FBI Busts Beijing-Backed Hackers’ Botnet Attack!
The US Takes Down Massive Chinese Government-Backed Botnet
The FBI recently revealed the dismantling of a huge botnet operated by government-supported Chinese hackers. FBI Director Christopher Way disclosed this news last Wednesday, stating that the botnet malware infected various internet-connected devices globally. These devices included home routers, cameras, digital video recorders, and more. The hackers utilized these devices to breach sensitive networks of universities, government organizations, telecommunications providers, and media organizations.
Operation Details and Collaboration
During a conference, Way detailed the operation and identified the hackers as employees of a Beijing-based company known as Integrity Technology Group, also referred to by US investigators as Flax Typhoon. The attack began in mid-2021 and had infected around 260,000 devices by June 2024, as reported by the FBI.
The coordinated effort to dismantle the attack involved the FBI, NSA, and Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF). The US Department of Justice obtained an order to seize control of the attack infrastructure by sending commands to deactivate the malware on the infected devices. Despite attempts by the hackers to retaliate by targeting FBI infrastructure, their efforts were unsuccessful.
Global Impact and Collaboration
Way mentioned that nearly half of the infected devices were in the US, with others located in South America, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The Department of Justice highlighted collaborative efforts with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK to combat the attack.
Looking Ahead
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the Chinese government supported cyber attackers who jeopardize national security. Garland reiterated the Department of Justice’s commitment to dismantling cyberattacks by government-backed Chinese hackers targeting consumers globally.
In conclusion, the US remains vigilant in countering the threats posed by state-backed cyber hacker groups. Private industry collaboration with the FBI has proven beneficial, helping companies save significant amounts in ransom payments following cyberattacks. The FBI’s proactive approach in notifying ISPs and consumers underscores the ongoing efforts to safeguard against cyber threats.
