Security News > 2008 > February > Chinese waging online spy war

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/chinese-waging-online-spy-war/2008/02/09/1202234232007.html By Jason Koutsoukis The Age February 10, 2008 CHINESE computer hackers have launched several targeted attacks on highly classified Federal Government computer networks, prompting an internal review of IT security. The cyber attacks are believed to be part of a co-ordinated international espionage operation to glean intelligence from Western countries. Senior Australian intelligence figures are also believed to be concerned at an increasing level of industrial espionage directed at local companies. The targeted cyber attacks are believed to have occurred late last year but are not believed to have succeeded in stealing any sensitive information. Chinese authorities are believed to be using sophisticated hacking technology to glean information on a range of subjects including sensitive military secrets and the prices Australian companies will seek for resources such as coal, iron ore and natural gas. "I wouldn't characterise the attempts as necessarily malicious, just routine espionage aimed at getting an advantage," a Canberra-based intelligence source told The Sunday Age. "It's important to recognise that this is not a direct threat aimed at destabilising our government, nor is this a wilful effort to hinder or discredit government activity. "But, do we have secrets that other governments would like to know? Yes. Are they trying? Yes. Espionage over the internet is a major battleground of the future." So concerned are senior intelligence figures that the Federal Government will this year spend $70 million to improve IT security, a figure that could be increased after the recent spate of cyber attacks. A spokesman for the Department of Defence refused to confirm or deny the recent cyber attacks on key government agencies. A Chinese government spokesman denied that Beijing had authorised any cyber espionage against any Australian agencies. A December 2007 report on virtual criminology by the international antivirus software and computer security company McAfee Inc confirmed that government computer systems in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Germany and India had been attacked. It predicted that growth in virtual espionage would be among the main online threats in 2008. "The Chinese have publicly stated that they are pursuing activities in cyber-espionage," the McAfee report stated. The report estimated that about 120 countries around the world were working on cyber attack plans. What they want * Australian military secrets. * Intelligence provided to Australia by other Western nations, particularly the United States. * Corporate secrets, such as the prices Australian companies will ask for resources such as coal, iron ore and natural gas. ___________________________________________________ Subscribe to InfoSec News http://www.infosecnews.org/mailman/listinfo/isn

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http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/chinese-waging-online-spy-war/2008/02/09/1202234232007.html