U.K. accuses Beijing of cyber-espionage, sanctions Chinese company, 2 individuals

Summary

The UK has accused China of a widespread cyber campaign, targeting MPs, the electoral commission, and millions of voters. In response, the UK has sanctioned two individuals and one entity associated with the Chinese State-Affiliated APT31 group. This move comes concurrently with similar actions by the US, where seven Chinese nationals were sanctioned for hacking millions of voters over 14 years. UK MPs, who have been vocal critics of Beijing, have welcomed the sanctions, urging greater support for Chinese dissidents. The Chinese foreign ministry has refuted the UK's allegations as insufficient and unprofessional.

Takeaways

• 🇬🇧 The United Kingdom has accused China of a prolific global campaign of cyber attacks.
• 🔒 The cyber activities targeted personal information of UK politicians, journalists, academics, and millions of voters.
• 📊 The UK's electoral commission was a significant target, with data of around 40 million voters being at risk.
• 🇺🇸 The US has taken similar action, sanctioning seven Chinese nationals for hacking millions of voters over a 14-year period.
• 🚫 The UK has sanctioned two individuals and one entity associated with the Chinese State-Affiliated APT31 group for their involvement in malicious cyber activity.
• 🗣️ British Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden explained the sanctions in the House of Commons, citing a persistent pattern of hostile behavior from China.
• 👏 Some British MPs, who have been critical of Beijing, welcomed the sanctions and called for greater support for Chinese dissidents.
• 🚨 There's a possibility that the UK may escalate its stance by declaring China a national security threat.
• 💬 The Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing has responded, stating that the UK's allegations are insufficient and lacking professionalism.

Q & A

What is the main accusation the UK has against China?

The UK accuses China of a prolific global campaign of cyber attacks, including targeting MPs, the electoral commission, and gaining a treasure trove of data.

Who are the targets of China's alleged cyber activity according to the UK?

The targets include politicians critical of Beijing, journalists, academics, and millions of voters.

When did the UK's electoral watchdog experience a mass cyber attack?

The UK's electoral watchdog experienced a mass cyber attack in 2021, which targeted data of approximately 40 million voters.

What actions has the UK taken in response to the cyber attacks?

The UK has sanctioned two individuals and one entity associated with the Chinese State-Affiliated APT31 group for their involvement in malicious cyber activity.

How does the UK describe China's behavior in the context of these cyber attacks?

The UK describes China's actions as demonstrating a clear and persistent pattern of behavior that signals hostile intent.

What has been the reaction from British MPs who were critical of Beijing?

British MPs who were openly critical of Beijing have welcomed the sanctions and called for greater support for Chinese dissidents.

What is the stance of the US in relation to this issue?

The US has made a similar move by sanctioning seven Chinese nationals for hacking millions of voters over a 14-year period.

What does Ian Duncan Smith, a British MP, suggest the West should do in response to China?

Ian Duncan Smith suggests that the West should wake up to the threat from China and increase support for Chinese dissidents.

Is there a possibility that the UK will take further actions against China?

There is an indication from the Deputy Prime Minister that the UK could go further and declare China a national security threat.

What has been the response from the Chinese foreign Ministry in Beijing?

The Chinese foreign Ministry in Beijing has said that the allegations by the British are insufficient and lacking professionalism.