Article published on The Diplomat
This post is originally published on China’s Dangerous Step Toward Cyber Conflict
By Tobias Burgers (Project Assistant Professor, CCRC/KGRI),
David J Farber (Co-director, CCRC & Distinguished Professor, Keio University)
Introduction:
China is changing the cyber game in East-Asia – and increasing the potential for conflict across the Indo-Pacific.
A recent report by the cybersecurity company Recorded Future describes a sophisticated cyber campaign by Chinese agents aimed at Indian targets. The report outlines how a Chinese state-supported group – dubbed Red Echo – managed to install malware in India’s critical civilian infrastructure, including electric power organizations, seaports, and railways. While there is confusion as to whether the attacks caused power outages last October, Recorded Future’s report is clear in their conclusion that Red Echo’s cyber intrusions are directly linked to the Sino-Indian conflict along the mountainous northern border. While the two nuclear-armed states were fighting at sub-zero temperatures and high altitudes with medieval tools, a much more high-tech, 21st century-style battle occurred across the Indian cyberspace.
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