Dragon's Code: America Under Cyber Siege

China's Cyber Siege: Hacking Spree Targets US Treasury, Infrastructure & More! Beijing's Bold Moves Escalate Tensions


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This is your Dragon's Code: America Under Cyber Siege podcast.

Hey there, I'm Ting, and welcome to Dragon's Code: America Under Cyber Siege. Let's dive right in. Over the past few days, we've seen some of the most sophisticated Chinese cyber operations targeting US infrastructure. The latest attack on the US Treasury Department by hackers linked to Beijing is a prime example. They infiltrated several user workstations, gaining access to unclassified documents, by breaching the security protocols of a third-party vendor[5].

The attack targeted the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Office of Financial Research, along with the office of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. This isn't just any ordinary hack; it's a strategic move by Beijing to counter Washington's China policy. OFAC has a key role in administering sanctions on Chinese individuals and firms, including those recently accused by the Treasury Department of aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine.

But that's not all. The "Volt Typhoon" attack against transportation, energy, and other US critical infrastructure sectors, and "Flax Typhoon" attacks targeting Taiwan, highlight Beijing's growing reliance on cyberattacks to compete with Washington. The "Salt Typhoon" attack against the American communication and information technology sectors is another example of China's aggressive cyber campaigns.

According to cybersecurity experts, these attacks are part of a larger strategy to disrupt US military supply lines and hinder an effective US response in case of a potential conflict with China, especially over Taiwan. The recent executive order by President Joe Biden on strengthening and promoting innovation in America's cybersecurity acknowledges the aggravating Chinese cyber menace and emphasizes the need for better preparedness[4].

The US Department of the Treasury has sanctioned the Chinese company Integrity Tech for supporting the hacking group Flax Typhoon, which employs a "Living of the Land" strategy that involves implanting malware with legitimate admin tools and monitoring activities remotely. FBI Director Christopher Wray and Microsoft have identified malicious Chinese state-sponsored groups such as Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon as targeting American critical infrastructures.

So, what can we learn from these attacks? First, the importance of securing third-party vendors and supply chains. Second, the need for robust cybersecurity measures, including regular updates and patches. And third, the importance of international cooperation and information sharing to counter these threats.

As I wrap up, it's clear that the US is under cyber siege, and it's time to take action. The FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes provisions to address potential security risks linked to Chinese-origin technology and limit the transfer of US technology or data to China[2]. It's a step in the right direction, but we need to do more. Stay vigilant, and stay tuned for more updates on Dragon's Code.

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Dragon's Code: America Under Cyber SiegeBy Quiet. Please