Daily Current Affairs : 3-February-2024

The U.S. government is currently engaged in an important operation against a Chinese hacking community called Volt Typhoon. This group has been compromising many internet-linked devices, raising extreme concerns about the safety of important infrastructure in Western nations.

Government Actions

The Justice Department and the FBI have taken enormous steps in this operation. They have obtained legal permission to:

  • Remotely disable parts of the hacking campaign
  • Protect sensitive structures from being attacked

These actions aim to reduce the risks posed by Volt Typhoon, especially as intelligence officials fear that this hacking organization may target critical areas, including:

  • Naval ports
  • Internet service providers
  • Utility companies

Such assaults could potentially disrupt U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region, especially if there were to be a conflict over Taiwan.

Concerns About Critical Infrastructure

The hacking network poses a danger to numerous factors of critical infrastructure, which are crucial for the functioning of the country. If Volt Typhoon successfully executes its plans, it could cause severe consequences for national security. The potential impacts include:

  • Disruption of military communications
  • Interference with civilian utilities
  • Threats to national defense operations

China’s Response

In response to these allegations, the Chinese government has denied any involvement. They have labeled the claims as:

  • Groundless
  • Irresponsible

This denial adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as the international community grapples with issues of cybersecurity and state-sponsored hacking.

About Volt Typhoon

Volt Typhoon was first identified in May 2023. Since then, the group has expanded its operations and adapted its techniques, making it a formidable adversary. Key points about Volt Typhoon include:

  • It uses a botnet of vulnerable devices from around the world.
  • This strategy helps conceal attacks on sensitive targets.
  • Its methods make it difficult for cyber defenders to detect the source of the attacks.

Important Points:

Operation Against Volt Typhoon:

  • The U.S. government is targeting the Chinese hacking group Volt Typhoon.
  • Concerns arise over compromised internet-connected devices.

Government Actions:

  • The Justice Department and FBI have obtained legal permission to:
    • Remotely disable parts of the hacking campaign.
    • Protect sensitive structures from attacks.
  • Potential targets include:
    • Naval ports
    • Internet service providers
    • Utility companies
  • Risks to U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region, especially concerning Taiwan.

Concerns About Critical Infrastructure:

  • Volt Typhoon poses a threat to essential infrastructure.
  • Potential impacts include:
    • Disruption of military communications
    • Interference with civilian utilities
    • Threats to national defense operations

China’s Response:

  • The Chinese government denies involvement, calling the claims:
    • Groundless
    • Irresponsible

About Volt Typhoon:

  • First identified in May 2023.
  • Expanded operations and adapted techniques.
  • Utilizes a botnet of vulnerable devices globally to conceal attacks.
  • Difficult for cyber defenders to trace the source of attacks.

Why In News

The U.S. government has initiated an operation against a pervasive Chinese hacking network called Volt Typhoon, which has been compromising numerous internet-connected devices, threatening both national security and critical infrastructure.

MCQs about U.S. Government’s Operation Against Volt Typhoon

  1. What is the name of the Chinese hacking network that the U.S. government is targeting?
    A. Thunderbolt
    B. Volt Typhoon
    C. Dragonfly
    D. Stormbreaker
    Correct Answer: B. Volt Typhoon
    Explanation: The U.S. government has initiated an operation against a hacking network called Volt Typhoon.
  2. What legal actions have the U.S. Justice Department and FBI taken against Volt Typhoon?
    A. Initiated a military strike
    B. Obtained permission to remotely disable parts of the hacking campaign
    C. Issued travel bans on Chinese officials
    D. Created a new cybersecurity task force
    Correct Answer: B. Obtained permission to remotely disable parts of the hacking campaign
    Explanation: The Justice Department and FBI have secured legal authorization to disable aspects of the hacking campaign to protect sensitive systems.
  3. Which of the following is NOT listed as a potential target of Volt Typhoon?
    A. Internet service providers
    B. Utility companies
    C. Military bases
    D. Naval ports
    Correct Answer: C. Military bases
    Explanation: The naval ports, internet service providers, and utility companies as potential targets, but it does not specifically list military bases.
  4. How did the Chinese government respond to allegations against Volt Typhoon?
    A. They admitted involvement but promised to cease operations.
    B. They labeled the claims as groundless and irresponsible.
    C. They requested a joint investigation with the U.S.
    D. They did not respond at all.
    Correct Answer: B. They labeled the claims as groundless and irresponsible.
    Explanation: The Chinese government denied any involvement in the hacking activities and called the allegations groundless and irresponsible.

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