logo
China denies link to espionage group accused of attacking Singapore critical infrastructure

China denies link to espionage group accused of attacking Singapore critical infrastructure

Arab News2 days ago
REUTERS: The Chinese embassy in Singapore refuted claims that an espionage group accused of performing cyberattacks on Singapore's critical infrastructure was linked to China.
In a Facebook post published over the weekend, the Chinese embassy said such claims were 'groundless smears and accusations.'
'The embassy would like to reiterate that China is firmly against and cracks down all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with law. China does not encourage, support or condone hacking activities,' it wrote on Saturday.
Last Friday, a Singapore minister said the espionage group UNC3886 was 'going after high value strategic threat targets, vital infrastructure that delivers essential services' but did not give details of the attacks.
The minister did not link the group to China but Google-owned cybersecurity firm Mandiant has described UNC3886 as a 'China-nexus espionage group' that has attacked defense, technology and telecommunications organizations in the United States and Asia.
Beijing routinely denies any allegations of cyberespionage, and says it opposes all forms of cyberattacks and is in fact a victim of such threats.
Singapore's critical infrastructure sectors include energy, water, banking, finance, health care, transport, government, communication, media, as well as security and emergency services, according to the country's cyber agency.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

US government employee banned from leaving China
US government employee banned from leaving China

Al Arabiya

timean hour ago

  • Al Arabiya

US government employee banned from leaving China

WASHINGTON (AP) – A US government employee has been banned from leaving China after traveling there in a personal capacity, the State Department said Tuesday, marking the latest case where Beijing has stopped US nationals from departing the country. The State Department did not reveal the identity of the employee at the US Patent and Trademark Office, which is part of the Commerce Department, but said it is tracking this case very closely and that it is engaged with Chinese officials to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens, it said. The Chinese government restricts people from leaving the country if they are involved in investigations, including business disputes, but it has been accused of using the tool to arbitrarily keep both Chinese and foreign nationals in the country. China's use of the exit ban and other concerns previously prompted the State Department to tell Americans to reconsider travel to China. The travel advisory was only eased in November after China released three US citizens who were detained for years. It's one of the latest instances of such travel restrictions. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Chenyue Mao, a US-based Wells Fargo banker, was blocked from leaving China, prompting the bank to suspend all travel to the country. Citing privacy and other considerations, the State Department did not comment on Mao's case. Wells Fargo said Tuesday that it is closely tracking this situation and working through the appropriate channels so our employee can return to the United States as soon as possible. Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, said Mao is involved in a criminal case currently being handled by Chinese law-enforcement authorities and that she is subject to exit restrictions in accordance with the law. 'Let me stress that it is an individual judicial case,' Guo said. 'China will as always welcome people from all countries to travel and do business in China and ensure their rights and interests in accordance with the law.' Asked about the case involving the US government employee, Guo said: 'I have no details to share. China upholds the rule of law and handles entry and exit affairs in accordance with the law.' Other Americans have faced China's exit ban. Two American siblings were only allowed to leave China in 2021 after they were stranded there for three years after visiting their relatives.

Pakistan to chair key UN Security Council debate on multilateralism, dispute resolution
Pakistan to chair key UN Security Council debate on multilateralism, dispute resolution

Arab News

time5 hours ago

  • Arab News

Pakistan to chair key UN Security Council debate on multilateralism, dispute resolution

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will preside over a high-level United Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate on Tuesday, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to multilateral diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of international disputes. The open debate, titled 'Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes,' is the first of two signature events planned by Pakistan during its presidency of the Security Council this month. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to brief Council members, followed by statements from other member states. The meeting will underscore the role of the UN Charter in fostering dialogue and cooperation amid rising global tensions. 'The signature event reaffirms Pakistan's unwavering belief in multilateralism and the UN Charter principle of peaceful settlement of disputes,' Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement. Dar is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with senior officials, including the Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning, the UK Minister for Africa, the UN Commonwealth and Multilateral Affairs lead and the Foreign Minister of Thailand. He will also give an interview to a foreign media outlet. Additionally, Dar will attend a reception hosted by Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN for select ambassadors and senior UN officials.

UK plans to ban public sector bodies from paying ransom to cyber criminals
UK plans to ban public sector bodies from paying ransom to cyber criminals

Al Arabiya

time9 hours ago

  • Al Arabiya

UK plans to ban public sector bodies from paying ransom to cyber criminals

Britain plans to ban public sector bodies and operators of critical national infrastructure, including the state-run health service, local councils and schools, from paying ransom demands to cyber criminals, it said on Tuesday. The country has been the victim of many high-profile ransomware attacks in recent years, from the 'WannaCry' cyber-attack that crippled Britain's National Health Service in 2017 to the British Library suffering disruption when it refused to pay a ransom in 2023. 'We're determined to smash the cyber-criminal business model and protect the services we all rely on,' security minister Dan Jarvis said in a statement. 'We are sending a clear signal that the UK is united in the fight against ransomware.' Ransomware, which is malicious software used by criminals to access victims' computer systems, encrypt data, or steal information and hold it hostage until a ransom is paid, is estimated to cost the economy millions of pounds each year, the statement said. The recent attacks highlight 'the severe operational, financial, and even life-threatening risks,' it said. The package of measures includes a ransomware payment prevention regime for victims of ransomware attacks and a ransomware incident reporting regime. A more recent attack on the NHS was cited as one of the factors that contributed to a patient's death, according to the statement. A slew of attacks on British retailers from Marks & Spencer to Co-op Group have also shaken public confidence this year. Under the proposals, businesses not covered by the planned ban would be required to notify the government of any intent to pay a ransom, so they can be provided with advice and support, while mandatory reporting is also being developed to equip law enforcement with essential intelligence to deal with perpetrators and disrupt their activities.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store