US Charges 12 Chinese Hackers in Massive Data Theft Operation
The US Department of Justice has charged twelve Chinese hackers with a sophisticated data theft operation. The accused, including two men identified as Yin Kecheng and Zhou Shuai, are alleged to have targeted various American entities, selling stolen data to the Chinese government. The charges come amidst escalating tensions between the US and China, following a trade war.
The hackers, part of an elaborate network, are accused of targeting a wide range of entities. These include a major religious organization, critics of the Chinese government, news organizations, an American defense contractor, a law firm, and an academic hospital system. The operation was allegedly carried out by a company called i-Soon, charging between $10,000 and $75,000 per successfully hacked email account.
American officials assert that the hackers often received instructions from two members of the Chinese Ministry of State Security. The charges detail how the hackers targeted a large county government, a federal contractor, and other significant institutions. The operation is believed to have been active since at least 2011.
The US Department of Justice's charges highlight the growing concern over cybersecurity and intellectual property theft. The alleged hacking network's targeting of a wide range of American entities underscores the seriousness of the issue. The charges also come at a time of heightened tensions between the US and China, with the US stressing the need for accountability and justice.
