In The News

Out of the Shadows, China Hackers Turn Cyber Gatekeepers

Paul Carsten and Gerry Shih July 20, 2015
Hackers roam the internet, searching for vulnerabilities. Governments and businesses anywhere in the world that don’t secure computer networks can anticipate intrusions. Under President Xi Jinping, China has made cybersecurity a priority and also monitors forums, media reports and communications passing within its borders. “As Chinese companies grapple with a sharp increase in the number of...

China Is Said to Use Powerful New Weapon to Censor Internet

Nicole Perlroth April 14, 2015
In March, China used a cyberweapon to redirect huge amounts of online traffic from Chinese search engine Baidu to targeted US websites. Rsearchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and University of Toronto have since suggested that the blitzes were orchestrated by a new weapon. “The Great Cannon, the researchers said in a report published on Friday, allows China to intercept foreign web...

77 Chinese Accused in Cyber Bust

Samwel Born Maina and Maureen Kakah December 5, 2014
Kenyan police arrested 77 Chinese nationals on charges cyber-surveillance. About 70 people lived in the home and traveled to the country on tourist visas. “The Chinese ambassador to Kenya has been summoned to the Foreign Affairs ministry to explain how his nationals were running such a huge centre,” reports the Daily Nation in Kenya. “The Chinese were discovered after a fire broke out in the...

iOS Trojan Spies on Hong Kong Protesters

Stephanie Mlot October 2, 2014
A massive group of protesters using smart phones, all eager for specific news about their event, clicking on links, is a ripe target for cyber-surveillance. Pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong suspect that China has infiltrated their phones with a fake application that is really a Trojan for the Apple mobile operating system, or iOS. Similar reports have emerged about Android phones, too....

Key US-EU Trade Pact Under Threat After More NSA Spying Allegations

Ian Traynor, Louise Osborne, Jamie Doward July 1, 2013
A new release of documents from Edward Snowden, a low level contract employee for the US National Security Agency, suggests that the US bugged EU offices in Washington, New York and Brussels, including one operation directed from NATO headquarters. Europe is stunned by the disclosure of intercepted phone calls and compromised fax machines of key officials, which if true, appear to have no...

NSA Surveillance: The US Is Behaving Like China

Ai Weiwei June 14, 2013
Many are shocked by reports on the scope of the US National Security Agency’s PRISM operation, and comparisons to the monolithic security apparatus in China may not be far off. Both US citizens and foreigners are left wondering about the targets. Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, who has both lived in the US for 12 years and been in detention in China, expresses surprise and disappointment....

Chinese Hackers Linked to Attack on Australian Spy Agency

Neil Hume May 29, 2013
Secrets are not secure on the internet, with hackers intent on prying into every online nook and cranny. An Australian Broadcasting Corporation documentary claims that Chinese hackers have stolen the blueprint for Australia’s new intelligence agency before it even opens, reports Neil Hume for the Financial Times. China is Australia’s largest trade partner. “The report also claimed several...