Cybersecurity

US Navy Hit by Chinese Hacking Campaign, Report Says

  • China denies ‘unprofessional’ accusation from US, Microsoft
  • Hackers hit targets in US and Guam, a key military outpost

US Navy ships during a transit on the Philippine Sea. 

Photographer: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Z.A. Landers/US Navy
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An alleged campaign by Chinese state-sponsored hackers on targets in the US and Guam has raised fears that Beijing is preparing to disrupt communications in the Pacific in the event of a conflict.

The hacking campaign was first identified by Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday and quickly confirmed by authorities in the US, UK and other allied nations. Microsoft said the hacking group, which it dubbed Volt Typhoon, had breached government, communications, manufacturing and IT organizations in the US and Guam, a crucial military post in the western Pacific Ocean.