The US Treasury Department has called the attack a major cyberattack, showing that it was not just an ordinary incident. It was an organized effort in which hackers linked to the Chinese government expanded their reach.
How did this attack happen?
The attack started with a third-party software called BeyondTrust. This company provides identity management and remote support services to large organizations and government departments. Hackers hacked a security key that allowed them to access the Finance Department and view sensitive documents. This security breach not only highlights a technical problem but also shows how external service providers become gateways to cyberattacks.
What is the purpose of this attack?
US intelligence agencies believe that this attack is part of the Chinese government’s espionage campaign. The purpose of such attacks is to collect information about plans and sensitive government data. Targeting the Finance Department shows that China wants to keep a close eye on America’s economic plans and decision-making processes.
Impact at the international level
This attack can further worsen the already tense relations between China and America. China has always rejected these allegations, but America’s claim that the Chinese government-sponsored this attack makes it serious. This incident also highlights the need for international cooperation on cyber security.
America’s response and steps
After the incident, the US involved the CS, FBI, and intelligence agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly. The Treasury Department temporarily shut down the services of BeyondTrust and took steps to secure all the network stations that were accessed by the hackers.
China’s denial
On the other hand, the Chinese embassy in Washington called these allegations without any proof. They said that China respects cyber security and is not involved in such attacks.
However, this is not the first time that China has been accused of cyber attacks. Earlier also, China was held responsible for the attacks on American telecom companies and government departments.
Challenges ahead
This incident is a warning not only for the American government but also for private and global institutions. There is a need to strengthen the existing cyber security framework, especially by implementing stringent measures to prevent attacks through third-party services.
Future strategy
This attack has raised the demand for improvement and cooperation in cyber security to new heights. The US stressed the need to strengthen its security strategies and implement international agreements against cyber crimes with other countries. This incident is a clear indication that cyberattacks are no longer just a technical threat but have become an important part of national security and international politics.