US Probes Malware Email Targeting Trade Talks with China
US authorities are investigating a fake email containing malware that was reportedly sent to US trade groups, law firms, and government agencies.
US authorities are investigating a bogus email purportedly from Representative John Moolenaar, a Republican lawmaker, which contained malware apparently aimed at providing China with insights into the Trump administration's trade talks with Beijing.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that the malware in the email, sent to US trade groups, law firms, and government agencies in July, was traced to APT41, a hacker group believed to be working for Chinese intelligence.
Moolenaar, who is the chairman of a congressional committee focused on strategic competition between China and the United States, including threats to US national security, is a harsh critic of Beijing.
The email targeted recommendations to the White House for contentious trade talks with China, according to sources quoted by the Journal.
The Chinese embassy in Washington stated that it was not familiar with the reported attack and emphasized its opposition to all forms of cyberattacks and cybercrime.
Additionally, the embassy rejected any accusations without solid evidence.
US authorities, including the FBI and US Capitol Police, are investigating the email.
The FBI confirmed their awareness of the incident and expressed a commitment to identifying and pursuing those responsible for the malware attack.
Moolenaar emphasized that the attack was another example of Chinese cyber operations aimed at stealing US strategy and reaffirmed that his committee would not be intimidated.
The discovery of this fake email came to light when staff members of Moolenaar's committee began receiving puzzling inquiries about it, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that the malware in the email, sent to US trade groups, law firms, and government agencies in July, was traced to APT41, a hacker group believed to be working for Chinese intelligence.
Moolenaar, who is the chairman of a congressional committee focused on strategic competition between China and the United States, including threats to US national security, is a harsh critic of Beijing.
The email targeted recommendations to the White House for contentious trade talks with China, according to sources quoted by the Journal.
The Chinese embassy in Washington stated that it was not familiar with the reported attack and emphasized its opposition to all forms of cyberattacks and cybercrime.
Additionally, the embassy rejected any accusations without solid evidence.
US authorities, including the FBI and US Capitol Police, are investigating the email.
The FBI confirmed their awareness of the incident and expressed a commitment to identifying and pursuing those responsible for the malware attack.
Moolenaar emphasized that the attack was another example of Chinese cyber operations aimed at stealing US strategy and reaffirmed that his committee would not be intimidated.
The discovery of this fake email came to light when staff members of Moolenaar's committee began receiving puzzling inquiries about it, according to sources familiar with the matter.
