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Vast Electronic Spying Operation Discovered

homesalad writes "Researchers in Toronto have discovered a huge international electronic spying operation that they are calling 'GhostNet.' So far it has infiltrated government and corporate offices in 103 countries, including the office of the Dalai Lama (who originally went to the researchers for help analyzing a suspected infiltration). The operation appears to be based in China, and the information gained has been used to interfere with the actions of the Dalai Lama and to thwart individuals seeking to help Tibetan exiles. The researchers found no evidence of infiltration of US government computers, although machines at the Indian embassy were compromised. Here is the researchers' summary; a full report, 'Tracking "GhostNet": Investigating a Cyber Espionage Network' will be issued this weekend." A separate academic group in the UK that helped with the research is issuing its own report, expected to be available on March 29. Here is the abstract. They seem to be putting more stress on the "social malware" nature of the attack and ways to mitigate such techniques.

4 of 303 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Commenters ? by sakdoctor · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'm not afraid of the Chinese Government. I just got mod points.

  2. Re:Target operating system? by heritage727 · · Score: 3, Funny

    His real problem is that none of his emails have attachments.

  3. Re:Target operating system? by srussia · · Score: 5, Funny

    Macs? I'd think he'd be a Linux type of guy.

    Mac, for sure. If someone knows the sound of one mouse button clicking, the DL is it!

    --
    Set your phasers on "funky"!
  4. Re:Canadian Version by Ihmhi · · Score: 3, Funny

    That one was such a stretch that it would give Dhalsim a leg cramp.