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Chinese Menace: US, UK, New Zealand blame China-backed cyber attackers for crippling vital infrastructure, parliament
Both the US and the UK claim that cyber attackers, funded by China, caused significant damage to vital infrastructure, disrupting the lives of millions in both nations. Similarly, New Zealand is pointing the finger at China for backing cybercriminals who breached their Parliament's security.
US and UK authorities have collectively brought charges and implemented penalties against China, accusing it of participating in a broad cyber spying operation that affected millions of people and organizations globally. The alleged hacking collective, known as Advanced Persistent Threat 31 (APT31), is reportedly associated with China's Ministry of State Security.
In a connected incident, New Zealand has blamed a "harmful" cyberattack in 2021 on Chinese hackers backed by the state. The country's Security Services Minister, Judith Collins, has stressed the importance of protecting confidential government data from cyber-attacks.
The cyberattacks are said to have been aimed at legislators, scholars, reporters, and government authorities who are openly critical of Beijing. These attacks also allegedly targeted defense contractors and a range of businesses in industries such as steel, energy, and clothing. Furthermore, it has been reported that the partners of high-ranking US officials and lawmakers were also among those targeted.
Deputy US Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated that the main goals of the hacking operation were to suppress dissent against the Chinese government, penetrate governmental organizations, and pilfer commercial confidential information. US attorneys have revealed a formal accusation against seven supposed Chinese cybercriminals, alleging they breached millions of US citizens' professional accounts, personal emails, digital storage, and phone call histories.
British authorities have leveled allegations against APT31 for aiming at UK parliamentarians who are outspoken critics of China. They also blame another group of Chinese espionage agents for breaching the data security of the UK's election oversight body, thereby endangering the personal information of millions in the UK.
Diplomatic representatives from China in the United States and the United Kingdom have rejected the accusations, describing them as baseless and harmful. However, both nations have enforced penalties on a business they believe is tied to China's State Security Department, alleging it's a cover operation for hacking activities.
The United States Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology, as well as two Chinese citizens, as a reaction to their involvement in cyber spying activities. FBI Director Christopher Wray criticized China's actions, describing them as bold moves to weaken US cybersecurity and compromise American interests and advancements.
The latest allegations arise in the context of rising conflicts between Beijing and Western countries regarding cyber spying matters. Western intelligence agencies have openly expressed their concerns about supposed hacking activities supported by the Chinese government. However, China has likewise pointed fingers at Western organizations for parallel actions.
US prosecutors' charges drew attention to several significant targets, such as a 2020 US presidential campaign and a US public opinion polling company during the 2018 midterm elections. John Hultquist, the head analyst at the cybersecurity intelligence agency Mandiant, emphasized the importance of political groups as sources for gathering geopolitical information.
As claims and counterclaims persist, the international cybersecurity environment continues to be riddled with difficulties. Both governments and cybersecurity specialists stress the vital importance of strong protections against cyber attacks.
(Incorporating information from various sources)
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