**US Has Failed to Stop Massive Chinese Cyber Campaign, Warns Senator**
A damning report from the US Senate has revealed that the country's efforts to counter a massive Chinese cyber campaign have been severely hindered by staff reductions at vital agencies.
Senator Mark Warner, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned that the failure to adequately resource agencies tasked with tackling the threat posed by China's "Salt Typhoon" hacking group had left the country vulnerable to further attacks.
According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China's cyber espionage operations have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, with Salt Typhoon being identified as one of the most active groups operating in the US.
The group, which is believed to be sponsored by the Chinese government, has been linked to a series of high-profile hacks targeting sensitive information from US companies and government agencies. Despite this, Warner's committee has found that repeated staff reductions at agencies such as the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have undermined efforts to counter the threat.
Warner said: "The cyber threat is a serious one, and it requires sustained attention and resources from our government. Unfortunately, we've seen repeated examples of reductions in force at critical agencies that are responsible for keeping America safe online."
The senator's comments come as concerns about the US-China relationship continue to grow, with trade tensions between the two nations escalating in recent months.
Warner added: "We need to be honest with ourselves - we're not doing enough to counter this threat. China is investing heavily in its cyber capabilities, and it's clear that they have a strategic interest in targeting American companies and individuals."
The report by the CSIS highlights the severity of the problem facing the US, warning that Chinese hackers are increasingly using sophisticated tactics such as "spear-phishing" to gain access to sensitive information.
It recommends that the government takes immediate action to address the shortfall in staffing at agencies tasked with tackling cyber threats, including increasing resources for the NSA and FBI, as well as investing in new technologies to help detect and prevent hacking attempts.
The findings of the report have been welcomed by cybersecurity experts, who warn that the threat posed by Chinese hackers is growing exponentially.
"This report highlights the urgent need for the US government to take a more comprehensive approach to countering China's cyber espionage efforts," said Tom Kellerman, CEO of Core Infrastructure Initiative. "The stakes are high, and it requires sustained attention from policymakers."