Suspected cyberattackers linked to the Chinese Communist Party impersonated the Republican chair of the House Select Committee on China in a series of attempts to steal sensitive data on trade negotiations, the panel has said.
Hackers masquerading as Rep. John Moolenaar sent multiple emails in recent weeks that sought to fool recipients into opening files and links that would grant the attackers access to information on U.S.-China trade talks, according to a committee statement on Monday. Emails went to U.S. government agencies, business organizations, law firms and at least one foreign government, the panel said.
Analysis by the committee found that the hackers tried to cover their tracks through improper use of software and cloud services, strategies that the panel identified as hallmarks of a state-sponsored intrusion. Officials have concluded the attempt was backed by the Chinese Communist Party, and the committee has alerted the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Capitol Police.
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