National Security Law Brief » Google

Google and China Continue to Clash

National Security Law Brief — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:21:43 +0000

On the eve of negotiations between Google and the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on internet censorship, China has issued a fresh set of increased restrictions on internet use. The new regulations would require all websites operators to provide picture ID and to meet with government regulators prior to operating a website.

In mid-December, Google detected a highly sophisticated and targeted attack on their Gmail system. In response to this attack, Google shared details of this hacking attempt with the world and declared they were reviewing their operations in China–even pulling out completely. China continues to deny their involvement in this cyber-attack, claiming the accusation is “groundless,” contrary to the New York Times report here. This latest restriction on internet openness only days before Google attempts to reengage China on this exact issue demonstrates China’s resolve in maintaining information censorship. For more on Google in China, visit here.

US Narrows In On Chinese Cyber Security Threat

Nickolas Milonas — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:15:01 +0000

The Financial Times has reported that US investigators are narrowing their search for the author of malicious code which recently attacked a number of US companies, most notably Google. Reports describe the author of the code as a Chinese freelance security consultant in his 30′s who actually posted portions of the code on the web. The code exploited a weakness in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Browser and was used to mine the email accounts of noted Chinese Human Rights Activists. Microsoft has since released a patch for Internet Explorer in response to these attacks.

Reports also suggest that Chinese officials had access to the source code of the attacks. Quotes from unnamed Chinese government researches have surfaced and demonstrate that the government may have known of the codes development and motivations. Additionally, two Chinese universities have been linked to the attack- Shanghai Jiaotong University and the Lanxiang School- however, both schools deny any knowledge and involvement. Read more here.

Chinese Government Shuts Down Hackers’ Website

Nickolas Milonas — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:36:07 +0000

The Chinese government recently shut down Black Hawk Safety Net – a website with paid and free-based subscription services which provided its members with training in cyber attacks as well as downloads of malicious software – including Trojan files which can be used to access. compromise, and control other online machines. The website had over 12,000 paying members, as well as 170,000 members using free services, and generated millions in membership fees. This development comes on the heels of a recent falling out between search giant, Google, and the Chinese Government. Last month, Google threatened to pull out of China unless the government loosened its position on internet censorship. Additionally, a recent computer attack on Google servers which attempted to steal software code and the names of human rights activists who have been vocal against China was sourced back to China. The Chinese government, however, denied any involvement with the attack. Read more at BBC.