UK and US Blame Three Chinese Tech Firms for Global Cyberattacks

The United Kingdom and the United States have jointly attributed a series of high-profile cyberattacks to three Chinese tech firms, sparking renewed tensions between the two nations and their allies.

A joint report released by the two countries' intelligence agencies on Tuesday identified the three firms - Alibaba Group, Tencent Holdings, and Wanda Group - as being behind a string of sophisticated cyberattacks that have targeted government agencies, corporations, and individuals around the world.

The attacks, which began in 2020, are believed to be carried out by the Lazarus Group, a notorious hacking collective linked to North Korea. The group is known for its expertise in infiltrating high-security networks and stealing sensitive information.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warned that the attacks could be linked to a range of malicious activities, including data theft, espionage, and disruption of critical infrastructure.

According to the report, the three Chinese tech firms were used as intermediaries by the Lazarus Group to carry out the attacks. The exact nature of their involvement is unclear, but it is believed that they provided the hackers with access to their networks and tools to conduct the cyberattacks.

The attribution of the attacks has significant implications for global relations, particularly between China and the US. The two nations have been engaged in a growing trade war and rivalry in recent years, with tensions escalating over issues such as security, technology, and human rights.

India is also believed to be the target of one of the cyberattacks attributed to the Lazarus Group. According to reports, Indian space agency ISRO was targeted by hackers who stole sensitive information and intellectual property from the agency's systems.

The attack on ISRO has raised concerns about the vulnerability of India's critical infrastructure to cyber threats. The incident highlights the need for increased awareness and preparedness among governments and organizations to protect against such attacks.