Chinese hackers are getting ready for war, according to a US cyber official.

A senior U.S. cybersecurity official stated on Friday that Chinese hackers are establishing themselves in key infrastructure IT networks in the United States in preparation for a possible conflict with the country. According to Morgan Adamski, executive director of U.S. Cyber Command, the goal of Chinese-affiliated cyber activities is to obtain an edge in the event of a significant war with the United States. Authorities have cautioned that hackers with ties to China have gained access to IT networks and are preparing to launch disruptive attacks in the event of a conflict. According to U.S. officials earlier this year, they include breaking into vital networks to allow for possible disruptions like tampering with server room HVAC systems or vital water and electricity controls.

Adamski was addressing researchers in Arlington, Virginia, at the Cyberwarcon security conference. U.S. Senator Mark Warner told the Washington Post on Thursday that the greatest telecom attack in American history was allegedly connected to China and affected U.S. telecom companies. The FBI recently revealed that the cyber espionage operation, known as "Salt Typhoon," had compromised communications of top officials of both major U.S. presidential campaigns before the Nov. 5 election, stolen call records data, and telecommunications information linked to U.S. law enforcement requests.

Potential targets are receiving information and technical support from the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the bureau said. "Globally coordinated activities, both offensively and defensively minded, that are laser-focused on degrading and disrupting PRC," Adamski said on Friday.  According to Adamski, public examples include cybersecurity alerts, law enforcement actions, sanctions, indictments, and exposing operations, with participation from several nations. Beijing frequently denies cyberattacks against American companies. A request for comment was not immediately answered by the Chinese Embassy in Washington.