US Department of Treasury Sanctions Chinese Entities that Hacked Treasury Department, Secretary Yellen’s Computer

China state-affiliated entities have been hacking both public and private organizations in the US for years now. This is part of China’s goal to usurp the US as the world’s top superpower.  In an embarrassing revelation, the US Department of Treasury was hacked, including, apparently, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen’s computer. The breach highlights the profound shortcomings in cybersecurity and the US government.

Today, the Treasury is striking back in a way as the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning individuals and firms who are allegedly responsible for the attack.

OFAC sanctioned Shanghai-based Yin Kecheng and Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology Co., LTD., a Sichuan-based cybersecurity company with direct involvement in the Salt Typhoon group that was said to have been involved in the hack of multiple US telecommunication and internet service provider companies.

OFAC had previously sanctioned PRC and PRC affiliated entities, including the designation of Integrity Technology Group, Inc. for its role in Flax Typhoon malicious activity, and Sichuan Silence Information Technology Company, Ltd. for dangerous firewall compromises, and the designation of Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company, Ltd. and some of its employees as Advanced Persistent Threat (APT).

Treasury said that People’s Republic of China-linked hackers continue to target US firms, government entities, and individuals. These nefarious actions has put vital infrastructure at risk – if there is ever an escalation of conflict between the two nations, something that is appearing more probable as China prepares to take over Taiwan.

Treasury notes that the Director of National Intelligence recently stated that Chinese state-backed cyber actors continue to present some of the most significant and persistent threats to U.S. national security.

The sanctions mean that all property and interests in property of the designated individuals that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. This probably means little as these criminals are effectively out of reach of US authorities.

Another question that is not answered is what is the solution to stopping these ongoing hostile attacks by China, which have been ongoing for years.



Sponsored Links by DQ Promote

 

 

 
Send this to a friend