The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a new rule that would require telecom companies to secure their networks from "unlawful access or interception of communications" in response to the ongoing infiltration of US telecom networks by Chinese hackers. The proposed rule comes on the heels of a report that foreign hackers, linked to the Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon, may still have access to US networks.

The FCC's proposal would also force telecom providers to submit an annual certification to the FCC stating they have implemented a plan to counter cybersecurity threats. This move is seen as a significant step towards bolstering the security of US telecom networks, which have been vulnerable to cyberattacks for years.

The news comes as US officials have recommended that Americans use encrypted apps to make phone calls and texts to protect themselves from the ongoing hack. Deputy national security advisor Anne Neuberger confirmed that at least eight telecom providers have been impacted by the hack, which is believed to have been ongoing for "likely one to two years."

Neuberger added that the attack has not compromised any classified communications, but the full scope of the hack remains unknown. The incident has raised concerns about the security of US telecom networks, with Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) urging the Department of Defense Inspector General to investigate the DOD's "failure to secure its unclassified telephone communications from foreign espionage."

The FCC's proposed rule is seen as a response to the growing threat of cyberattacks on US telecom networks. If adopted, the rule would go into effect immediately, providing a much-needed boost to the security of US telecom networks. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel stated that the Commission needs to "put in place a modern framework to help companies secure their networks and better prevent and respond to cyberattacks in the future."

The proposed rule is a significant development in the ongoing effort to secure US telecom networks from cyber threats. With the threat of cyberattacks growing by the day, the FCC's move is seen as a crucial step towards protecting the integrity of US telecom networks and the sensitive information they carry.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of US phone companies in securing their networks from cyber threats. Under the proposed rule, telecom companies would face fines for weak security, a move that is likely to prompt companies to take a more proactive approach to cybersecurity.

The FCC's proposal is a timely reminder of the need for vigilance in the face of growing cyber threats. As the US continues to grapple with the implications of the Salt Typhoon hack, the proposed rule is a crucial step towards bolstering the security of US telecom networks and protecting the sensitive information they carry.