U.S. phone companies are denying the military’s requests for data on vulnerabilities in the telecom system, according to a letter released Wednesday.
The Pentagon disclosed to Democratic Senator Ron Wyden that it had sought the results of security tests and audits from carriers providing its telecommunications services. However, the carriers refused, citing attorney-client privilege.
In a letter co-signed with Republican Senator Eric Schmitt, Wyden called the response unacceptable. The letter criticized the Pentagon, one of the largest buyers of wireless services, for failing to leverage its purchasing power to demand better cybersecurity and accountability from carriers.
The military’s responses did not name the companies, but AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are known providers of wireless services for unclassified use, according to the letter. None of the companies, nor the Pentagon, immediately responded to requests for comment.
Concerns over the security of U.S. telecommunications, particularly through commercial carriers, have intensified following high-profile cyber intrusions attributed to Chinese hackers. U.S. officials allege a hacker group known as “Salt Typhoon” stole limited telephone audio intercepts and a larger trove of call records.
Later Thursday, senators are scheduled to receive a classified briefing on Salt Typhoon’s activities and its implications for U.S. data security.
China has consistently denied the allegations, calling them disinformation. Beijing has reiterated its stance against cyberattacks and cyber theft, stating it “firmly opposes and combats” such activities in all forms.
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