US Sanctions Chinese Hackers for Targeting Critical Infrastructure
The US Justice Department and FBI claimed that the online accounts of millions of Americans were caught in a Chinese hacking plot.
Sanctions Against Chinese Hackers
The government of the United States announced sanctions against Chinese hackers after alleging that they were targeting the critical infrastructure of the nation while working for the government spy agency of China. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control stated that they have issued sanctions against Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company Ltd., which has been working as a front for the Chinese Ministry of State Security.
Accusations Against China
In an unsealed indictment, the United States accused China of heading a state-backed hacking programme spanning years. US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the hacking operation is proof of “the ends to which the Chinese government is willing to go to target and intimidate its critics”.
APT 31 Cyber Hacking Group
US attributes threats to cyber hacking group APT 31, managed by the Chinese Ministry of State Security, targeting critical infrastructure sectors of the United States, including defense, aerospace, and energy.
Charges Against Chinese Nationals
Two Chinese nationals and five other hackers were charged with conspiring to carry out computer intrusions and wire fraud by the US Department of Justice. These individuals have been involved in a 14-year-long cyber operation targeting US and foreign critics, businesses, and political officials.
Global Response
The UK government also issued sanctions against the same Chinese state-backed hackers, while New Zealand condemned the cyber hacking activity. Both Australia and New Zealand criticized the involvement of the Chinese government in cyber hacks.
Concerns and Calls for Vigilance
Officials raised concerns about cybersecurity threats and foreign malign influence efforts, urging vigilance as the 2024 election cycle approaches. Foreign interference in cyber activities has been deemed unacceptable, with calls for refraining from such activities in the future.
