According to the Secret Service, hackers linked to the Chinese government are at least 20 million US dollars. More than ten states have been affected, but experts say the group has targeted all 50.

what is known

The Chengdu hacking group, also known as APT41, is behind the attacks. The case is dubbed “the first case of epidemic fraud involving foreign, state-sponsored cybercriminals publicly acknowledged by the U.S. government.”

But US law enforcement and cybersecurity experts say this may be just the tip of the iceberg. They said that other federal investigations into epidemic-related fraud have also pointed to hackers linked to foreign countries, provided they remain anonymous.

The Secret Service declined to confirm the extent of other investigations to NBC. More than 1,000 ongoing investigations involving international and local criminals involved in fraud. APT41 is a “notable player”, but only one of many.

It is unclear whether they were acting under direct orders from the Chinese government or, as the paper put it, “without looking the other way,” but several current and former US officials say the theft itself is a disturbing event that poses a serious threat to national security. inferences.

I’ve never seen them target public money before.
Says John Hultquist, head of intelligence analysis at cybersecurity firm Mandiant.