U.S., U.K., and New Zealand are accusing China of backing "malicious" cyber campaigns that target political figures after spotting Chinese-based hackers.

The government agencies revealed that the cyberattacks were accountable for breaches of elections, businesses, and more.

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British Government Links China to Electoral Commission Hacking

In 2022, the Electoral Commission identified an attack that allegedly started in 2021. Today, British Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden announced his confirmation that it was done by Chinese state-affiliated actors.

According to Dowden, the hackers were able to access the names and addresses of registered British voters between 2014 and 2022. However, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the U.K. argued that the allegations are "completely fabricated and malicious slanders."

The British Government traced the attack to the Chinese hacking group called APT31 which is described as a group focused on obtaining information for the perusal of the Chinese government and state-owned enterprises with political, economic, and military advantages.

U.S. Justice Department Charges Seven Nationals of Cyber Campaigns

The Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted seven Chinese nationals, Ni Gaobin; Weng Ming; Cheng Feng; Peng Yaowen; Sun Xiaohui; Xiong Wang; and Zhao Guangzong, with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The individuals, who are said part of the APT31, have been accused of spending 14 years targeting the U.S., foreign critics, businesses, and politicians.

"This case serves as a reminder of the ends to which the Chinese government is willing to go to target and intimidate its critics, including launching malicious cyber operations aimed at threatening the national security of the United States and our allies," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Parliamentary network will not be introducing sanctions despite tracing an attack from the APT40. The Government Communications Security Bureau reported that although some information was removed from the networks, they were all not sensitive or strategic in nature.

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