Page 14 - CDM Cyber Warnings November 2013

Cyber espionage – Chinese Hackers targeting US Cloud
service providers

U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission reported for the first time that
cloud computing “represents a potential espionage threat.”

U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission reported for the first time that
cloud computing “represents a potential espionage threat.” , Chinese hackers are a
persistent collector of sensitive information, their action is incessant and represent a
serious threat for principal internet services.

According a congressional commission Chinese hackers are increasing targeting high
profile companies, including Google, Microsoft and Apple to spy on US.

Last week the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission stated in its
annual report to Congress that the Chinese government wages “a large-scale cyber
espionage campaign” and “has successfully targeted the networks of U.S. Government
and private organizations,”

“Our focus has been on making sure that Defense Department or State Department
data, or other government information, is secure,” “To the extent those entities use the
cloud as well, we think that they need to get a better grip on who’s actually providing
their services and where their data is going.” “If you allow a Chinese entity to provide
cloud services then you’re entrusting them with your data,” “That creates with it certain
risks.” said William Reinsch, chairman of the commission.

The situation is very concerning, cloud computing paradigm raises security issues
related to the way data are managed by service providers, clouds also provide to
attackers powerful platforms for attacks against strategic targets.

14 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine – November 2013 Edition
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