The U.S accused there are hackers from China who want to steal COVID-19 information. (Image via TechRadar)

U.S: There are Chinese hackers among us

National Security Division of the United States (U.S) stated that hackers from China tried to steal and sabotage the research on the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The accusation came after the institution saw a surge in cyber-attacks aiming at the U.S government and healthcare services such as laboratory and pharmaceutical companies.

Assistant Attorney General of the National Security Division, John Demers, stated that the institution was pretty concerned for the cyber-attacks by the Chinese hackers. However, he was not shocked.

Demers said that the institution is used to it already, the cyber-attacks to medical centers, research centers, and universities. The point is he emphasized that the cyber-attacks are aiming for parties conducting research on the SARS-CoV-2.

He added that biomedical research on the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is essential. Not only commercially, but also the ability to find the vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 will prove that the country has a geopolitical success.

The surge of cyber-attacks was also recorded by Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG). TAG identified that there are dozens of anonymous groups that used phishing and malware attacks regarding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

They went undercover as a member of the government institution or research centers working intensely to tackle the COVID-19. One of them even offered free coupons as an appreciation for all users who participated against COVID-19. They target the CEOs of major companies, politicians, or those who work in healthcare centers.

Recently, the Senior Director for Account Security, Identity, and Abuse Google, Mark Risher, stated that the hackers also claimed as health agents offering COVID-19-related products.

Source: https://bit.ly/2VA4fq0