Big Brother sent from China?
Vast Computer Spy System Tracked Back to China
Courtesy of Dan Colarusso at ClusterStock
Researchers are the University of Toronto have tracked back to China a computer spying operation that’s infiltrated machines in more than 100 countries, according to The New York Times.
The investigation, which doesn’t point at the Chinese government specifically, said the so-called GhostNet system had stolen documens from almost 1,300 computers, including those in offices of the Dalai Lama. It has also monitored a NATO computer system and the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The article says the sytem was the most-ranging one ever discovered and had Big Brother-type capabilities:
"It can, for example, turn on the camera and audio-recording functions of an infected computer, enabling monitors to see and hear what goes on in a room. The investigators say they do not know if this facet has been employed."
Source: Vast Spy System Loots Computers in 103 Countries by John Markoff, NY Times
See also:
Spy chiefs fear Chinese cyber attack by Michael Smith, Times Online
INTELLIGENCE chiefs have warned that China may have gained the capability to shut down Britain by crippling its telecoms and utilities.
They have told ministers of their fears that equipment installed by Huawei, the Chinese telecoms giant, in BT’s new communications network could be used to halt critical services such as power, food and water supplies.
The warnings coincide with growing cyberwarfare attacks on Britain by foreign governments, particularly Russia and China.
A confidential document circulating in Whitehall says that while BT has taken steps to reduce the risk of attacks by hackers or organised crime, “we believe that the mitigating measures are not effective against deliberate attack by China”.
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