A Chinese government cyber unit has resumed its attacks on hacking attacks, three months after having appeared to have stopped, according to a US security company.
HumanIPO reported in February US firm Mandiant released a report claiming the Chinese government was assisting hacking attacks on western companies and defence groups, stealing large amounts of data.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry dismissed the claims as “groundless”, though the cyber attacks subsequently stopped. Now, Mandiant has told the New York Times the attacks have resumed, though the company would not reveal targets.
Mandiant did say, however, the targets were many of those attacked by the same unit in the past.
The security firm’s report alleged Unit 61398 stole product blueprints, manufacturing plans and negotiation strategies from more than 100 of its clients, mostly within the US.
Obama administration officials told the New York Times they were unsurprised by the fact the hacking had resumed. “This is something we are going to have to come back at time and again with the Chinese leadership,” one said.
