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China Accuses US of Yearslong Cyberattack on National Time Service

In a shocking revelation, China's spy agency has accused the United States' National Security Agency (NSA) of launching a yearslong cyberespionage campaign against its national time service. The Ministry of State Security claimed that the NSA began the operation in 2022 by exploiting a text-messaging vulnerability to gain control of employee cellphones at the National Time Service Center, then used stolen credentials to access servers and implant covert tools.

The alleged breach, if true, could have allowed attackers to tamper with national timekeeping – a move that experts say could disrupt communications, banking, and satellite navigation across China. The Chinese government's accusations against the NSA mark a significant escalation in the ongoing cyber espionage war between the two global superpowers.

**A Yearslong Campaign**

According to the Ministry of State Security, the NSA's alleged operation began in 2022 by exploiting a vulnerability in a mobile text messaging service. The attackers allegedly deployed 42 "specialized cyberattack weapons" to implant sabotage capabilities, including forging digital certificates, bypassing antivirus software, and using strong encryption to erase traces of their activity.

Tampering with the National Time Service could have disastrous consequences for China's critical infrastructure, including financial transactions, communications, and satellite timing. The Chinese government has claimed that it countered the operation by cutting off the attack chain and upgrading its defenses.

**A Cycle of Accusations**

The latest claim fits into years of mutual accusations of state-sponsored cyber activity between the United States and China. Beijing has frequently accused the US of hacking Chinese systems, while American intelligence and private cybersecurity firms have repeatedly attributed massive data-theft campaigns to Chinese state-linked groups.

In April, Chinese authorities accused the NSA of launching attacks against networks linked to the Asian Winter Games held in February. The accusations against the NSA are just the latest in a long-running cycle of cyber espionage between the two countries.

**A Response from the US Embassy**

The US Embassy in Beijing responded to the allegations by stating that China "is the most active and persistent cyber threat to U.S. government, private-sector, and critical infrastructure networks." The embassy's statement underscores the growing concern about Chinese cyber activity and the need for increased cooperation between the two countries to counter this threat.

**A Call for Cooperation**

The latest claim highlights the need for greater transparency and cooperation between the US and China on cybersecurity issues. Both countries have a vested interest in countering each other's cyber espionage activities, but they lack a robust framework for collaboration.

As experts warn of the growing threat of foreign adversaries threatening US security, it is clear that a more proactive approach to cybersecurity is needed. The US must take steps to defend against Chinese state-sponsored hacking operations and work with its allies to counter this threat.

**A Wake-Up Call**

The latest cyberattack on China's National Time Service marks a wake-up call for the global community. It highlights the need for increased vigilance and cooperation in countering the growing threat of foreign adversaries threatening our security.

As we navigate this complex landscape, it is essential to prioritize transparency, collaboration, and a robust defense strategy against state-sponsored cyber espionage. Only by working together can we hope to prevent such attacks from disrupting our critical infrastructure and compromising our national security.

**A Long-Running Feud**

The latest claim fits into years of mutual accusations of state-sponsored cyber activity between the United States and China. Beijing has frequently accused the US of hacking Chinese systems, while American intelligence and private cybersecurity firms have repeatedly attributed massive data-theft campaigns to Chinese state-linked groups.

In April, Chinese authorities accused the NSA of launching attacks against networks linked to the Asian Winter Games held in February. The accusations against the NSA are just the latest in a long-running cycle of cyber espionage between the two countries.

**A Call for Action**

The US must take steps to defend against Chinese state-sponsored hacking operations and work with its allies to counter this threat. By prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and a robust defense strategy, we can hope to prevent such attacks from disrupting our critical infrastructure and compromising our national security.

In conclusion, the latest claim highlights the need for greater cooperation between the US and China on cybersecurity issues. Both countries have a vested interest in countering each other's cyber espionage activities, but they lack a robust framework for collaboration.

As we move forward, it is essential to prioritize transparency, collaboration, and a robust defense strategy against state-sponsored cyber espionage. Only by working together can we hope to prevent such attacks from disrupting our critical infrastructure and compromising our national security.