US and UK announce sanctions over China-linked hacks on officials, lawmakers and election watchdog
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The US and UK have announced sanctions against a company and two individuals linked to the Chinese government over cyberattacks targeting officials, lawmakers, and the UK's election watchdog. The hack may have gained access to information on tens of millions of UK voters held by the Electoral Commission. The US Treasury Department sanctioned Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company Ltd., and named two Chinese nationals, Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, affiliated with the company. The two individuals were involved in cyberoperations targeting US critical infrastructure sectors. The US Justice Department charged Zhao, Ni, and five other hackers with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and wire fraud. APT31, the Chinese cyber group involved, has previously been accused of targeting US presidential campaigns and Finland's parliament. British cybersecurity officials said APT31 hackers conducted reconnaissance activity against British parliamentarians critical of Beijing. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for evidence-based claims and said cybersecurity issues should not be politicized. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described China as the greatest state-based threat to the UK's economic security.

#Sanctions #Cyberattacks #China #Us #Uk #Elections #Hackers

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/uk-government-set-link-china-government-affiliated-hackers-108466686