China's hacking capabilities are expanding, according to former NSA head Tim Haugh. He warns that China is targeting not just military and industrial sectors, but every American, and the situation is getting more critical by the day. Since Mr. Trump's return to the White House, there have been resignations and firings of those focused on America's cyber defense, leaving the country more vulnerable. Haugh highlights the scale of the threat, citing the Chinese breach of a small town's utility network in Littleton, Massachusetts, as a wake-up call for the nation. China's hacking extends beyond utilities, targeting critical infrastructure like New York City's transportation system, gas pipeline operators, the port of Houston, and major phone companies. The methods used include exploiting software vulnerabilities and stealing login credentials. Haugh emphasizes the potential impact on the U.S. economy and national security if China continues to steal intellectual property and gain intelligence. He also warns that a hack in Littleton could distract the U.S. from its global responsibilities, making it harder to mobilize in a crisis. The situation is further complicated by the termination of Haugh, a respected leader in cybersecurity, which has left the nation without a strong voice in this critical area. The question remains: can the U.S. stop China's aggressive hacking and espionage before it's too late?
