FBI accuses China of planting malicious software in US computer networks
FBI Director Christopher Wray made accusations during Munich Security Conference
February 20, 2024
- FBI chief vows to thwart China's efforts to jeopardise US security.
- Scale of threat now greater than ever, claims FBI director.
- It's a complete distortion of facts, China's FM spokesperson says.
Christopher Wray, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has accused China of planting malicious software in computer networks in an attempt to compromise vital infrastructure in the United States.
According to a recent report by First Post, Wray stated that the scale of the threat is now greater than ever before and that the organisation is "laser-focused" on thwarting China's efforts, which have the potential to jeopardise national security in the US.
"We're laser-focused on this as a real threat, and we're working with a lot of partners to try to identify, anticipate, and disrupt it," Wray stated while speaking at the Munich Security Conference where officials gathered to discuss ideas relating to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
"I understand what we're up against with sobriety and clarity. We'll need to constantly be kind of quick on our feet," he continued.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to Wray's comments by saying that China firmly opposes and takes legal action against all forms of cyber-attacks.
She added that it is the US Cyber Force Command which has openly declared that the critical infrastructure of other countries is a legitimate target for US cyberattacks.
She said, "It is extremely irresponsible and is a complete distortion of facts."
On Monday, Mao also said that since last year, China's cybersecurity agencies have released reports revealing the US government's long-running cyber-attacks against Beijing's critical infrastructure.
According to a security report by 360 Security Group, the National Security Agency (NSA) has been conducting covert hacking operations against top Chinese companies for over 10 years, and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been actively involved in espionage and intelligence theft.
