Chinese Hackers Charged for Multi-Year Spear-Phishing Attacks

Song Wu, a Chinese national, has been indicted on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a sophisticated spear-phishing campaign targeting sensitive U.S. research and technology.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about cybersecurity and protecting valuable intellectual property.

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A Threat to National Security

According to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan, Song Wu’s alleged activities severely threatened national security.

The indictment reveals that Wu engaged in a multi-year scheme to fraudulently obtain specialized software and source code from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), research universities, and private companies.

This critical software for aerospace engineering and computational fluid dynamics has potential applications in the industrial and military sectors, including the development of advanced tactical missiles.

The spear-phishing campaign involved creating fake email accounts to impersonate U.S.-based researchers and engineers. Wu allegedly deceived individuals into providing restricted or proprietary software access.

His targets included employees of NASA, the U.S. Air Force, the Navy, the Army, and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as primary research universities across several states.

International Implications

The indictment underscores the international dimensions of cybercrime and the challenges of prosecuting offenders beyond national borders.

Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, emphasized the commitment of U.S. authorities to expose and hold accountable those who engage in illegal cyber activities.

“This indictment demonstrates that borders are not barriers to prosecuting bad actors who threaten our national security,” Buchanan stated. 

Song Wu was employed as an engineer at the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a state-owned aerospace and defense conglomerate based in Beijing.

AVIC is one of the largest defense contractors globally, manufacturing civilian and military aircraft. This connection raises concerns about the potential involvement of state-affiliated entities in cyber espionage activities.

Legal Proceedings and Future Steps

Song Wu faces 14 wire fraud and 14 counts of aggravated identity theft. Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison, while aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence if convicted.

It is important to note that an indictment contains charges only; Song is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and NASA’s Office of Inspector General.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal is prosecuting the case, supported by the National Security Cyber Section and other federal agencies.

This case is coordinated by the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency effort led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce, aimed at protecting critical technology from falling into the hands of authoritarian regimes and hostile nation-states.

As this legal battle unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats posed by cyber espionage and the importance of safeguarding technological advancements.

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