China Dismisses US Critical Infra Espionage Allegations as 'Collective Disinformation Campaign'

John Lopez, Tech Times 25 May 2023, 07:05 am

In a recent development, the Chinese government has dismissed allegations made by the United States and its allies regarding digital espionage and penetration of Western infrastructure.

The accusations emerged after Microsoft and the National Security Agency revealed that China's hacking group, Volt Typhoon, had potentially installed surveillance malware in critical systems on Guam, a strategic location in the Pacific.

'Collective Disinformation'

According to a recent Reuters report, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the media, categorizing the joint warning issued by the US, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as a "collective disinformation campaign."

He further claimed that the alerts aimed to promote their intelligence alliance, known as the Five Eyes, and accused the United States of being the real culprit behind hacking activities.

This response from China follows a series of warnings by the Five Eyes countries and Microsoft about the Volt Typhoon's activities.

Why Governments Are on the Lookout for Volt Typhoon

The group's focus on critical infrastructure, especially communication links connecting the United States to the Pacific, has raised concerns among analysts.

Additionally, its ability to operate covertly has drawn attention, with cybersecurity company Secureworks highlighting the group's consistent efforts to cover its tracks.

Secureworks, which has responded to at least three Volt Typhoon hacks, supports the Western assessments of the group's origins.

Referring to the hackers as "Bronze Silhouette," Secureworks believes they are likely operating on behalf of Beijing. The company also suggests that Chinese spies are intensifying their cyber espionage activities in response to increased pressure from the country's leadership to avoid public scrutiny.

Volt Typhoon's focus on critical infrastructure is a matter of grave concern. By infiltrating these systems, the group could potentially disrupt vital communication links and compromise the security and stability of the United States and its allies.

The implications of such attacks on national security are significant, as they can impact crucial sectors, including defense, energy, transportation, and finance.

Heating US-China Tensions

This ongoing cyber conflict between China and the United States highlights the escalating tensions and constant battle for dominance in the digital realm. Both countries possess advanced capabilities and sophisticated hacking groups, making protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data a top priority.

This is not the first time the United States has accused China and Chinese organizations of espionage. The United States prohibited the telecommunications companies Huawei and ZTE in 2022 due to an alleged risk of a data breach.

As a response to an alleged Chinese spy balloon flying over US territory in 2023, the United States blacklisted six Chinese entities with ties to Beijing's aerospace programs.

As this situation unfolds, how the allegations and responses will impact international relations, cyber defense strategies, and cooperation among nations remains to be seen.

Cybersecurity experts and intelligence agencies will continue to monitor the activities of hacking groups such as the Volt Typhoon. At the same time, governments aim to ensure the security and resilience of their critical infrastructure in the face of evolving cyber threats.

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