Verizon provides update on Salt Typhoon matter

NEW YORK - As recently reported by the U.S. government, a nation-state threat actor accessed several of the nation’s telecommunications networks, including the Verizon network. Verizon has contained the cyber incident brought on by this threat actor. An independent and highly respected cybersecurity firm has confirmed the Verizon containment.

In this incident, a small number of individuals primarily involved in government or political activity were targeted by the threat actor. Those customers have been notified of the threat actor’s activity.  

“Immediately upon learning of this incident, Verizon took several key actions to protect its customers and its network, including partnering with federal law enforcement and national security agencies, industry partners, and private cybersecurity firms,” said Vandana Venkatesh, Verizon’s Chief Legal Officer. “We have not detected threat actor activity in Verizon’s network for some time and, after considerable work addressing this incident, we can report that Verizon has contained the activities associated with this particular incident.”

Venkatesh added: “Our goal from the beginning was to ensure that the nation’s leading network provider remains resilient  and best in class.”

During the investigation, Verizon determined that, in the pursuit of a small number of targets, the threat actor also accessed a small percentage of mobile internet access and mobile call records of other Verizon wireless customers. Verizon does not have reason to believe that those customers were targeted, or that any banking or financial information or Social Security numbers were exposed.  

“We continue to devote significant resources to further strengthen and protect our network,” said Venkatesh. “This incident has not impacted our day to day operations, and customers can continue to use their Verizon devices and services as usual.  We are unwavering in our commitment to offering our customers cutting-edge products and services over the nation’s leading  telecommunications network.”

For those with questions about the incident, Verizon posted  FAQs about the incident on its website. Additional information about the incident can be found here: https://www.verizon.com/about/salt-typhoon-matter-update