The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Taiwan confirmed on Thursday that it was targeted by Chinese hackers, following the indictment of a group of alleged Chinese hackers in the United States. The hackers were accused of collaborating to steal data from American government agencies, MOFA, and several other foreign governments.
According to federal officials, 10 individuals were involved in the hacking scheme, with eight of them working for Anxun Information Technology, also known as i-Soon, and two working for the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. The indictment and a statement from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office described i-Soon as a key player in China’s hacker-for-hire ecosystem.
The hacking attempts targeted a range of organizations, including the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the foreign ministries of Taiwan, South Korea, India, and Indonesia. The hackers also targeted news organizations critical of China and the New York State Assembly.
MOFA acknowledged that it has always been a target for Chinese cyberattacks due to its sensitive nature. The ministry confirmed that it was aware of the hacking attempts and conducted a thorough investigation, determining that none of the attempts to breach its system were successful.
In a statement, MOFA condemned Chinese hacking attempts as “despicable” and recognized the recent indictment in the U.S. as a step towards holding the alleged hackers accountable. The ministry pledged to work closely with like-minded countries to enhance information security and combat cyberattacks initiated by authoritarian regimes.
The international community has long been concerned about Chinese cyber espionage and hacking activities. China has been accused of engaging in widespread and coordinated cyberattacks to steal sensitive information and disrupt the operations of governments, businesses, and other entities around the world.
The indictment of the alleged Chinese hackers is seen as a significant development in the fight against cybercrime and demonstrates the United States’ commitment to holding state-sponsored hackers accountable for their actions. The U.S. government has taken a strong stance against cyber threats originating from China and has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals involved in malicious cyber activities.
Cybersecurity experts warn that state-sponsored hacking poses a serious threat to national security and can have far-reaching consequences for governments and organizations. As countries become increasingly reliant on digital technologies, the risk of cyberattacks continues to grow, prompting governments to adopt stronger cybersecurity measures to protect their sensitive information and critical infrastructure.
In response to the growing threat of cyberattacks, countries are working together to develop international agreements and norms to govern cyberspace and prevent malicious activities. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society organizations is essential to strengthen cybersecurity and safeguard the internet against malicious actors.
MOFA’s confirmation of the hacking attempts against it underscores the need for constant vigilance and robust cybersecurity defenses to protect against cyber threats. By collaborating with other countries and sharing information and best practices, Taiwan and its allies can enhance their capabilities to detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks effectively.
In conclusion, the indictment of the alleged Chinese hackers highlights the ongoing challenge of cybersecurity and the need for international cooperation to address the growing threat of cybercrime. By working together to strengthen information security and combat malicious cyber activities, countries can better protect themselves against cyber threats and safeguard their critical infrastructure and sensitive data.