News Article:
Seven Chinese Nationals Charged in “Malicious” Cyber-Attack Campaign Targeting US Officials
25 March 2024, 16:53 GMT
Updated 42 minutes ago
Image source: US Department of Justice
Seven Chinese men have been charged with enacting a widespread “malicious” cyber-attack campaign, targeting millions of Americans’ online accounts, US officials, the justice department, and FBI announced on Monday.
The accused individuals are believed to have ties to a hacking operation that spanned 14 years, targeting US and foreign critics of China, businesses, and politicians. The US state department has offered a reward of up to $10m for information on the seven men.
According to the justice department, the hackers sent over 10,000 “malicious emails, impacting thousands of victims, across multiple continents,” in what is described as a “prolific global hacking operation” supported by the Chinese government.
FBI Director Christopher Wray condemned China’s continued efforts to undermine cybersecurity and target Americans and innovation. He emphasized that cyber espionage will not be tolerated, and the FBI will relentlessly pursue those who threaten national security and prosperity.
The charges come amid similar accusations from the UK government, which also pointed to China’s involvement in “malicious cyber campaigns” targeting the Electoral Commission and politicians. The Chinese embassy in London has denied these allegations, calling them “completely fabricated and malicious slanders.”
In the indictment against the seven Chinese men, US prosecutors detailed the hacking methods used, including sending emails that appeared to be from reputable sources containing hidden tracking links. Once opened, the emails would send the recipient’s information to a server controlled by the defendants, enabling targeted hacking.
The victims of the cyber-attacks included US government officials, foreign dissidents, and companies in various industries such as defence, information technology, telecommunications, and finance. The justice department noted that defence contractors and a leading provider of 5G network equipment were among the companies targeted.
The case highlights the ongoing cybersecurity threats posed by state-sponsored hacking groups and underscores the need for vigilance in protecting sensitive information and critical infrastructure.
Historic Background:
The recent charges against the seven Chinese nationals are part of a larger trend of escalating cyber-attacks targeting government agencies, businesses, and individuals worldwide. The use of sophisticated hacking techniques by state actors poses a significant challenge to cybersecurity efforts and has raised concerns about the protection of sensitive data and critical infrastructure. Governments and organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in defending against cyber threats to safeguard national security and ensure the integrity of online systems and communications.
By addressing these threats head-on and holding perpetrators accountable, authorities aim to deter future malicious activities and protect the digital landscape from further attacks.
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