12 Chinese Nationals Charged in Major Cyber Attacks on US Treasury and More

DOJ Charges 12 Chinese Nationals in Major Cybercrime Investigation

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has made headlines today by announcing criminal charges against 12 Chinese nationals linked to a series of cyberattacks targeting over 100 US organizations, including crucial entities like the Treasury, that date back as far as 2013.

Attributing the Cyber Attacks

According to the DOJ, these individuals conducted their operations either independently or at the behest of China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the Ministry of State Security (MSS). Among the accused, two are claimed to be officers of the MPS, while eight others are employees of i-Soon, a Chinese company that allegedly specializes in hack-for-hire operations.

The Role of i-Soon

i-Soon has been implicated in various cyber intrusions, reportedly possessing the capability to hack into platforms like Gmail and Microsoft Outlook. Additionally, they are believed to have provided a tool dubbed the “Public Opinion Guidance and Control Platform” to assist the Chinese government in monitoring public sentiment abroad.

Association with APT27

Moreover, two of the defendants are associated with a hacking group known as APT27, or Silk Typhoon. This group has a history of targeting organizations, particularly in healthcare and educational sectors. Recent research from Microsoft indicates the group has shifted focus towards IT systems.

Financial Motivations Behind the Attacks

The DOJ claims these cybercriminals were primarily motivated by financial gain. Reports indicate that i-Soon generated tens of millions in revenue as a significant player in China's hacker-for-hire market. They were reportedly paid between $10,000 and $75,000 by the MSS and MPS to exploit email inboxes.

Extensive Impact of the Attacks

The DOJ highlights that the defendants targeted a wide range of entities, including technology firms, think tanks, law firms, and healthcare systems—resulting in millions of dollars in damages. Victimized organizations include two New York newspapers, the US Department of Commerce, and the Defense Intelligence Agency.

In Pursuit of Justice

As it stands, none of the defendants are currently in custody. The US government is actively seeking information to help identify those responsible for directing or executing these cyberattacks, offering rewards of up to $10 million for helpful tips related to the criminal activities of i-Soon.

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