US charges 7 Chinese nationals in massive cyber-attack scheme

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NEW YORK, March 26: In a significant development concerning cybersecurity, the Justice Department and FBI announced on Monday that millions of Americans’ online accounts have been ensnared in a “sinister” hacking plot orchestrated by Chinese operatives. The perpetrators, seven Chinese nationals, stand accused of spearheading a pervasive cyber-attack campaign targeting US officials, the Justice Department, and various other entities over a staggering period of 14 years.

The charges leveled against the accused underscore the gravity of the cyber espionage operation allegedly backed by the Chinese government. The hackers are accused of orchestrating a series of sophisticated cyber intrusions, encompassing over 10,000 malicious emails, impacting thousands of victims across multiple continents. These targeted attacks, described as a “prolific global hacking operation” by the Justice Department, have raised concerns regarding national security and the integrity of sensitive information.

In response to these grave allegations, the US State Department has announced a reward of up to $10 million (£8 million) for any information leading to the apprehension of the seven individuals. FBI Director Christopher Wray condemned China’s audacious efforts to undermine US cybersecurity, emphasizing the FBI’s unwavering commitment to combat cyber threats and protect national interests.

The indictment filed against the accused sheds light on the modus operandi of the cybercriminals, detailing their infiltration techniques and the extensive reach of their operations. The hackers allegedly exploited prominent news outlets and journalists as bait, sending deceptive emails containing hidden tracking links. Once opened, these emails facilitated the extraction of sensitive information, including location and IP addresses, which were then exploited for further targeted hacking endeavors.

Among the victims of these cyber intrusions were US government officials, including those working within the White House and State Departments, as well as their spouses. Furthermore, foreign dissidents and pro-democracy activists, particularly those in Hong Kong, were reportedly compromised by the malicious activities of the accused.

The indictment also highlights the breadth of industries targeted by the hackers, ranging from defense contractors to providers of 5G network equipment. These cyber-attacks pose a grave threat not only to national security but also to the economic interests of affected companies and industries.

Amid growing international concern over state-sponsored cyber espionage, the accusations against China have reverberated beyond US borders. The UK government has accused China of similar malicious cyber campaigns, while New Zealand reported targeting of its parliament by China-backed hackers.

In response to these allegations, diplomats at the Chinese embassy in London and Washington DC have vehemently denied the accusations, dismissing them as “completely fabricated and malicious slanders.” Nevertheless, the indictment and mounting evidence presented by US prosecutors paint a troubling picture of persistent cyber threats emanating from state actors like China, underscoring the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to safeguard against such threats.

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