NSA Accused of Cyberattacks During Asian Winter Games
Beijing – Chinese authorities have accused the United States’ National Security Agency (NSA) of conducting advanced cyberattacks on critical Chinese infrastructure during the Asian Winter Games held in February.
Cyberattacks Allegedly Targeted Critical Sectors
According to Chinese state media outlet Xinhua, police in Harbin, a northeastern Chinese city, claimed the NSA targeted key sectors including:
- Energy
- Transportation
- Water conservancy
- Communications
- National defense research institutions
These cyberattacks reportedly aimed to disrupt critical information infrastructure, create social instability, and steal sensitive data.
American Universities and Operatives Named
Investigations led by Harbin’s Public Security Bureau also implicated two American universities:
- Virginia Tech
- University of California
Three suspected NSA operatives were identified and placed on a wanted list:
- Katheryn A. Wilson
- Robert J. Snelling
- Stephen W. Johnson
Authorities claimed these individuals were involved in repeated cyberattacks on Chinese tech companies, including Huawei.
Cyber Activities During the Games
Xinhua reported that NSA operations peaked during the Winter Games, particularly starting on February 3, the date of the first ice hockey match. The agency allegedly:
- Exploited pre-installed backdoors in Microsoft Windows systems
- Used rented servers across Europe and Asia to conceal identity
- Stole personal data of athletes and event personnel
- Attacked registration and data storage systems related to the Games
No Comment from US Embassy
The U.S. Embassy in China has not responded to requests for comment.
Ongoing Cyber Tensions Between China and US
This incident adds to ongoing cyber tensions between the world’s two largest economies. The United States has routinely accused Chinese state-backed hackers of targeting its critical infrastructure. In contrast, China has increasingly accused the U.S. of conducting cyber espionage.
In December, Chinese authorities claimed they had uncovered two U.S. cyber operations targeting Chinese tech firms to steal trade secrets, although no agency was named.
Conclusion
As geopolitical tensions grow, especially in the digital sphere, both the U.S. and China continue to trade accusations of state-backed cyberattacks. The recent allegations by Chinese police mark another significant step in the escalating cyber conflict between the two nations.
