Chinese hacker group blamed for US government email breach
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Microsoft and US national security authorities alleged on Wednesday that a Chinese hacking gang known as Storm-0558 entered US federal facilities.
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Attendees walk past an electronic display showing recent cyberattacks in China at the China internet security conference in Beijing on September 12, 2017. (AP)
The White House and Microsoft believe a Chinese hacking gang infiltrated email accounts of two dozen government organizations, including the State Department, in an attempt to obtain sensitive information.
Microsoft and US national security authorities alleged Wednesday that a Chinese hacking gang, Storm-0558, entered US federal facilities.
According to a State agency official, the agency "detected anomalous activity, took immediate steps to secure our systems, and will continue to closely monitor and quickly respond to any further activity.
The Washington Post reported that the Department of Commerce was also breached.
Microsoft also said late Tuesday that it has neutralized an attempt by "a China-based threat actor" that predominantly targets Western European government organizations.
Personal accounts "associated" with the agencies, most likely personnel of the agency, were also hacked by the hacking organization.
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Senator Mark Warner, chair of the Select Committee on Intelligence announced Wednesday that “The Senate Intelligence Committee is closely monitoring what appears to be a significant cyber security breach by Chinese intelligence."
The Senator stated that China "is steadily improving its cyber collection capabilities directed against the US and our allies," adding that "Close coordination between the US government and the private sector will be critical to countering this threat."
In May, the US and its cybersecurity allies blamed a Chinese government-backed hacking outfit for eavesdropping on important US infrastructure companies, including one on the island territory of Guam, which houses strategic military sites.
Microsoft and Western intelligence agencies stated that hackers were able to introduce computer programs that blended into Microsoft Windows computers and elude detection while keeping access and gathering information.
Microsoft claimed in a separate statement that the intrusion was carried out by a state-sponsored Chinese hacking suit known as "Volt Typhoon." Meanwhile, China has already branded the US as the “biggest threat to global cybersecurity,” saying that Washington “knowingly abuses technology” for spying and a range of other purposes.
