Security researchers say they have uncovered a cyberespionage ring focused on stealing corporate secrets for the purpose of gaming the stock market, in an operation that has compromised sensitive data about dozens of publicly held companies.
Cybersecurity firm FireEye Inc., which disclosed the operation on Monday, said that since the middle of last year, the group has attacked email accounts at more than 100 firms, most of them pharmaceutical and health care companies.
Victims also include firms in other sectors, as well as corporate advisors, including investment bankers, attorneys and investor relations firms, according to FireEye.