The United States has initiated a comprehensive review of Chinese nationals’ involvement in managing sensitive cloud services for the US military, citing national security concerns.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the audit, stating that the use of Chinese citizens to service Department of Defense cloud environments “is over.”
The decision comes after an investigative report by ProPublica revealed that Microsoft employed contractors in China and other foreign countries to maintain the Defense Department’s cloud systems.
Hegseth emphasized the importance of protecting US national security, saying, “We expect vendors doing business with the Department of Defense to protect US national security ahead of profit maximisation.”
The audit aims to determine if any security breaches have occurred due to the involvement of Chinese nationals in managing sensitive cloud services. Hegseth added, “did they put anything in the code that we didn’t know about? We are going to find out.”
The review will include a third-party audit of Microsoft’s digital escort program, which involves US-based personnel overseeing contractors in foreign countries, including China.
Microsoft has announced that it will no longer use China-based technicians to support the military following the ProPublica report. Hegseth’s order also directs software providers to identify and end “any Chinese involvement in DOD systems,” citing common sense in excluding Chinese nationals from sensitive systems.
The US defense chief’s decision highlights the growing concerns about China’s involvement in US technology and the potential risks to national security.
The audit and review process will help determine the extent of Chinese involvement in cloud services and identify potential security breaches. As the US continues to prioritize national security, vendors doing business with the Department of Defense will be expected to adhere to strict security protocols.
The development comes amid a broader context of increasing tensions between the US and China, with the US taking steps to protect its national security interests.
The review of Chinese involvement in cloud services is part of a larger effort to ensure the security and integrity of US defense systems.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the US will navigate its relationships with Chinese companies and address potential security concerns.
The decision to launch a review of Chinese involvement in cloud services has significant implications for the tech industry and national security.
The outcome of the audit will likely have far-reaching consequences, shaping the future of cloud services and cybersecurity in the US.
As the US government continues to prioritize national security, companies doing business with the Department of Defense will need to demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive information and systems.
In conclusion, the US launch of a review of Chinese involvement in cloud services reflects the growing concerns about national security and the potential risks associated with Chinese nationals managing sensitive cloud services.
The audit and review process will help determine the extent of Chinese involvement and identify potential security breaches, ensuring that vendors doing business with the Department of Defense prioritize US national security.