Senate panel passes Intelligence Authorization Act that takes aim at telecom hacks

The Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday approved an annual intelligence authorization bill that aims to augment defenses against digital espionage campaigns like the recent China-linked attack that penetrated multiple U.S. telecommunications networks.

The measure aims to prevent compromise of U.S. telecommunications through strengthening network security by establishing “baseline cybersecurity requirements for vendors of telecommunications services” to the country’s 18 intelligence agencies, according to a summary of the bill released by the panel.

Last year, the Biden administration and members of the Intelligence panel suggested the danger posed by the breach of U.S. networks by the Chinese hacking group known as Salt Typhoon should spur a regulatory push for minimum cybersecurity standards that telecommunications companies must adhere to.

While such efforts have since largely been abandoned, House lawmakers earlier this week approved by voice vote a measure that would designate the National Telecommunications and Information Administration as the lead agency for protecting the country’s communications networks.

The Intelligence committee’s bill also “shores up counter-intelligence risks posed” by compromises of U.S. telecommunications infrastructure created via Salt Typhoon through “leveraging” the clandestine community’s “procurement power,” the legislation’s summary states.

The mostly classified measure authorizes billions of dollars in spending by the U.S. intelligence agencies, as well as sets funding levels for intelligence-related efforts. It also provides policy guidance to the elements that make up the spy community.

Due to the sensitivities involved with the annual intelligence bill, public portions often aren't released until weeks after passage.