Japan's space agency was hit by cyberattacks even as hackers failed to access sensitive information about rockets and satellite operations, a spokesperson revealed Wednesday (Nov 29).&nbsp;

“There was a possibility of unauthorised access by exploiting the vulnerability of network equipment,” the spokesperson at Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was quoted as saying by Reuters. However, the official&nbsp;declined&nbsp;to elaborate on details, such as when did the attack take&nbsp;place.

JAXA got to know about the attack after an external organisation conducted an internal audit, as per the spokesperson.

He also declined&nbsp;to identify the organisation's name.

A detailed investigation is going on into the hacking attempt and it was not revealed who could be orchestrating this.

According to Japanese media, the attack took place in the summer. They were informed about the same by the police during autumn.

<h2>The suspect</h2>

Earlier in September this year, Japan, along with the US, had jointly warned global corporations against the China-linked hacker group BlackTech in a cybersecurity advisory.

"BlackTech has demonstrated capabilities in modifying router firmware without detection and exploiting routers’ domain-trust relationships to pivot from international subsidiaries to headquarters in Japan and the United States, which are the primary targets," the statement said.

Watch:&nbsp;China on its way to become Japan of 1990s

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According to Japan's National Police Agency, the China-linked group has been carrying out&nbsp;cyberattacks on governments and tech-sector companies in the United States and East Asia since around 2010.

<h2>Previous breaches blamed on China</h2>

In August, China-backed hackers were held responsible by Japan for a months-long cyberattack campaign, in which&nbsp;Japan’s National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) was targeted.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-raises-fukushima-water-issue-in-un-asks-japan-to-stop-629423">Also read:&nbsp;China raises Fukushima water issue in UN, asks Japan to stop discharge</a>

It was revealed that the hackers may have gained access to sensitive data for as much as nine months, from last autumn to June this year.

<h2>Reason</h2>

As Japan deepens its military&nbsp;and strategic ties with the US and other regional allies, it has become a vulnerable target for Chinese hackers.

Government cyber security&nbsp;experts in both the US and the UK have expressed strong reservations about Japan’s ability to safely handle data.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan's space agency was hit by cyberattacks even as hackers failed to access sensitive information about rockets and satellite operations, a spokesperson revealed Wednesday (Nov 29).

Japan's space agency was hit by cyberattacks even as hackers failed to access sensitive information about rockets and satellite operations, a spokesperson revealed Wednesday (Nov 29). “There was a possibility of unauthorised access by exploiting the vulnerability of network equipment,” the spokesperson at Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was quoted as saying by Reuters. However, the official declined to elaborate on details, such as when did the attack take place. JAXA got to know about the attack after an external organisation conducted an internal audit, as per the spokesperson. He also declined to identify the organisation's name. A detailed investigation is going on into the hacking attempt and it was not revealed who could be orchestrating this. According to Japanese media, the attack took place in the summer. They were informed about the same by the police during autumn. The suspect Earlier in September this year, Japan, along with the US, had jointly warned global corporations against the China-linked hacker group BlackTech in a cybersecurity advisory. "BlackTech has demonstrated capabilities in modifying router firmware without detection and exploiting routers’ domain-trust relationships to pivot from international subsidiaries to headquarters in Japan and the United States, which are the primary targets," the statement said. Watch: China on its way to become Japan of 1990s × According to Japan's National Police Agency, the China-linked group has been carrying out cyberattacks on governments and tech-sector companies in the United States and East Asia since around 2010. Previous breaches blamed on China In August, China-backed hackers were held responsible by Japan for a months-long cyberattack campaign, in which Japan’s National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) was targeted. Also read: China raises Fukushima water issue in UN, asks Japan to stop discharge It was revealed that the hackers may have gained access to sensitive data for as much as nine months, from last autumn to June this year. Reason As Japan deepens its military and strategic ties with the US and other regional allies, it has become a vulnerable target for Chinese hackers. Government cyber security experts in both the US and the UK have expressed strong reservations about Japan’s ability to safely handle data. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese space agency JAXA hit by cyberattack amid hacking spree by China

After the Biden administration accused China of cyberattack&nbsp;against Microsoft, the Chinese foreign ministry hit back saying the allegations were "unreasonable criticism" and were "fabricated".

"The US has mustered its allies to carry out unreasonable criticisms against China on the issue of cybersecurity, this move is fabricated out of nothing... (and) wholly motivated by political purposes," Zhao Lijian, China's foreign ministry said.

The US government had accused China of hacking Microsoft Exchange in March as it charged four Chinese nationals on Monday even as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that, "China's Ministry of State Security, or MSS, has fostered an ecosystem of criminal contract hackers."

US President Joe Biden also slammed China saying that the Xi regime was "protecting" and "maybe even accommodating" hackers and compared it to the Russian government.

"China will absolutely not accept this," the country's foreign ministry said, adding, "China does not engage in cyberattacks and the technical details Washington has provided do not constitute a complete chain of evidence."

Microsoft had also earlier blamed China for the cyberattack. NATO, EU and other countries also joined the US to condemn the alleged attempt by China to hack Microsoft.

Australia's home affairs minister Karen Andrews said, "China's Ministry of State Security exploited vulnerabilities in the Microsoft exchange software."&nbsp;

Andrews said Australia won't compromise on its sovereignty and national security over the "malicious cyber attack". The Australian minister hit out saying: "They won't get away with it scot-free."

The Chinese embassy in Washington however hit back saying the accusations were &nbsp;"irresponsible".

(With inputs from Agencies)

After the Biden administration accused China of cyberattack against Microsoft, the Chinese foreign ministry hit back saying the allegations were "unreasonable criticism" and were "fabricated".

After the Biden administration accused China of cyberattack against Microsoft, the Chinese foreign ministry hit back saying the allegations were "unreasonable criticism" and were "fabricated". "The US has mustered its allies to carry out unreasonable criticisms against China on the issue of cybersecurity, this move is fabricated out of nothing... (and) wholly motivated by political purposes," Zhao Lijian, China's foreign ministry said. The US government had accused China of hacking Microsoft Exchange in March as it charged four Chinese nationals on Monday even as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that, "China's Ministry of State Security, or MSS, has fostered an ecosystem of criminal contract hackers." US President Joe Biden also slammed China saying that the Xi regime was "protecting" and "maybe even accommodating" hackers and compared it to the Russian government. "China will absolutely not accept this," the country's foreign ministry said, adding, "China does not engage in cyberattacks and the technical details Washington has provided do not constitute a complete chain of evidence." Microsoft had also earlier blamed China for the cyberattack. NATO, EU and other countries also joined the US to condemn the alleged attempt by China to hack Microsoft. Australia's home affairs minister Karen Andrews said, "China's Ministry of State Security exploited vulnerabilities in the Microsoft exchange software." Andrews said Australia won't compromise on its sovereignty and national security over the "malicious cyber attack". The Australian minister hit out saying: "They won't get away with it scot-free." The Chinese embassy in Washington however hit back saying the accusations were "irresponsible". (With inputs from Agencies)

US move fabricated out of nothing, unreasonable criticism, says China on Microsoft hacking case

US President Joe Biden on Monday slammed the Chinese and Russian governments for "protecting" and "accommodating" hackers.

"My understanding is that the Chinese government, not unlike the Russian government, is not doing it themselves but are protecting those who are doing it, and maybe even accommodating them being able to do it," Biden said on hacking incidents.

Watch:

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Biden's comment as the US has formally accused China of hacking into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-formally-accuses-china-of-hacking-microsoft-399062">Microsoft </a>servers even as the US Department of Justice said four Chinese nationals have been charged with hacking computers of companies, universities and government bodies.

British foreign secretary Dominic Raab while backing the US decision, said: "The cyberattack on Microsoft Exchange Server by Chinese state-backed groups was a reckless but familiar pattern of behaviour."

"Responsible states do not indiscriminately compromise global network security nor knowingly harbour cybercriminals - let alone sponsor or collaborate with them," US secretary of state Antony Blinken said, adding, "These contract hackers cost governments and businesses billions of dollars in stolen intellectual property, ransom payments, and cybersecurity mitigation efforts, all while the MSS had them on its payroll."

NATO, the European Union, Australia and Japan also condemned alleged spying by Chinese networks.

"The PRC’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has fostered an ecosystem of criminal contract hackers who carry out both state-sponsored activities and cybercrime for their own financial gain," Blinken added.

Blinken warned that the Biden administration will impose "consequences" on Chinese malicious cyber actors as President Biden said US authorities will be completing their investigation before countermeasures are taken.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Monday slammed the Chinese and Russian governments for "protecting" and "accommodating" hackers. "My understanding is that the Chinese government, not unlike the Russian government, is not doing it themselves but are protecting those who are doing it, and maybe even accommodating them being able to do it," Biden said on hacking incidents.

US President Joe Biden on Monday slammed the Chinese and Russian governments for "protecting" and "accommodating" hackers. "My understanding is that the Chinese government, not unlike the Russian government, is not doing it themselves but are protecting those who are doing it, and maybe even accommodating them being able to do it," Biden said on hacking incidents. Watch: Biden's comment as the US has formally accused China of hacking into Microsoft servers even as the US Department of Justice said four Chinese nationals have been charged with hacking computers of companies, universities and government bodies. British foreign secretary Dominic Raab while backing the US decision, said: "The cyberattack on Microsoft Exchange Server by Chinese state-backed groups was a reckless but familiar pattern of behaviour." "Responsible states do not indiscriminately compromise global network security nor knowingly harbour cybercriminals - let alone sponsor or collaborate with them," US secretary of state Antony Blinken said, adding, "These contract hackers cost governments and businesses billions of dollars in stolen intellectual property, ransom payments, and cybersecurity mitigation efforts, all while the MSS had them on its payroll." NATO, the European Union, Australia and Japan also condemned alleged spying by Chinese networks. "The PRC’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has fostered an ecosystem of criminal contract hackers who carry out both state-sponsored activities and cybercrime for their own financial gain," Blinken added. Blinken warned that the Biden administration will impose "consequences" on Chinese malicious cyber actors as President Biden said US authorities will be completing their investigation before countermeasures are taken. (With inputs from Agencies)

China, Russia protecting, maybe even accommodating hackers: Biden

Social media platform Facebook has taken down fake pages created in China aimed at influencing this year's&nbsp;US election.

In the United States, the network that operated the ''sliver&nbsp;of&nbsp;accounts'',&nbsp;posted material both in support of and against presidential candidates President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-spying-on-millions-around-the-world-by-harvesting-personal-details-from-the-dark-web-327896">China spying on millions around the world by harvesting personal details from the dark web</a>

According to Facebook,&nbsp;the people behind the network tried to conceal their identity and location via virtual private networks and other methods.

The social networking company said it suspended 155 accounts on its main platform along with six Instagram accounts.&nbsp;

Facebook cybersecurity policy chief Nathaniel Gleicher said that the takedown was the company's first of Chinese-based accounts on foreign-interference grounds with any engagement in US&nbsp;politics.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-and-biden-battle-for-an-advantage-in-brewing-fight-329526" hreflang="en">US election 2020: Trump and Biden battle for an advantage in brewing fight</a>

Concerns about foreign efforts to interfere in the election were underscored by a warning Tuesday from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity agency that foreign actors and cybercriminals were likely to try to spread disinformation regarding the results of the election, including by creating fake websites or social media content aimed at discrediting the process.

US&nbsp;Intelligence officials warned last month about ongoing or potential efforts by China, Russia and Iran to interfere in November's election. In an August public assessment, the country's chief counterintelligence official, William Evanina, said officials had determined that Beijing regards Trump as unpredictable and wants to see him lose to Biden.

The statement said that China had been expanding its influence operations ahead of the election to ''shape the policy environment in the United States''&nbsp;and had been weighing the pros and cons of taking more aggressive action.

Social media platform Facebook has taken down fake pages created in China aimed at influencing this year's US election. In the United States, the network that operated the ''sliver of accounts'', posted material both in support of and against presidential candidates President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden.

Social media platform Facebook has taken down fake pages created in China aimed at influencing this year's US election. In the United States, the network that operated the ''sliver of accounts'', posted material both in support of and against presidential candidates President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden. Also read: China spying on millions around the world by harvesting personal details from the dark web According to Facebook, the people behind the network tried to conceal their identity and location via virtual private networks and other methods. The social networking company said it suspended 155 accounts on its main platform along with six Instagram accounts. Facebook cybersecurity policy chief Nathaniel Gleicher said that the takedown was the company's first of Chinese-based accounts on foreign-interference grounds with any engagement in US politics. Also read: US election 2020: Trump and Biden battle for an advantage in brewing fight Concerns about foreign efforts to interfere in the election were underscored by a warning Tuesday from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security's cybersecurity agency that foreign actors and cybercriminals were likely to try to spread disinformation regarding the results of the election, including by creating fake websites or social media content aimed at discrediting the process. US Intelligence officials warned last month about ongoing or potential efforts by China, Russia and Iran to interfere in November's election. In an August public assessment, the country's chief counterintelligence official, William Evanina, said officials had determined that Beijing regards Trump as unpredictable and wants to see him lose to Biden. The statement said that China had been expanding its influence operations ahead of the election to ''shape the policy environment in the United States'' and had been weighing the pros and cons of taking more aggressive action.

US election 2020: Facebook removes fake pages created in China targeting Trump, Biden

US social media giant Twitter said on Friday that it had removed thousands of accounts linked to China, Russia, and Turkey's state propaganda.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-wants-users-to-read-articles-before-retweeting-them-305179">Also Read: Twitter wants users to read articles before retweeting them</a>

Twitter said the accounts linked to China were the highest with 23,750 "highly engaged core" accounts and 150,000 "amplifier" accounts.

"They were tweeting predominantly in Chinese languages and spreading geopolitical narratives favorable to the Communist Party of China, while continuing to push deceptive narratives about the political dynamics in Hong Kong," Twitter said.

According to reports, the accounts praised China's response to COVID-19 and others which were linked to Hong Kong protests.

Twitter had earlier deleted accounts during the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests in August last year and it took help of the same system to uncover the Chinese network.

The company said the network had "failed to achieve considerable traction" but was "involved in a range of manipulative and coordinated activities". The accounts have been placed in Twitter's archive.

Twitter also took down 7,340 Turkey state propaganda accounts and 1,152 Russian accounts.

Twitter is banned from China along with other US sites including Facebook, Google and YouTube.

US social media giant Twitter said on Friday that it had removed thousands of accounts linked to China, Russia, and Turkey's state propaganda. Also Read: Twitter wants users to read articles before retweeting them Twitter said the accounts linked to China were the highest with 23,750 "highly engaged core" accounts and 150,000 "amplifier" accounts.

US social media giant Twitter said on Friday that it had removed thousands of accounts linked to China, Russia, and Turkey's state propaganda. Also Read: Twitter wants users to read articles before retweeting them Twitter said the accounts linked to China were the highest with 23,750 "highly engaged core" accounts and 150,000 "amplifier" accounts. "They were tweeting predominantly in Chinese languages and spreading geopolitical narratives favorable to the Communist Party of China, while continuing to push deceptive narratives about the political dynamics in Hong Kong," Twitter said. According to reports, the accounts praised China's response to COVID-19 and others which were linked to Hong Kong protests. Twitter had earlier deleted accounts during the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests in August last year and it took help of the same system to uncover the Chinese network. The company said the network had "failed to achieve considerable traction" but was "involved in a range of manipulative and coordinated activities". The accounts have been placed in Twitter's archive. Twitter also took down 7,340 Turkey state propaganda accounts and 1,152 Russian accounts. Twitter is banned from China along with other US sites including Facebook, Google and YouTube.

Twitter deletes 170,000 accounts linked to China's COVID-19 spin, Hong Kong protests

Indonesia is up in arms against China because President Xi's regime is not just encroaching on Indonesian fisheries, it is now making Indonesian fishermen disappear.

There have been reports of shocking sea burial. The fishermen&nbsp;were allegedly shot on board a Chinese fishing vessel off the coast of South Korea. The visuals show dead bodies being dumped into the sea with bodies of three Indonesian crew members who died on board the fishing vessel.

The South Korean media which released the images says the crew members apparently died due to excessive labour. Unpaid salaries, along with human rights violations and even violence against the fishermen have allegedly taken place. Indonesia has asked the Korean coast guard to investigate and the Chinese government has been asked to clarify.

The Indonesian foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador Xiao Qian last week and questioned him on whether unsuitable conditions on board the vessel contributed to the deaths.

China said it did not. The operators of the fishing vessel argued that the sea burials were in accordance with&nbsp;international labour organization(ILO) rules. It said the crew members were buried at sea apparently with the approval of their families and that compensation had been given to the family members.

Meanwhile, the official website of Indonesia's state intelligence agency was recently hacked. The tool used for hacking it was called Aria-body. A tool designed by the 'Naikon' group from China which has repeatedly been used in the last five years for hacking purposes, not just in Indonesia but in Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei and even Australia.

An Israeli cybersecurity firm had uncovered the cyber espionage operation. A report was published on Wednesday which said the espionage operation is linked to the Chinese group - Naikon. The group is allegedly gathering geo-political intelligence with specific targets which include foreign ministries and government-owned companies.

It reportedly disguises its cyber attacks in emails sent to foreign embassies. China's viral aggression knows no frontiers or mediums. China is now reportedly infiltrating the security systems of nations, it considers a threat.

Indonesia is up in arms against China because President Xi's regime is not just encroaching on Indonesian fisheries, it is now making Indonesian fishermen disappear.

Indonesia is up in arms against China because President Xi's regime is not just encroaching on Indonesian fisheries, it is now making Indonesian fishermen disappear. There have been reports of shocking sea burial. The fishermen were allegedly shot on board a Chinese fishing vessel off the coast of South Korea. The visuals show dead bodies being dumped into the sea with bodies of three Indonesian crew members who died on board the fishing vessel. The South Korean media which released the images says the crew members apparently died due to excessive labour. Unpaid salaries, along with human rights violations and even violence against the fishermen have allegedly taken place. Indonesia has asked the Korean coast guard to investigate and the Chinese government has been asked to clarify. The Indonesian foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador Xiao Qian last week and questioned him on whether unsuitable conditions on board the vessel contributed to the deaths. China said it did not. The operators of the fishing vessel argued that the sea burials were in accordance with international labour organization(ILO) rules. It said the crew members were buried at sea apparently with the approval of their families and that compensation had been given to the family members. Meanwhile, the official website of Indonesia's state intelligence agency was recently hacked. The tool used for hacking it was called Aria-body. A tool designed by the 'Naikon' group from China which has repeatedly been used in the last five years for hacking purposes, not just in Indonesia but in Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei and even Australia. An Israeli cybersecurity firm had uncovered the cyber espionage operation. A report was published on Wednesday which said the espionage operation is linked to the Chinese group - Naikon. The group is allegedly gathering geo-political intelligence with specific targets which include foreign ministries and government-owned companies. It reportedly disguises its cyber attacks in emails sent to foreign embassies. China's viral aggression knows no frontiers or mediums. China is now reportedly infiltrating the security systems of nations, it considers a threat.

Now, Chinese vessels target Indonesian fishermen

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