US Openly Fingers China for Cyber Probes
Earlier this week, the Department of Defense submitted its annual report to Congress on “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China.” The report, designed to discuss current and future military-tech developments by the Chinese military, has openly accused China of involvement in cyber espionage on U.S. government networks.
“In 2009, numerous computer systems around the world, including those owned by the U.S. government, continued to be the target of intrusions that appear to have originated within the PRC,” the report states.
The attempts focused on stealing information, some of which could be used for military purposes, according to the report.
“These intrusions focused on exfiltrating information, some of which could be of strategic or military utility,” the report states. “The accesses and skills required for these intrusions are similar to those necessary to conduct computer network attacks.”
The Chinese appear to be enhancing their cyber capabilities, largely through cyber-militia style units.
“It remains unclear if these intrusions were conducted by, or with the endorsement of, the PLA or other elements of the PRC government,” the report states. “However, developing capabilities for cyberwarfare is consistent with authoritative PLA military writings.”