The New Zealand government has taken a firm stance against what it perceives as state-sponsored cyber intrusions originating from China. On Tuesday, the government revealed its concerns regarding a cyber hack on New Zealand’s parliament in 2021, which it asserts was orchestrated by a Chinese state-sponsored actor.
The cyber hack, uncovered by New Zealand’s intelligence services, targeted various parliamentary entities, raising significant alarm within the government. This revelation aligns with recent accusations from the United States and Britain, accusing China of widespread cyber espionage campaigns.
Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, emphasized the gravity of foreign interference in democratic institutions, labeling it as unacceptable. He conveyed New Zealand’s concerns directly to the Chinese government, urging them to refrain from such activities in the future.
The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand swiftly rejected these accusations, denouncing them as groundless and irresponsible. They emphasized China’s commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, including New Zealand.
The New Zealand government’s communications security bureau (GCSB) identified the perpetrator of the cyber hack as Advanced Persistent Threat 40 (APT40), linked to the Chinese Ministry of State Security. Although no sensitive information was compromised, the group accessed crucial data vital for the functioning of the New Zealand government.
This incident sheds light on the growing prevalence of state-sponsored cyber attacks globally. According to the GCSB, nearly a quarter of malicious cyber events involving nationally significant organizations last year were attributed to state-sponsored actors, though not specifically to China.
Judith Collins, the minister responsible for the GCSB, emphasized the unacceptable nature of cyber-enabled espionage targeting democratic institutions. This sentiment echoed similar concerns expressed by officials from the United States, Britain, and Australia, who recently filed charges and imposed sanctions against China for its alleged cyber espionage activities.
Australia, too, has faced cyber intrusions linked to China, including a 2019 attack on its national parliament and political parties. These incidents underscore the broader implications of cyber threats on democratic processes and institutions.
As nations grapple with the growing threat of cyber warfare, calls for international cooperation and vigilance against state-sponsored cyber attacks continue to escalate. The New Zealand government’s firm stance reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding democratic principles and national sovereignty in an increasingly digital age.
Also read: https://newseense.com/tragic-accident-claims-life-of-indian-student-in-london/
- BJP President JP Nadda Issues Notice to Dilip Ghosh Over Controversial Remarks on Mamata Banerjee
- Ram Charan and Kiara Advani’s ‘Jaragandi’ Song from Game Changer Released
- Pre-Match Banter: Rohit Sharma’s Flying Kiss Recreation Adds Spice to MI vs SRH Clash
- Swami Smaranananda Maharaj, President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Passes Away at 95
- Stand-up Comedian Munawar Faruqui Breaks Silence on Social Media After Mumbai Police Detention
