Key facts
- U.S. officials have revised statements, clarifying that government agencies were targets of a Chinese hacking operation, not victims.
- The Justice Department disrupted a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group known as QTFY.
- QTFY allegedly used hacking platforms named "QScan" and "QTRouter" to infiltrate U.S. networks.
- Targeted agencies included NASA, the Federal Reserve, the Department of Energy, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Senate.
- The Chinese embassy denied the allegations and stated opposition to cyberattacks.
U.S. officials have revised earlier statements, clarifying that several government agencies were targets of a Chinese hacking operation, rather than victims. The Justice Department announced it has disrupted a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, known as QTFY, which allegedly used two hacking platforms, "QScan" and "QTRouter," to infiltrate sensitive U.S. networks and conceal its activities.
Agencies identified as targets include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Reserve, the Department of Energy, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Senate. The initial reporting suggested these agencies had been victims, but a subsequent edit by the Justice Department specified they were among the targets of QTFY.
The hacking group is reportedly employed by China-based Nanjing Xinjiuwei Network Technology Company and offers hacking services to entities including China's Ministry of State Security and People's Liberation Army. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that state-sponsored hackers preying on critical infrastructure will be stopped and prosecuted, while FBI Director Kash Patel noted the bureau's role in dismantling a global botnet used by Chinese hackers.
The Chinese embassy in Washington issued a statement firmly opposing and combating all forms of cyberattacks, urging the U.S. to cease using cybersecurity issues to discredit China and vowing to safeguard the rights of Chinese companies.