United States Officials Says Chinese Hackers Hit DOJ, NASA, Federal Reserve and More

United States officials claim “Chinese state-sponsored hackers” targeted a number of federal agencies stateside, including the Department of Justice, U.S. Senate, and NASA.

According to a press release issued Wednesday, August 26 by the DOJ, its agency, as well as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Federal Reserve, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and the The Senate were all compromised.

To combat the attack, the Justice Department and FBI announced the seizure of internet domains associated with two hacking platforms — “QScan” and “QTRouter” — which were allegedly used by what the agencies referred to as the “state-sponsored” People’s Republic of China (PRC) group “QTFY” to access U.S. networks and then cover up their tracks.

Per an affidavit from an FBI agent in support of the domain seizures, officials believe the Chinese hackers have been compromising “critical infrastructure and other sensitive networks in the United States and worldwide” since at least 2018. In addition to the agencies above, other targeted networks, according to the affidavit, include those at hospitals, power companies, telecommunications providers, financial institutions, and defense contractors.

The scope of the damage is unknown at this time.

“State-sponsored malicious hackers preying on America’s critical infrastructure will be stopped and prosecuted,” Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “We are here to ensure security for the American people and will use every tool we have to keep that promise.”

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the work of FBI San Diego, FBI Cyber Division, and their partners at the DOJ for their hard work.

“Today’s action is just the latest technical operation against PRC-sponsored hacking – and in support of President Donald Trump‘s Cyber Strategy for America, the FBI is surging efforts to shape adversary behavior and defend the homeland in cyberspace,” Patel added.

“The FBI remains relentless in our efforts to counter nation state cyber actors, taking decisive action against those threatening the United States and our critical infrastructure,” added Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “Through complex investigations, aggressive technical operations, and strong partnerships, FBI San Diego will continue to identify, disrupt, and impose costs on our cyber adversaries. We are committed to dismantling the tools behind these state-sponsored crimes and protecting the American people from malicious cyber activity.”

The Chinese embassy has not commented on the news, though both USA Today and CNN pointed out that the Chinese government typically denies U.S. hacking allegations.