Chinese Actively Cyber Probe US

This was written by Jack Mann on Friday, November 20, 2009, 13:38.

In its annual report to Congress, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission highlighted the active role China continues to play in cyber probes on US systems and networks. According to the report, the scope and intensity of the attacks has increased dramatically in the past year.

The Commission claims that the Chinese cyber penetration attempts stem from the desire to obtain technology in support of military development and economic growth. In addition to the focus on intelligence collection, the penetration and mapping of US systems by Chinese cyber professionals could allow the Chinese to assault critical systems.

The Chinese are also setting up increased cyber capabilities within the military and in ‘militia’ units. Current Chinese military doctrine calls for the exploitation of cyber weaknesses within the US critical infrastructure in the case of conflict with the US.