As security scare among US government entities in using the products delivered by Chinese Telecommunication firm ZTE has increased in recent month’s, Homeland Security has been directed by House of Representatives to probe into the matter.
The probe will be focusing on any cyber risks introduced by use of ZTE products on federal state, and local government networks.
In March this year, US Intelligence officials have warned the US agencies on the risk of cyber espionage from ZTE due to its alleged links to the Chinese government. The Intel agency argues that all ZTE products serving in the government of United States are transmitting sensitive data to remote servers located in China- thus triggering data privacy concerns.
The Pentagon has already asked all US military bases to stop using devices from ZTE and another Chinese state-linked telecom firms such as Huawei. This includes usage of smart phones, tablets, Routers or other networking equipment in public entities.
Baffling national security experts, the 45th US President Donald Trump has tweeted on Sunday that he will be working with Chinese President Xi Jinping to get back ZTE in business-indicating a new trade deal between India and China.
Reacting to the tweet put forth by Trump, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that his agency has evidence that ZTE conducts cyber espionage. But he failed to further elaborate his statement for reasons and added that Trump administration never consulted him before making an announcement about ZTE.
