NY Times: US Hunts Chinese Malware Interfering with Its Military Operations

A United States newspaper, claiming one of the malware made in China that could disrupt or hinder Washington's military operations, was successfully traced. The New York Times reported Saturday (29/7/2023), American intelligence officials believe the malware gave China the ability to disrupt or slow down troop deployment or resupply operations, including when China invaded Taiwan. US national security, intelligence and military officials say the White House government has successfully tracked down computer code for malware it believes is planted by China in electrical control grids, communications systems and water supply facilities at military bases in the US, and in other parts of the world.

The discovery of the malware adds to concerns over the possibility of Chinese hackers, using this code to interfere with US military operations. One member of the US Congress warned the malware was a ticking time bomb, and allowed China to disrupt or slow down US troop deployment operations, by cutting off water, electricity and communications to US military bases. On the other hand, several US officials warned that the impacts of this malware could be wider, because the target infrastructure, usually supplying water and electricity to civilian homes and businesses. This malware was first discovered at a US military base on the island of Guam, when the Microsoft company detected a mysterious computer code in the base's communications system. (HS)