Cybersecurity headlines have been buzzing about the Salt Typhoon hack, but many small and medium businesses (SMBs) are still asking: what does this mean for me?

What is Salt Typhoon?

Salt Typhoon is a name used to identify a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group. Unlike random hackers who spread malware for quick profit, Salt Typhoon is strategic and deliberate. Their operations often involve breaking into telecommunications networks, which is obviously a critical backbone for global communication.

Once they compromise telecom providers, they can:

• Monitor phone calls, texts, and data traffic.
• Identify high-value targets.
• Stealthily move into other connected businesses.

This isn’t a smash-and-grab cybercrime. It’s a patient, methodical infiltration designed to give attackers deep access to communication systems and the organizations that rely on them.

Why This Impacts Small and Medium Businesses

At first glance, it may sound like only large telecom companies or government agencies need to worry. But here’s the reality:

• If your business relies on phone systems, internet connectivity, or cloud-based communications, you’re indirectly connected to these networks. If telecom carriers are breached, attackers may pivot to businesses downstream.
• SMBs are stepping stones. Salt Typhoon and groups like them often use smaller organizations as an entry point into larger ecosystems.
• Data is data. Even if you’re not handling classified information, customer records, billing data, and employee communications all have value on the black market.

Think of it this way: if attackers can intercept communications through a compromised telecom provider, they don’t need to target your business directly, THEY ARE ALREADY LISTENING!

The Risks for Your Business

The danger isn’t just about stolen data. A breach through telecommunications networks can mean:

• Intercepted customer calls and emails leading to fraud or impersonation.
• Loss of privacy as sensitive business discussions are monitored.
• Targeted spear-phishing attacks that appear even more convincing because attackers have inside information.
• Business disruption if your communications are tampered with or taken offline.

For a small business, these outcomes can be devastating both financially and reputationally.

How We Can Help

At ABT Solutions, we take threats like Salt Typhoon seriously. Protecting SMBs against advanced cyberattacks requires layered defenses, including:

• Advanced threat detection to spot unusual behavior that could signal an attacker is in your network.
• Regular patching and updates to close off the vulnerabilities these attackers exploit.
• Penetration testing and assessments to identify weaknesses before hackers do.
• Employee training to ensure your team knows how to recognize and report suspicious activity.
• And much more!

Cyber threats are evolving, and if attackers are patient enough to go after global telecom networks, they won’t hesitate to target smaller businesses that depend on those networks every day.

👉 Don’t wait until your communications are compromised. Reach out today for a complimentary security assessment and let’s make sure your business is prepared.