Hacking incidents ignite fears over China

February 2nd, 2013 in Technology / Internet   This week, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported that their computer networks had been compromised, alleging it was an effort by the Chinese government to spy on news media operating in the country. A series of brazen cyberattacks on America's most high-profile media outlets has revived concerns over Chinese hackers, who analysts say are likely linked to the secretive Beijing government. The attacks, part of a string of incidents traced back to Chinese servers associated with previous intrusions, underscore an urgent need for Washington to pressure Beijing to rein in its digital warriors, experts say. Other security professionals argue it is hard to be certain the attacks stem from China or that the hackers acted at the behest of the government. This week, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported that their computer networks had been compromised, alleging it was an effort by the Chinese government to spy on news media operating in the country. James Lewis, cybersecurity specialist at US thinktank the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said there is evidence that backs the allegations of Chinese government involvement. Hackers from China have previously been linked to attacks on US defense giant Lockheed-Martin, Google and Coca-Cola. Other reports say Chinese hackers have tried to infiltrate the Pentagon's computers and those of US lawmakers. Twitter also revealed it had been hit by a "sophisticated" cyber attack similar to those that recently hit the NY Times and WSJ, and that the passwords of about 250,000 users were stolen. Twitter however did not yet confirm the source of the intrusion.