FBI Accuses China of Planting Malicious Software in US Networks

Christopher Wray, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has accused China of inserting malicious software into US computer networks, aiming to compromise crucial infrastructure. Wray highlighted the intensifying threat during the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing the FBI's focused efforts to thwart China's activities, which pose a potential risk to US national security.

Speaking at the conference, Wray stated, "We're laser-focused on this as a real threat, and we're working with a lot of partners to try to identify, anticipate, and disrupt it." He acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the need for constant vigilance and agility in responding to the evolving threat landscape.

In response to Wray's accusations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning rejected the claims, asserting China's firm opposition to all forms of cyber-attacks. Mao pointed to the US Cyber Force Command openly declaring other countries' critical infrastructure as legitimate targets for cyber-attacks, deeming Wray's remarks "extremely irresponsible" and a distortion of facts.

Mao also mentioned that China's cybersecurity agencies had released reports since last year, revealing alleged long-running cyber-attacks by the US government against Beijing's critical infrastructure. This reflects the ongoing tensions and mutual accusations in the realm of cyber warfare between the two nations.

Additionally, a security report by the 360 Security Group claimed that the National Security Agency (NSA) has been conducting covert hacking operations against top Chinese companies for over a decade. The report also implicated the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in espionage and intelligence theft targeting Chinese entities.

The accusations and counter-accusations underscore the complex and contentious nature of cybersecurity issues between China and the United States. The Munich Security Conference provided a platform for these concerns amid discussions on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.