The United States announced Wednesday that it had disrupted a Chinese hacking operation responsible for break-ins at several of the nation’s most sensitive government institutions, including the Justice Department, NASA, the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Senate, and other agencies.

The action marks a significant step in countering foreign cyber threats against critical U.S. infrastructure and decision-making bodies. Officials described the operation as a coordinated effort by Chinese actors that gained unauthorized access to systems holding sensitive information.

Breaches at the listed agencies raised concerns over potential espionage and interference in national security matters. The Justice Department, NASA, the Federal Reserve, and the Senate handle data ranging from law enforcement records and space programs to financial oversight and legislative deliberations.

The disruption comes amid heightened tensions with China over technology and security issues. U.S. authorities have increasingly highlighted the need for robust defenses against state-sponsored cyber activities from Beijing.

No specific details were released on the methods used to dismantle the operation or the extent of any data compromise. Officials emphasized ongoing efforts to safeguard government networks from similar intrusions.

The announcement underscores the persistent challenges posed by foreign hackers seeking access to American institutions. Lawmakers and agency heads are expected to review the incident and consider additional protective measures.