A few weeks ago, Biden had already warned the Russian president about the participation of hackers from that nation in cyber-attacks. Now, the US accused the Chinese government of executing criminal computer operations.
The administration of US President Joe Biden is accusing the Chinese government of directing malicious cyber activities, including ransomware attack operations, crypto hacking, and even digital extortion.
In a press release from the White House, released this Monday, the US government exposed irresponsible and destabilizing behavior coming from the People’s Republic of China. A group of international allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and NATO, joined efforts with the United States of America to make a public denouncement of the criminal activities of the Asian nation.
According to the information, today’s announcement builds on various administration efforts, including the G7 and EU commitments on ransomware, and the adoption of a new cyber defense policy by NATO for the first time in seven years.
US Accusation Include Cyber Attacks
The US government indicted officials from China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) for taking part in a massive email attack against Microsoft Exchange earlier this year that compromised at least 30,000 organizations that use the service.
Hackers with a track record of working for the Chinese MSS have reportedly had played a vital role in ransomware attacks, cyber-enabled extortion, crypto hacking, and theft. These activities have affected a considerable amount of victims worldwide. In response, the US Department of Justice filed criminal charges against four MSS workers, alleging several crimes, including espionage and computer damage.
The White House statement added in this regard that, in some cases, they are aware that cyber operators affiliated with the government of the People’s Republic of China have carried out ransomware operations against private companies.
The Biden administration also highlights that there is a strengthening plan that will reinforce its cyber defense structures. The report indicates that The United States of America will continue to take all appropriate measures to protect American citizens from cyber threats. Among its plans to address security and stability threats in cyberspace, the government revealed that it is working to strengthen bonds with the private sector.
Cyber-attacks have become a popular activity. One of them is the ransomware attack involving ransom on digital currencies that has made headlines this year after affecting the critical infrastructure of companies worldwide, including in the US.
$ 11 Million Bitcoin Ransom after Ransomware Attack
In May, the hack of the Colonial Pipeline Company, operator of one of the first oil pipelines in the country, set off alarms for the US government. Since then, federal agencies have started cracking down on such attacks. They have also identified the hackers’ locations and revealed they come from countries like Russia.
More recently, Biden warned Russia’s first president, Vladimir Putin, that his government would do whatever it takes to combat such attacks.
By: Jenson Nuñez
