Chinese Government Exposes Accused NSA Hackers in Retaliation to Import Taxes
In a move that signals a change in strategy, China has publicly named three individuals working at the National Security Agency as alleged hackers who targeted computer systems for the Asian Winter Games. This shift marks a departure from more cautious or indirect approaches by some countries, such as Singapore, which have noted Chinese-linked attacks but avoided explicit naming.
According to Isaac Stone Fish, CEO of Strategy Risk, this change in approach reflects increased confidence and evidence in tracking sophisticated Chinese hacker groups. This strategy could be referred to as "simple sabotage," a concept coined by the CIA that small interferences can disrupt enemy efforts and create inefficiencies.
This move by China comes at a time when the U.S. and China are locked in contentious tariff negotiations. The cyber activities are part of broader "gray zone conflicts" involving cyber espionage and information warfare that complement conventional trade and diplomatic confrontations. Chinese hackers have notably ramped up operations targeting sectors crucial to national economies and security such as technology, telecommunications, government, finance, and manufacturing—aspects also sensitive in trade disputes.
The report released by China's CVERC on April 3 stated that China faced over 270,000 cyberattacks during the winter games, with the majority originating from computers located in the U.S. China claims that the group also targeted Huawei, a leading telecommunications company in China.
The timing is significant as the U.S. and China remain embroiled in trade disputes. U.S. indictments against Chinese hackers tied to the Ministry of State Security for operations like the Hafnium campaign illustrate direct responses to these cyber threats within the broader framework of economic and political friction.
Meanwhile, cybersecurity firms and governments are increasingly naming specific Chinese hacking groups to clarify threat origins and support defensive measures, signaling a strategic pivot towards more transparent attribution amidst multifaceted tensions, including trade disputes.
President Trump has temporarily reversed course on tariffs in response to market moves, but China continues to face reciprocal tariffs causing disruption in global supply chains. Some companies like Apple are focusing on moving their manufacturing to other Asian countries, like Vietnam and India, rather than building factories in the U.S. Electronics including semiconductors and iPhones are temporarily exempted from the highest tariffs, but Trump has suggested they will be implemented soon.
The United States routinely outs actors linked to China in hacking cases, while China rarely publishes the names of alleged nation-backed hackers. Hacking operations can also be used as a stick in negotiations, implying that an adversary could respond through means like knocking out infrastructure.
The report was accompanied by an image of a man typing on a keyboard dressed in an Uncle Sam outfit, with crosshairs fixed on his head, adding an ominous tone to the already tense situation. Many Americans believe manufacturing should return to the United States, but few want to work in factories.
In essence, China's more visible naming of hacker groups underscores the convergence of cyber espionage strategies with geopolitical and economic disputes, particularly the tariff conflicts with the U.S., reflecting a comprehensive approach to influence and contest international power balances.
- Gizmodo reported on the naming of three individuals by China, who are alleged hackers working at the National Security Agency, as those responsible for targeting computer systems during the Asian Winter Games.
- This move by China is part of a strategy shift, according to Isaac Stone Fish, CEO of Strategy Risk, as China has gained increased confidence and evidence in tracking sophisticated Chinese hacker groups.
- In the broader context, Chinese hackers have been targeting sectors crucial to national economies and security, such as technology and telecommunications, which are also sensitive in trade disputes.
- Many cybersecurity firms and governments are following China's example, naming specific Chinese hacking groups to support defensive measures and clarify threat origins amidst multifaceted tensions, including trade disputes.
