US, UK, NZ accuse China of cyber attacks

WELLINGTON (AFP) – The United States, Britain and New Zealand have accused Beijingbacked cyber groups of being behind a series of attacks against lawmakers and key democratic institutions – allegations that prompted angry Chinese denials.

In rare and detailed public accusations against China – Washington, London and Wellington described a series of cyber breaches over the last decade or more, in what appeared to be a concerted effort to hold Beijing accountable.

The US Justice Department charged seven Chinese nationals over what it said was a 14-year “prolific global hacking operation” designed to aid China’s “economic espionage and foreign intelligence objectives.”

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco on Monday said the campaign involved more than 10,000 emails being sent, targeting US and foreign-based businesses, politicians, candidates for elected office and journalists.

Washington said a unit, dubbed APT31, was behind the attacks, describing it as a “cyberespionage program” run by China’s powerful Ministry of State Security from Wuhan.

The hackers gained access to “email accounts, cloud storage accounts, and telephone call records” the Justice Department said, monitoring some accounts for “years.”

Hours later, London said that from 2021-2022 the same APT31 group had targeted UK lawmakers’ accounts, including many who were critical of Beijing’s policies.

With Britain expected to hold a general election within months, UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden also made a shock announcement that “a Chinese state-affiliated entity” had likely “compromised” the country’s Electoral Commission.

He said that both campaigns against lawmakers and the Electoral Office, while a “real and serious threat,” were ultimately thwarted.

“It will not impact how people register, vote or otherwise participate in democratic processes,” Dowden said.

Two individuals and one company linked to APT31 have been hit with UK sanctions.