China-based hackers have successfully infiltrated the email accounts of approximately 25 organizations, including government agencies, according to Microsoft. While specific details about the targeted government agencies have not been disclosed, the US Department of Commerce has confirmed that it was notified by Microsoft about the attack. Reports suggest that Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo was among those impacted by the breach. The State Department, which was also reportedly targeted, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The Breach and Response
Microsoft stated that a China-based hacking group known as Storm-0558 accessed email accounts by forging digital authentication tokens used to verify individuals’ identities. The group primarily targets government agencies in Western Europe, focusing on espionage, data theft, and credential access. Microsoft’s investigations revealed that the breaches began in mid-May. The company claims to have mitigated the attack and has contacted the affected customers. It has also implemented automated detections to identify known indicators of compromise associated with this attack.
China’s Response and Denial
China’s embassy in London dismissed the accusation as “disinformation” and criticized the US government as “the world’s biggest hacking empire and global cyber thief.” China routinely denies involvement in hacking operations, regardless of available evidence or context.
Previous Cyber Espionage Campaigns
In May, Microsoft and Western spy agencies disclosed that Chinese hackers had employed stealthy malware to target critical infrastructure on US military bases in Guam. This cyber espionage campaign was described as one of the largest known attacks of its kind against the US. While China denied involvement and labeled the Microsoft report as “highly unprofessional” and “disinformation,” experts have emphasized the significance of such cyber threats, given Guam’s strategic importance in potential conflicts in Asia.
Microsoft’s accusation of China-based hackers gaining access to US government emails underscores ongoing concerns regarding cyber threats and espionage. As both nations trade accusations and denials, the impact of such breaches on national security and international relations remains a critical concern.
Source: BBC
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