07:23 AM EST, 12/06/2024 (MT Newswires) -- The US Federal Communications Commission has proposed a draft Declaratory Ruling ruling to strengthen the cybersecurity of telecommunications networks in response to vulnerabilities exposed by the Salt Typhoon cyberattack, the agency said Thursday.

If adopted, the ruling would require telecommunications carriers to "secure their networks from unlawful access or interception of communications" and submit annual certifications to the FCC, verifying the implementation of cybersecurity risk management plans.

Additionally, the FCC has issued a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking public comment on broader cybersecurity requirements for communication providers and further measures to bolster network security.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in the statement that the US government agencies are still assessing the scope and impact of the Salt Typhoon attack.

Earlier this week, Anne Neuberger, President Biden's deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technology, said Chinese government-linked hackers breached at least eight US telecommunications companies, exploiting vulnerabilities and compromising sensitive systems, The Wall Street Journal reported.

AT&T ( T ) , Verizon Communications ( VZ ) , and T-Mobile US ( TMUS ) did not immediately respond to requests for comment from MT Newswires.