The US National Security Agency (NSA) gained access to China's telecommunications network after a hack of a university, Chinese state media claimed on Thursday.
See also: US: Cyberattacks originating from China are more than all other countries combined
The US National Security Agency (NSA) used phishing to gain access to the government-funded Northwestern Polytechnical University, the Global Times claims, citing an anonymous source.
American hackers stole “core technology data, including core network equipment configuration, network management , and core operational data” and other files, according to the Global Times.
As part of the NSA invasion, the agency infiltrated Chinese telecommunications carriers so the US could “control the country’s infrastructure,” the Global Times claims.
The Global Times, citing its anonymous source, said that more details about the attack on Northwestern Polytechnical University would be released soon.
See also: Hacker claims theft of Chinese police data!
For several years, China has accused the United States of cyberattacks, but has not been specific. However, in recent weeks, Beijing has been attributing specific attacks to the United States, in an escalation of tensions between the two nations in cyberspace.
In contrast, Washington and American cybersecurity companies have attributed specific attacks to China in recent years.
The alleged attack on Northwestern Polytechnical University was first revealed by China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center earlier this month. The agency also accused the US of being involved in "tens of thousands" of cyberattacks on Chinese targets.
See also: China: Washington is spying on a university that does space research
For its part, the US has accused China of massive hacking. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray said in February that China's cyberattacks have become "more damaging than ever."
Wray accused China of trying to steal US information and technology.
Information source: cnbc.com
