Security News > 2022 > March > China thrilled it captured already-leaked NSA cyber-weapon

China claims it has obtained a sample of malware used by the NSA to steal files, monitor and redirect network traffic, and remotely control computers to spy on foreign targets.

The NSA apparently used NOPEN to take over "a large number" of computers around the world, and the theft of data from this equipment has caused "Inestimable losses," the tabloid reported.

The NSA did not immediately respond to inquiries from The Register about NOPEN and other claims of spies doing spying in the article.

This follows a similar Global Times report that claimed the NSA has been using cyber-weapons to attack almost 50 countries and regions for a decade with a specific focus on Chinese government agencies, high-tech firms, and military-related institutes.

While it's not out of the ordinary for Beijing to accuse Washington of cyber espionage and related attacks, NOPEN wouldn't be the first time that NSA-developed offense code landed in the wrong hands.

The Global Times also cites an anonymous Chinese cybersecurity expert who said NOPEN is the primary weapon in the NSA's cyber arsenal.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2022/03/14/china_nsa_nopen/