The US and UK governments have taken significant measures against Chinese hackers accused of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure and democratic institutions, marking a coordinated international effort to combat cyber threats.
The US and UK governments have taken significant actions against Chinese hackers, accusing them of targeting critical infrastructure and democratic institutions. The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company Ltd, which it describes as a cover for China’s Ministry of State Security’s cyber operations. Additionally, the Department of Justice charged Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, associated with the Wuhan company, with cyber-attacks on the US defense and aerospace sectors.
Similarly, the UK has announced sanctions against individuals and a front company linked to a Chinese hacking group accused of infringing upon the nation’s democratic processes. British authorities have identified cyber-espionage activities directed at the Electoral Commission and lawmakers, with millions of UK voter’s data potentially compromised. These hackers, associated with the Chinese group APT 31, known also as Zirconium or Hurricane Panda, have allegedly attempted to harass and impersonate public figures such as Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former leader of the Conservative party.
The UK Foreign Office has assured that there was no impact on electoral processes following the breach discovered in 2022. The UK’s response, coordinated with allies in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing partnership, includes updated advice from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) for political organizations to protect against cyber attacks.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has communicated the UK’s concerns to Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, stressing the unacceptability of targeting democratic systems. In retaliation, the Chinese government has denied the accusations, dismissing them as baseless.
Both the US and UK measures involve asset freezes and travel bans on the implicated individuals and organizations. These actions reflect a growing international stance against cyber threats and espionage, especially those attributed to state-affiliated actors engaging in unauthorized access to critical infrastructures and democratic institutions.