News
China-Based Hackers Impersonated US Voters With AI-generated Propaganda During 2022 Elections: Microsoft
China-based hackers impersonated American voters online and used artificial intelligence (AI) to create and promote divisive online content during the 2022 midterm elections, according to a report by Microsoft. The effort was part of a series of covert influence operations by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intended to mimic U.S. voters from across the political spectrum and create controversy along racial, economic, and ideological lines, according to the Sept. 7 report. “Ahead of the 2022 U.S. midterms, Microsoft and industry partners observed CCP-affiliated social media accounts impersonating U.S. voters—new territory for CCP-affiliated [influence operations],” the report reads. “These accounts posed as Americans across the political spectrum and responded to comments from authentic users.”... Taiwan Offers Canada Assistance In Countering Beijing Interference
Taiwan has pledged to share with Canada its experiences in countering China’s foreign interference. Foreign Affairs Minister Jaushieh Wu made the offer during an exclusive press conference hosted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Sept. 6, as reported by The Bureau. Drawing upon Taiwan’s experience, Mr. Wu highlighted the issue of Beijing’s influence, particularly through its United Front Work Department (UFWD), known for its role in conducting foreign interference operations. He noted the UFWD strategically leveraged its resources, including people, immigration channels, and the Chinese diaspora communities, not only in Canada but also other countries, in efforts to achieve its objectives.... Chinese Hack of Microsoft Engineer Opened Door to US Government Email Breach
The recently uncovered Chinese hack of hundreds of thousands of emails from top U.S. officials began with the breach of a Microsoft engineer’s account, the company stated on Sept. 6. The Chinese hacking group, which Microsoft dubbed Storm-0558, penetrated the engineer’s account, giving it access to a cryptographic key that the group later used to break into the U.S. government accounts, Microsoft said in a blog post after a months-long investigation. The revelation offered details on a Chinese state-sponsored cyberattack that alarmed Washington, which spanned 25 organizations and affected the State and Commerce departments, as well as at least one lawmaker and a Washington think tank....