MI5: China hacking companies with infected USB sticks

Posted on Monday, February 01 2010 @ 0:57 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
A leaked MI5 report seen by Times Online claims businessmen who receive free USB disks or digital cameras at Chinese trade shows or during company visits better watch out, as this type of gifts has been found to contain Trojan horses that enable Chinese intelligence agencies to hack into corporate networks.
“Chinese intelligence services have also been known to exploit vulnerabilities such as sexual relationships and illegal activities to pressurise individuals to co-operate with them.”

The warning to British businessmen adds: “Hotel rooms in major Chinese cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, which are frequented by foreigners, are likely to be bugged ... hotel rooms have been searched while the occupants are out of the room.”

It warns that British executives are being targeted in China and in other countries. “During conferences or visits to Chinese companies you may be given gifts such as USB devices or cameras. There have been cases where these ‘gifts’ have contained Trojan devices and other types of malware.” bugs which provide the Chinese with remote access to users’ computers.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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