Chinese Hackers Linked to US Treasury Targeted by Justice Department
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced a significant move in its efforts to combat cybercrime, bringing charges against 12 Chinese hackers who allegedly targeted over 100 American companies, including the US Treasury. The individuals accused are linked to various Chinese hacking groups and organizations, which have been accused of suppressing "free speech and religious freedoms" worldwide.
The DoJ confirmed that some of those charged were contract hackers and Chinese law enforcement officials who used their skills to infiltrate firms in the United States and globally. These attackers gained access to victims' networks by exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities in enterprise software, highlighting the importance of keeping software up-to-date to prevent such breaches.
Two of the individuals are allegedly linked to the state-sponsored hacking group Silk Typhoon, which was identified by Microsoft as the group responsible for the US Treasury hack in late 2024. The attackers targeted a wide range of organizations, including law firms, defense contractors, government agencies, universities, tech companies, and healthcare services.
The DoJ also announced it was bringing charges against eight individuals who were part of an organization called Anxum Information Technology Co.Ltd., nicknamed “i-Soon”. This group conducted computer intrusions at the direction of the PRC's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and Ministry of State Security (MSS). According to prosecutors, these organizations paid handsomely for each email inbox the group successfully exploited, with rewards ranging from approximately $10,000 to $75,000.
"The FBI is committed to protecting Americans from foreign cyber-attacks," said Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI's Cyber Division. "Today’s announcements reveal that the Chinese Ministry of Public Security has been paying hackers-for-hire to inflict digital harm on Americans who criticize the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Despite these significant charges, none of the individuals have been detained, and the US Government has offered up to $10 million for information leading to the arrests and convictions of the malicious cybercriminals.
A Growing Concern: State-Sponsored Hackers
The use of state-sponsored hackers to target American companies and suppress dissent is a growing concern. The involvement of Chinese law enforcement officials in these hacking operations highlights the need for increased cooperation between nations to combat cybercrime.
As the global landscape becomes increasingly digital, it's essential that governments and organizations take proactive steps to protect themselves from such threats. This includes staying up-to-date with software patches, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.
A Call to Action
The public is urged to be vigilant in reporting any suspicious cyberactivity. The US Government's offer of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrests and convictions of malicious cybercriminals serves as a reminder that every piece of information can help bring these individuals to justice.