Chinese hackers breached Microsoft and gained access to 60,000 U.S. State Department emails, according to a Senate staffer.

Tens of Thousands of U.S. State Department Emails Stolen by China-Based Hackers

In a stunning revelation, a Senate staffer has disclosed that a‍ group of China-based hackers ⁤breached Microsoft’s email platform earlier this year, stealing tens of ⁣thousands ‌of U.S. State‍ Department emails. ​The anonymous staffer, working for‍ Sen. Eric‍ Schmitt (R-MO), revealed⁤ that State Department IT⁤ officials briefed lawmakers ⁤on the incident, stating that 60,000 emails were stolen from ten​ different accounts directly involved in East Asia and⁤ the Pacific affairs.

This ‍cyber attack occurred in June ‌when Chinese Communist Party-affiliated hackers infiltrated⁢ Microsoft’s system, ‍gaining access to multiple U.S. agencies dealing with China. The timing of the breach was particularly concerning as it ‍happened just before Secretary of State Antony​ Blinken’s visit to Beijing.

Unsurprisingly, the ⁤Chinese foreign‌ ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, dismissed the accusation as “disinformation” and deflected‌ attention⁢ by ‌accusing the U.S. of cyber espionage against China.‌ Wenbin boldly claimed that the United States is the world’s largest ​hacker empire, engaging in the most cyber theft.

The news of this hacking incident first came to light in ⁣July, prompting immediate action from U.S. agencies to counter China’s audacious and frequent acts of cyber⁢ espionage. The Wall Street Journal reported that senior officials at the State Department, including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, were among the victims of this​ Chinese hacking campaign.

Microsoft, in a ⁤blog post, attributed ⁤the breach to a state-backed Chinese hacking group known as Storm-0558, which has a history of targeting government agencies in Western Europe. The group had been accessing email accounts since May, affecting approximately 25 organizations, including government agencies and consumer accounts associated with these agencies.

Sen. Schmitt emphasized ⁤the need for the federal government to reevaluate its⁢ reliance on a single IT⁣ vendor, considering it a potential weak‌ point. He called for stronger defenses against cyberattacks and intrusions in the future.

Earlier this year, Schmitt‍ and other senators sent a bipartisan letter to the State Department Chief​ Information Officer, demanding answers regarding the extent of the hacker’s breach of the unclassified email server before Blinken’s trip to China.

Cybersecurity ‍and Infrastructure Security Agency officials, along with international and domestic intelligence services, issued a joint statement warning ‍about China’s threat to American intellectual property. CISA Director⁣ Jen‌ Easterly stated that China ⁤has ‍been conducting aggressive cyber ⁤operations for years, stealing intellectual property and⁣ sensitive data from organizations worldwide.

In a recent Pentagon​ cyber strategy report, ⁢it was revealed that ⁢China and Russia are prepared to launch destructive cyber attacks ‍on U.S. critical infrastructure to sow chaos⁤ and hinder military mobilization in the event of war. The report​ highlighted China’s⁤ belief in cyberspace superiority and ‍its engagement in espionage and‍ theft targeting defense networks and broader U.S. critical infrastructure.

Earlier this ⁢year, Microsoft had ⁤already warned about state-backed Chinese hackers targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, ‍potentially disrupting‌ communications between ⁤the U.S. and Asia during future crises.

CLICK HERE TO ⁤GET THE DAILY WIRE APP

‍How can the U.S. government prioritize strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure and intelligence capabilities in response to this breach

Acknowledged the breach and stated that ⁢they ‍had notified affected customers and​ taken necessary steps to secure their accounts. They also​ mentioned that they had identified and disabled the China-based hackers’ access to​ their systems.

The stolen emails are believed to contain sensitive​ information regarding U.S.-China relations, ongoing​ negotiations, and diplomatic strategies. The breach raises concerns about the security of communication channels ⁢within U.S. government agencies and⁤ their vulnerability to foreign cyberattacks.

This⁣ incident serves as a reminder of the persistent ‌threat posed by state-sponsored hackers, particularly from⁤ China. It highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures ‌and constant vigilance to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.

The U.S. government has previously accused China of engaging in cyber​ espionage and theft of intellectual property. However, ‍the Chinese government denies these allegations and claims that it is the victim of‍ cyberattacks from the United States. The ongoing blame ‌game between the two countries reflects the contentious relationship and deep-seated​ mistrust in the realm ⁣of cybersecurity.

In response to this breach, the U.S. must prioritize strengthening its cybersecurity⁤ infrastructure and intelligence capabilities. Cooperation and coordination between government agencies, private sector entities, and ‌international partners are crucial in detecting and countering cyber threats effectively.

It is imperative for the U.S. government to hold the‌ perpetrators accountable for their actions and impose appropriate consequences. This not only promotes deterrence but‍ also sends a strong message that cyber espionage and theft of sensitive information will not be tolerated.

In conclusion, the theft of tens of thousands of U.S. State Department emails by China-based hackers highlights the persistent threat that cyberattacks pose to national security. It underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to⁢ protect sensitive information and ensure the integrity of communication channels. The U.S. government must take decisive action to hold the perpetrators accountable and strengthen its cybersecurity defenses ‍to prevent future breaches.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases