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Google Dismantles Vast Chinese Hacking Spy Ring
25 Feb
Summary
- A Chinese-linked hacking group targeted over 53 organizations globally.
- Google disrupted the group's operations and disabled its infrastructure.
- The hackers exploited Google Sheets to evade detection and steal data.
A sophisticated Chinese-linked hacking group, identified as UNC2814 and Gallium, has been dismantled by Google after breaching at least 53 organizations across 42 countries. This operation, which had a nearly decade-long history, focused on penetrating government entities and telecommunications companies for espionage purposes.
Google Threat Intelligence Group announced the disruption, highlighting that the group utilized Google Sheets to evade detection and blend into normal network traffic. This method was employed for targeting and data theft, though Google affirmed no Google product was compromised.
At the time of the disruption, the group had confirmed access to 53 entities, with potential access in at least 22 additional countries. The intelligence gathered included sensitive personal data such as national ID numbers. The hacking activities are distinct from other known Chinese cyber operations.
