News - Chinese hackers target The New York Times

[HEXUS]

Attacks due to newspaper’s research into Chinese PM’s personal wealth?

Read more.

[shaithis]

So, pure speculation? No proof of where the attacks originated (other then a US universities)...

Seems like a non-story...

[Smudger]

Yeah, but it it gets you thinking, doesn't it...

Ooh, those crafty Chinese, we need to watch them...

[TooNice]

Not sure if you guys bothered to read the linked articles: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/31/te...nted=all&_r=1&

If the pattern is the same as earlier attacks (traced to China), then it is either: 1. From China; 2. Someone trying to frame China. (I suppose that conspiracy theorists may come with things like "3. There were no attacks" etc.)

I don't think that it is unlikely that cyber attacks/espionage is being conducted by China (or from China - as in from an individual not connected to the government).. or by (/from) the US, or any nations with significant means. Those types of attacks are hard to trace or prove, and no countries is crazy enough to openly admit to it (I imagine). Similarly, I doubt that they do not happen.

What I wonder though, is that IF the attacks does originate from China, whether it is conducted by an entity linked to the Chinese government, or just annoyed by Western press (and perceived negative portrayal of China). If you follow US based news site, you'll probably notice in the comment section, quite a large number of Chinese posters objecting to the article. I wouldn't be surprised if that amongst those who object to Western press, that there many be some capable hackers out there too.

[valhar2000]

[...]no countries is crazy enough to openly admit to it (I imagine). Similarly, I doubt that they do not happen.

Precisely. It's like with Embassies: every country claims that they do not spy and that their Embassies are not involved in any espionage, but nearly every Embassy is, and every country that has Embassies in it watches them carefully for that reason. Everybody plays the game without making a fuss, unless someone goes over the line.

[shootforpeace]

You know why the Chinese seem to be mad as they're objecting to any articles that are related to negative image of China(PRC). Any man and woman born in China has the fundamental belief that everything they own are from the virtue and righteous ruling class (the party and government of different levels).
Simply put their lives hang on the like or dislike of the leadership of the party.
And more importantly , the Western press don't buy it , American say we elect our leader and we can critize them if that is truth or seem to be true.
China and America like God and Evil , god treat their people well but evil just abuse them.