United States authorities have launched an alert to scientific and health researchers this Wednesday about the danger of hackers supported by China that will be trying to steal research and other data related to treatments and vaccines for covid-19.
Organizations investigating the disease have been warned that they may be “possible targets” and “the compromise of networks by the People’s Republic of China,” reads in a statement from the FBI and the US Cyber Security and Infrastructure Agency.
“China’s efforts to target these sectors pose a significant threat to our response to covid-19,” say US officials.
Alert: People’s Republic of China has been attempting to identify and illicitly obtain valuable IP and public health data related to vaccines, treatments, and testing for #COVID-19-related research. Read our joint advisory with @FBI: https://t.co/GFPye91Xbb
– Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (@CISAgov) May 13, 2020
In the statement, FBI and the cybersecurity agency (CISA) say that “this announcement aims to raise awareness among research institutions and the American public and provide resources and guidance for those who may be affected”.
“The FBI requests that organizations that suspect suspicious activity contact the local FBI board. CISA is requesting that all organizations that support the response to covid-19 partner with the agency to help protect these efforts. response, “further notes the joint note from the two US security institutions.
Follow these tips to protect your research:
• Patch systems for critical vulnerabilities.
• Scan web applications for unauthorized access, modification, or anomalous activities.
• Bolster credential requirements.
• Report suspicious activity at https://t.co/MWss57C5gI. pic.twitter.com/DdRiMdDA94– FBI (@FBI) May 13, 2020
It is yet another episode of the “war” between the United States and China in this pandemic. Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have accused Beijing of a lack of transparency in the information made available about the origin of the virus. They even cast suspicion on Wuhan’s laboratory as a potential source of the new coronavirus. China has always denied and reacted harshly. He says that they are defamations that do nothing to overcome the health crisis caused by the covid-19.
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