UK, US Accuse China Of Cyber Hacking That Affected Millions Of People

The UK government accused China of being the source of “malicious” cyberattacks against Members of Parliament and the Electoral Commission.

A firm, as well as two individuals, have been sanctioned for cyberattacks.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said they were responsible for trying to obtain information about MPs who are critical of Beijing and about 40 million voters.

According to the Chinese embassy in the UK, these accusations are “malicious slander” and “completely unfounded”.

The UK has sanctioned two Chinese individuals, Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, along with Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company Ltd. The British government claims that the company is associated with the China state-affiliated cyber espionage group, Advanced Persistent Threat Group 31 (APT31).

Assets will be frozen as a result of UK sanctions, making it impossible for firms or citizens to access their money or resources. They will also be prohibited from entering or staying in the UK by a travel ban.

US accusations on China

Along with imposing sanctions and filing charges, US authorities on Monday said that Beijing had been involved in a massive cyber espionage campaign that had affected millions of people, including lawmakers, academics, journalists, and businesses that supplied defense contractors.

It has been referred to by authorities as a branch of China’s Ministry of State Security. Officials listed a long list of targets, including US senators, British lawmakers, White House workers, and foreign officials who had voiced criticism of Beijing.

Few other victims’ names were disclosed, but US officials claimed that over the hackers’ more than ten-year eavesdropping campaign, defence contractors, dissidents, and numerous US businesses—including American steel, energy, and fashion companies—were infiltrated. Prominent suppliers of wireless technology and 5G mobile phone equipment were among the targets. According to the officials, even the wives of prominent lawmakers and US officials were targeted.