The DOJ has charged twelve Chinese nationals for a hacking scheme that involved selling data of U.S. dissidents to the Chinese government. This state-sponsored operation targeted multiple agencies, including the Treasury and a U.S. religious organization. The indictment highlights significant concerns over cyber threats and the actions of state-sponsored hackers.

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted twelve Chinese nationals in connection with a hacking operation that allegedly sold the data of U.S.-based dissidents to the Chinese government. This operation is characterized by the DOJ as “state-sponsored” and has also targeted various government agencies, including the Treasury Department. Furthermore, a religious organization in the U.S. and a Hong Kong newspaper have also reportedly been targeted in this scheme.

The specific timing of these charges remains unclear; however, they were unsealed in a federal court in Manhattan on Wednesday. Notably, two officers from China’s Ministry of Public Security are among those charged. It was stated that the hackers, purportedly representing the private company i-Soon, charged Chinese government agencies between $10,000 and $75,000 for each hacked email inbox, executing computer intrusions either on orders from Chinese ministries or independently.

Sue J. Bai, the head of DOJ’s National Security Division, stated, “Today, we are exposing the Chinese government agents directing and fostering indiscriminate and reckless attacks against computers and networks worldwide.” She affirmed the DOJ’s commitment to dismantling the “ecosystem of cyber mercenaries” to safeguard national security. Details regarding the specific U.S.-based dissidents targeted remain undisclosed; however, the religious organization in question has been known for sending missionaries to China and openly criticizing the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

In addition to U.S. government agencies, the hacking operation reportedly targeted foreign ministries in Taiwan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia. The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency had previously indicated that actors affiliated with the PRC had conducted hacks against two major U.S. presidential campaigns. Furthermore, charges were brought last year against seven Chinese nationals for a prolonged hacking campaign that lasted at least 14 years, aimed at foreign critics of China.

The recent indictment of twelve Chinese nationals underscores a serious concern regarding state-sponsored hacking by the Chinese government. The operation highlights the targeting of U.S. dissidents and governmental institutions, with a broader context of ongoing cyber threats to various nations. Such developments further emphasize the urgency for enhanced security measures to protect against cyber intrusions and the importance of international accountability.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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