US Removes Malware Allegedly Planted on Computers By Chinese-Backed Hackers (reuters.com) 17
The U.S. Justice Department said on Tuesday that it has deleted malware planted on more than 4,200 computers by a group of criminal hackers who were backed by the People's Republic of China. From a report: The malware, known as "PlugX," affected thousands of computers around the globe and was used to infect and steal information, the department said. Investigators said the malware was installed by a band of hackers who are known by the names "Mustang Panda" and "Twill Typhoon."
Re: (Score:1, Flamebait)
Are you daft?
The US has done this repeatedly in the past, and Reagan even spoiled one scheme in order to have a good speech.
However, the US has not stolen their entire set of tech knowledge from China, while multiple countries leverage their own developments on those accomplished here in 'Merica
Re:Just another day (Score:4, Insightful)
I'm not saying you're wrong, but *cough* [citation needed]
More BS (Score:3, Insightful)
Yes, for 11 years Chinese hackers spread malware in US computers through USB drives.
Um, does any of that make sense? Like what, they threw them on parking lots outside Walmart so people could plug them in?
I would have believed "pre-installed." I would have believed "recently uncovered." I would even believe "hidden on a web page and people were lured to it."
But... DELIVERED VIA USB DRIVES to a precise 4,200 computers, all in the US?
Our government just can't seem to make even their own bullshit sound credible.
Wait, there's a delivery at the door. It's an envelope. From China? But I didn't order anything. It's a USB drive but it has a cute panda logo. Damn I was hoping for beef & broc. Well might as well plug it in and give it all permissions. Because of course this is all how things work.
Re:More BS (Score:4, Funny)
Oh for fucks sake, where do you think the bulk of cheap electronics are made these days?
Not to mention all of those bunko 64TB USB drives that were being sold on Amazon from "Lenovo"
Re: (Score:1)
So the US justice dept. has been buying bulk products from Amazon, and not from a trusted source? Read the affidavit comment below. That's not what happened.
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
"This variant of PlugX malware spreads through a computer’s USB port, infecting attached USB devices, and then potentially spreading to other Windows-based computers that the USB device is later plugged into." If you consider that this is spread through sneaker net to computers in the immediate vicinity, "all in the US" sounds like far too broad a scope. All in Pennsylvania is perhaps more sensible. Although, French authorities were involved as well. International flight is
Re: (Score:3)
The article does not say the infection came from USB *drives*, it says it comes through USB *ports*.
Now look at your computer. How many things are plugged into USB ports? Keyboard, mouse, camera, microphone, etc. Any of these can carry malware--malware "apps" don't need to be large to call home and download whatever else they need. And where did these things come from? I'll bet most came from China.
Re: (Score:2)
Love how this is scored "insightful"
Well known that threat actors spent significant effort distributing infected devices at various trade/tech shows over multiple years.
But sure... "insightful". Welcome to the party, pal.
Whatever (Score:3, Insightful)
The US Government and, by extension, all of the agencies that report to it, don't exactly have a spectacular record when it comes to being transparent and / or truthful.
They like to remind us ( constantly ) who the bad guys are supposed to be on any given day.
They've lied to us all so much and so often that it doesn't even matter if they're telling the truth any longer as fewer people are buying any of it.
They have learned they can give themselves them all the power they can ever ask for as long as they keep the population in fear of something.
( Thus: Communism, Soviet Union, Iran, WMD's in Iraq, North Korea, Islam, China, Covid, Climate Change, etc. etc. )
The United States tends to behave like a celebrity.
Both have a tendency to do stupid shit in a desperate attempt to remain relevant in the public eye when they feel they aren't getting enough attention.
Re: (Score:1)
I spent a couple weeks in China years ago. The English language news that was available talked about how shady the US was and how great China was, specifically all the humanitarian help they were providing to Africa.
I'm willing to bet Russian news doesn't think too highly of the US. I know Cuba and Venezuela have also tried to use the US as a scapegoat to make their own struggles.
My point - don't act like it's a one-way street. At least in the US I
Re: (Score:1)
LOL whataboutism again?
Re: (Score:3)
It may or may not be true, but it's quite plausible. Still, one should always wonder....
LInk to announcement (Score:2)