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Experts are warning that rising trade tensions and tariffs imposed by the U.S. could trigger retaliatory cyberattacks from China. These attacks could target critical U.S. infrastructure, including ports, water utilities, and airports. Cybersecurity advisor Tom Kellermann has noted that previous incursions by Chinese state-backed groups like Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon have already infiltrated these systems. The situation is compounded by the fact that illicit cyber activities exploiting the confusion surrounding the new tariffs have been on the rise.

China has, in a secret meeting, unusually acknowledged their role in cyberattacks against U.S. infrastructure. This admission, a departure from their usual denials, came during a summit in Geneva and specifically linked the cyber intrusions to increasing U.S. support for Taiwan. This marks a notable escalation in tensions, shifting cyber warfare from a denied activity to a recognized instrument of geopolitical strategy, as suggested by cybersecurity experts.

The potential for increased Chinese cyber activity highlights the need for proactive cybersecurity measures and geopolitical risk management. BforeAI CEO Luigi Lenguito observed a surge in cyber activity exploiting Trump's tariffs, including invoice fraud and shipping company impersonation. With geopolitical fault lines becoming increasingly apparent, cybersecurity professionals are encouraged to reassess their threat models and prioritize proactive defense strategies to mitigate potential risks.


References :

• www.scworld.com: US tariffs could prompt retaliatory Chinese cyberattacks, experts say
• securityaffairs.com: Security Affairs article: China admitted its role in Volt Typhoon cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure
• WIRED: Wired article - China Secretly (and Weirdly) Admits It Hacked US Infrastructure
• www.scworld.com: US critical infrastructure attacks reportedly acknowledged by China
• The Register - Security: China reportedly admitted directing cyberattacks on US infrastructure
• cybersecuritynews.com: Chinese Hackers Attacking Critical Infrastructure to Sabotage Networks
• WIRED: Brass Typhoon: The Chinese Hacking Group Lurking in the Shadows

Classification:

• HashTags: #CyberWar #China #USTariffs
• Company: Tenable
• Target: US Critical Infrastructure
• Attacker: China
• Product: Cybersecurity
• Feature: Critical Infrastructure
• Malware: Volt Typhoon
• Type: Espionage
• Severity: Major