Researchers at Toronto University uncovered a hacking networked named, GhostNet recently, according to the NY Times. The computer systems invaded included the office of the Dalai Lama's, the exiled Tibetan leader, whose investigators discovered the malware and bizarre code that led tracks to servers in China within the provinces of Hainan, Guangdong and Sichuan , along with a server in Southern California. The researchers hired by the Dalai Lama are with the Munk Center for International Studies at the University of Toronto and claim that no less than 1,295 computers are infected and compromised in at least 103 countries.
The Center reports that many embassies, foreign ministries, NGO's and other government agencies have had files compromised and stolen by GhostNet. The researchers report that many of the activity was focused on South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. The report states that no evidence was found that the United States Government was penetrated, however, NATO was monitored for half a day and that the computers Indian Embassy in Washington were accessed.
Astonishly, the researchers from the Munk Center for International Studies report that the malware has the capability to turn on cameras and microphones on computers making it an intensley sophisticated spy machine. It appears the Chinese Government is knowledgeable of the Dalai Lama's emails and computer as people have been targeted by the Chinese and warned to stay away from the Dalai Lama and to stop political actions while one person was shown transcripts from online communications.
Another element discovered was that a Chinese online entity similar to Skype had connections to the spy network and was owned by the Chinese Government. Some are skeptical to implicate the Chinese while others believe China has direct responsibilities such as two researchers at Cambridge University.
The reports are going to be published in the Information Warfare Monitor that is associated with the Munk Center for International Studies at Toronto University.
The Center reports that many embassies, foreign ministries, NGO's and other government agencies have had files compromised and stolen by GhostNet. The researchers report that many of the activity was focused on South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. The report states that no evidence was found that the United States Government was penetrated, however, NATO was monitored for half a day and that the computers Indian Embassy in Washington were accessed.
Astonishly, the researchers from the Munk Center for International Studies report that the malware has the capability to turn on cameras and microphones on computers making it an intensley sophisticated spy machine. It appears the Chinese Government is knowledgeable of the Dalai Lama's emails and computer as people have been targeted by the Chinese and warned to stay away from the Dalai Lama and to stop political actions while one person was shown transcripts from online communications.
Another element discovered was that a Chinese online entity similar to Skype had connections to the spy network and was owned by the Chinese Government. Some are skeptical to implicate the Chinese while others believe China has direct responsibilities such as two researchers at Cambridge University.
The reports are going to be published in the Information Warfare Monitor that is associated with the Munk Center for International Studies at Toronto University.
