Private Sector Urges Federal Collaboration Against China's Typhoon Cyber Threats

At the RSA Conference 2026, private sector leaders discussed the ongoing threat posed by China's Typhoon cybercrime groups, particularly the Volt and Salt Typhoon operations targeting US critical infrastructure. The panel highlighted the challenges of collaboration between public and private sectors, noting that while private entities possess valuable intelligence, federal agencies like the FBI and NSA were absent from the discussion. The absence of government representatives was symbolized by an empty chair on stage, emphasizing the need for real-time information sharing to combat these threats effectively. The discussion pointed out that phone calls have become a primary method for cybercriminals to breach IT systems, particularly in cloud environments. The panelists stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing these blended challenges. Most incidents of Volt Typhoon were reported on private-sector networks, indicating a significant impact on utility and telecommunications sectors. The current status remains critical as the private sector calls for more decisive actions from the government.

Key Points: • China's Typhoon cybercrime groups are actively targeting US critical infrastructure. • The absence of federal representatives at the RSA panel highlights the need for better collaboration. • Phone calls are now a leading method for cybercriminals to gain initial access to victims' systems.