Computer hackers from China were reportedly behind a string of recent attacks that hit government and business websites throughout the Western world.

 

In France, the finance ministry was forced to shut down 10,000 computers after a “spectacular” cyber attack was unleashed. French authorities said the infiltration targeted files related to the Group of 20 (G20) developed and developing nations, which is led this year by France.

 

In South Korea, Chinese computer experts managed to gain access to the government’s top-secret plan last year to buy the U.S.-made Global Hawk reconnaissance drone. Also, another cyber attack hit computers in the presidential Blue House, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the National Intelligence Service, South Korean military headquarters, the U.S. military forces in the country and several other agencies. The second attack was not immediately attributed to Chinese hackers.

 

Finally, a malware known as “Night Dragon” that originated in China two years ago was blamed on attacks that targeted five Western oil, gas and petrochemical companies. The infiltration succeeded in stealing proprietary information about contracts, oil- and gas-field operations, and software systems used to manage and monitor the companies’ facilities.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

French Government Comes Under Cyber Attack (Agence France-Presse)

South Korea Probes Internet, GPS Disruptions (by Steve Herman, Voice of America)

Chinese Hackers Access Korea's Global Hawk Purchase Plans (The Chosunilbo)

'Sloppy' Chinese Hackers Scored Data-theft Coup with 'Night Dragon' (by Gregg Keizer, Computerworld)