. A former top FBI cyber official stated, “I can’t imagine any American was spared given the breadth of the campaign.” The investigation revealed that Salt Typhoon reportedly hacked devices used by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during the 2024 presidential campaign. The group, tied to the Chinese Communist Party, conducted a yearlong cyberhack targeting over 80 countries.

Numerous nations, including the United States, joined the statement to address China’s actions. The findings underscore growing concerns about the global reach of state-sponsored cyber operations.