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Cyberterrorism

China Accuses US of Conducting Cyberattacks on National Time Centre

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

China has accused the US National Security Agency (NSA) of conducting cyberattacks on its National Time Service Center, which could have caused severe damage to critical financial and telecommunications infrastructure. The attacks, allegedly carried out between 2022 and 2024, exploited weaknesses in a foreign mobile phone brand's messaging service to steal login credentials from employees at the time centre. Chinese authorities have since taken measures to eliminate potential threats, but the incident highlights the increasing tensions between China and the US in the cyber realm.

Key Takeaways:

  • China accused the US National Security Agency (NSA) of conducting cyberattacks on its National Time Service Center between 2022 and 2024.
  • The attacks allegedly exploited weaknesses in the messaging service of an unspecified foreign mobile phone brand to steal login credentials from employees at the time centre.
  • The facility is responsible for coordinating clocks across the country, used by computer servers, train stations, and power grids.
  • Chinese authorities have taken measures to eliminate potential threats and upgrade protective measures at the National Time Service Center.
  • The incident highlights the worsening relations between China and the US, with Beijing accusing the US of aggressively pursuing cyber hegemony.
  • Western countries have accused hacker groups supported by China of conducting global cyber espionage campaigns against figures critical of Beijing and democratic institutions.

Statistics:

  • The National Time Service Center is responsible for coordinating clocks across China, used by computer servers, train stations, and power grids.
  • The alleged cyberattacks on the National Time Service Center could have jeopardized power grids, transport, and even space launches.
  • China has accused the US of conducting cyberattacks on multiple occasions, including a breach at the US Treasury Department last year.
  • The US has accused China of conducting a global cyber espionage campaign against figures critical of Beijing and democratic institutions.
  • The Chinese Ministry of State Security stated that "ironclad evidence proves that the United States is the true 'hacker empire' and the greatest source of chaos in cyberspace".

Sources:

  • "China accuses US of conducting cyberattacks on national time centre." The New Nation, October 20.

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