China Publicly Accuses NSA Hackers, Escalating Cyber Tensions with the U.S.

China has publicly accused three hackers of working for the NSA, marking an escalation in cyber tensions with the U.S. The accusations coincide with ongoing trade disputes and recent U.S. claims about Chinese hacking of critical infrastructure. With limited evidence provided, the timing suggests a focus on propaganda rather than cybersecurity resolution, aligning with China’s National Security Education Day.

China has escalated its cyber conflict with the United States by publicly accusing three hackers of being affiliated with the National Security Agency (NSA) and offering a reward for information leading to their capture. This move mirrors tactics commonly utilized by the U.S. against alleged Chinese cyber operatives. The timing of these accusations coincides with ongoing trade tensions between the two nations and follows U.S. accusations of extensive hacking campaigns attributed to China against American critical infrastructure.

Despite being aware that the NSA engages in cyber espionage against Chinese interests, China has provided scant evidence to support its allegations. Both the NSA and the White House declined to comment on these claims, and an immediate inquiry by NBC News could not confirm whether the NSA currently employs individuals named by China.

The accusations were disclosed in a report from China’s National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center (CVERC), an organization focusing on cybersecurity threats within China. The report primarily discussed alleged NSA intrusions targeting digital infrastructure related to the Asian Winter Games, held in Harbin, China, although it offered limited technical details.

Lin Jian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the U.S. actions during a press conference, stating, “The nature of these actions is extremely malicious, and China condemns the U.S. government’s malicious cyber activities.” He urged the U.S. to adopt a more responsible stance regarding cybersecurity and to cease alleged cyberattacks on China.

For many years, the U.S. has indicted individuals believed to be working on behalf of foreign intelligence services, including those from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. This strategy aims to intimidate the accused and disrupt their operations internationally, despite the unlikeliness of extradition from these nations. Additionally, Chinese authorities have announced a financial reward for information leading to the arrest of the alleged NSA hackers, mirroring the U.S. practice of offering bounties through its Rewards for Justice program.

The timing of the announcement coincided with China’s National Security Education Day, which was initiated in 2015 by President Xi Jinping. Dakota Cary, a China analyst at cybersecurity firm SentinelOne, remarked that the main purpose of these allegations seems to be propagandistic rather than aimed at genuine deterrence of U.S. cyber activities. He stated, “They’re celebrating a holiday by putting out this piece. For me, this says a lot about what the purpose of the claims are,” indicating a focus on domestic messaging over international cybersecurity accountability.

In summary, China’s public allegations against alleged NSA hackers mark a significant escalation in the ongoing cybersecurity conflict with the United States. The lack of concrete evidence and the coinciding National Security Education Day highlight the strategic and propagandistic motives behind the accusations. The situation underscores the complex interplay between international relations and cyber operations, continuing a trend of mutual accusations and retaliatory tactics.

Original Source: www.nbcnews.com

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