Plus, more newsbytes of the week, including a Facebook fact-checking fiasco and the surge of stalkerware
This week, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) indicted two Chinese nationals on charges that include the theft of American trade secrets and a recent targeting of COVID-19 research centers. The DoJ claims that the suspects acted sometimes for their own financial gain, and sometimes to benefit the Chinese Ministry of State Security. Their hacking campaign lasted more than ten years, the indictment alleges, targeting industries such as high tech manufacturing, industrial engineering, business software, solar energy, pharmaceuticals, and defense. Recent targets include companies developing COVID-19 vaccines, testing technology, and treatments, the indictment further claims. While the Chinese hackers are residents of China, it is unlikely that either man, both in their 30’s, will face trial. “This case demonstrates the FBI’s dedication to pursuing these criminals no matter who is sanctioning their activities,” said Special Agent in Charge Raymond Duda of the FBI’s Seattle Division. If arraigned in the U.S., each defendant will face 11 counts of criminal acts, including computer fraud, wire fraud, and the theft of trade secrets.
Avast Security Evangelist Luis Corrons commented, “When a country decides to go on the offensive in cyberspace, they have three options. One is to create their own teams. Two is to become a safe haven for cybercriminals in exchange for their services when needed. But it seems China went for option three, which is basically combining one and two. It is known that they’ve been running cyberattacks from certain branches of their military, and as this example shows, they are also outsourcing, using cybercriminals t ..
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