Twelve Chinese nationals have been indicted by US prosecutors for their involvement in a suspected hacking scheme that targeted US-based dissidents, highlighting the ongoing battle over cybersecurity and personal privacy.
**China's Cybersecurity Breach: US Charges Twelve Nationals in Targeting Dissidents**
**China's Cybersecurity Breach: US Charges Twelve Nationals in Targeting Dissidents**
US prosecutors unveil charges against a dozen Chinese nationals allegedly involved in hacking US dissidents’ data for the Chinese government.
The article text:
In a significant move against cyber espionage, US prosecutors have charged 12 Chinese nationals for allegedly participating in a hacking operation that sold sensitive information about US-based dissidents to the Chinese government. This "state-sponsored" initiative reportedly also breached security measures involving various US governmental agencies, including the Treasury Department, as noted by the Justice Department (DOJ).
The hacking group is said to have targeted not only dissidents but also an American religious organization and a Hong Kong newspaper known for its opposition to the People's Republic of China (PRC). While China has not yet commented directly on these specific allegations, it has a history of denying various accusations that involve cyber intrusions and hacking endeavors.
Earlier this month, the Treasury Department highlighted a "major" cyber breach by actors linked to China, which allowed unauthorized access to employee workstations and some unclassified documents. China dismissed these claims as "baseless" and restated its opposition to all forms of hacking.
The DOJ charges, unsealed in a federal court in Manhattan this Wednesday, include two officers from China's Ministry of Public Security. The cybercriminals, allegedly representing a private hacking entity called i-Soon, charged Chinese government agencies up to $75,000 for each compromised email account, as they conducted covert operations under both their own direction and governmental orders.
Sue J Bai, leading the DOJ's National Security Division, emphasized the need to combat these aggressive and indiscriminate cyberattacks, asserting, “Today, we are exposing the Chinese government agents directing and fostering indiscriminate and reckless attacks against computers and networks worldwide. We will continue to fight to dismantle this ecosystem of cyber mercenaries and protect our national security.”
Details about the specific US-based dissidents targeted remain undisclosed. However, the religious group compromised by hackers has a history of sending missionaries to China while maintaining a critical stance against the Chinese government. Also targeted were the foreign ministries of other nations, including Taiwan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia.
Previously, in October, the FBI alongside the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency reported that Chinese-affiliated actors had attempted to infiltrate two major US presidential campaigns. This incident adds to an ongoing narrative where various hacking operations associated with China have been directed at foreign critics and could arguably extend to UK governmental bodies as well.
In this increasingly interconnected world, the unfolding situation exposes the growing complexities and threats to cybersecurity, freedom of expression, and international relations, accentuating the urgent need for a robust defense against these types of invasive cyber operations.
In a significant move against cyber espionage, US prosecutors have charged 12 Chinese nationals for allegedly participating in a hacking operation that sold sensitive information about US-based dissidents to the Chinese government. This "state-sponsored" initiative reportedly also breached security measures involving various US governmental agencies, including the Treasury Department, as noted by the Justice Department (DOJ).
The hacking group is said to have targeted not only dissidents but also an American religious organization and a Hong Kong newspaper known for its opposition to the People's Republic of China (PRC). While China has not yet commented directly on these specific allegations, it has a history of denying various accusations that involve cyber intrusions and hacking endeavors.
Earlier this month, the Treasury Department highlighted a "major" cyber breach by actors linked to China, which allowed unauthorized access to employee workstations and some unclassified documents. China dismissed these claims as "baseless" and restated its opposition to all forms of hacking.
The DOJ charges, unsealed in a federal court in Manhattan this Wednesday, include two officers from China's Ministry of Public Security. The cybercriminals, allegedly representing a private hacking entity called i-Soon, charged Chinese government agencies up to $75,000 for each compromised email account, as they conducted covert operations under both their own direction and governmental orders.
Sue J Bai, leading the DOJ's National Security Division, emphasized the need to combat these aggressive and indiscriminate cyberattacks, asserting, “Today, we are exposing the Chinese government agents directing and fostering indiscriminate and reckless attacks against computers and networks worldwide. We will continue to fight to dismantle this ecosystem of cyber mercenaries and protect our national security.”
Details about the specific US-based dissidents targeted remain undisclosed. However, the religious group compromised by hackers has a history of sending missionaries to China while maintaining a critical stance against the Chinese government. Also targeted were the foreign ministries of other nations, including Taiwan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia.
Previously, in October, the FBI alongside the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency reported that Chinese-affiliated actors had attempted to infiltrate two major US presidential campaigns. This incident adds to an ongoing narrative where various hacking operations associated with China have been directed at foreign critics and could arguably extend to UK governmental bodies as well.
In this increasingly interconnected world, the unfolding situation exposes the growing complexities and threats to cybersecurity, freedom of expression, and international relations, accentuating the urgent need for a robust defense against these types of invasive cyber operations.
