US officials are on the hunt for Chinese malware that has been hidden in defense systems, posing a potential threat to military communications and resupply operations, according to a report by The New York Times. The malware has been discovered in networks controlling power grids, communications systems, and water supplies that serve military bases. This revelation has raised concerns about the possibility of hackers disrupting US military operations in the event of a conflict. The tensions between the two nations over Taiwan and China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific have further exacerbated these concerns.
The malware is described as a “ticking time bomb” that could allow China to cut off power, water, and communications to military bases, thereby impeding deployments and resupply operations. Additionally, since military bases often share the same supply infrastructure as civilian homes and businesses, many other Americans could also be affected by such an attack.
This latest discovery echoes a pattern of recent breaches by China-based hackers. Last week, the email account of US Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, was hacked. Furthermore, Microsoft and the White House confirmed earlier this month that China-based hackers breached email accounts at two dozen organizations, including some federal agencies. The Biden administration believes this hacking operation provided the Chinese government with insights into US thinking ahead of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing in June.
Among the targeted agencies were the State Department and the Department of Commerce, which has placed sanctions on Chinese telecom firms. Initially, US officials and Microsoft analysts struggled to identify how the hackers gained access to the email accounts, indicating the sophistication of the hacking team.
US officials have consistently identified China as the most advanced of US adversaries in cyberspace. The FBI has even stated that Beijing has a larger hacking program than all other governments combined. Secretary of State Blinken raised the hacking incidents during a meeting with a top Chinese diplomat in Indonesia, emphasizing the US’s concern and commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
The search for Chinese malware hidden in defense systems is a critical priority for US officials. With the potential to disrupt military communications and resupply operations, this malware poses a significant threat to national security. As tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, it is crucial for the US to strengthen its cybersecurity defenses and take appropriate action to mitigate the risks posed by malicious actors.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-07-29 19:32:00
Comments are closed.