A former NSA official, Rocky Cole, warns that Chinese-made solar power inverters containing undocumented communication devices (cellular radios) could be used by China to disrupt the U.S. power grid and commerce. These rogue devices, found in products from multiple Chinese suppliers over the past nine months, could bypass firewalls. Cole suggests this fits China's strategy of implanting hardware in critical infrastructure for potential cyberattacks, especially in the event of a conflict over Taiwan. The Chinese Embassy spokesperson, Liu Pengyu, denied the accusations, stating China's goal is to improve its people's lives.
Chinese-made solar panels used on American farms puts US power grid at risk: former NSA official
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A former NSA official, Rocky Cole, warns that Chinese-made solar power inverters containing undocumented communication devices (cellular radios) could be used by China to disrupt the U.S. power grid and commerce. These rogue devices, found in products from multiple Chinese suppliers over the past nine months, could bypass firewalls. Cole suggests this fits China's strategy of implanting hardware in critical infrastructure for potential cyberattacks, especially in the event of a conflict over Taiwan. The Chinese Embassy spokesperson, Liu Pengyu, denied the accusations, stating China's goal is to improve its people's lives.
Trending- 1 Past nine months: Rogue communication devices found in Chinese solar power inverters and batteries.
- 2 2025-06-05: Article published.
- Potential disruption of U.S. commerce and power grid
- Increased national security concerns regarding foreign-made technology in critical infrastructure
- Heightened tensions between the U.S. and China
What: Chinese-made solar power inverters found to contain undocumented communication devices, raising concerns about potential cyberattacks on the U.S. power grid and commerce.
When: Over the past nine months (devices found); currently (warning issued).
Where: United States (farms, power grid, critical infrastructure); China (origin of products); Washington, D.C. (Chinese Embassy).
Why: China is suspected of implanting backdoors in hardware to prepare for potential cyberattacks, possibly in the event of a conflict with Taiwan; Chinese companies are mandated by law to assist intelligence agencies.
How: U.S. experts examined Chinese solar power inverters and found rogue communication devices; former NSA analyst Rocky Cole provided analysis; Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu issued a statement.