Senator Pushes FCC Cybersecurity Rules After Major Telecom Hack

In response to the Salt Typhoon hack—a significant breach attributed to Chinese state-sponsored hackers targeting U.S. telecommunications—Senator Ron Wyden has unveiled the Secure American Communications Act. This legislation seeks to mandate that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforce stringent cybersecurity rules for telecom providers. These rules, overdue under existing federal law, aim to safeguard Americans’ communications from unauthorized access.

The proposed bill requires telecom carriers to adopt robust security measures to prevent interception of communications by advanced persistent threats (APTs). It includes mandatory annual system testing, compliance audits by independent experts, and accountability statements signed by top executives. The legislation is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring national security, particularly after reports of breaches involving high-ranking U.S. officials.

Wyden’s proposal builds on previous initiatives, including efforts to block data exports to adversaries and strengthen federal reliance on secure communication tools. The bill calls for a collaborative approach, with the FCC working alongside the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Director of National Intelligence. By implementing these reforms, Wyden aims to address vulnerabilities and restore trust in the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.