Wikileaks | Business Upturn

Chinese hacking group data leak exposes global targets

Eesha Chakraborty — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 17:24:08 +0000

A massive leak of data from a state-linked hacking group in China has sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity world, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the secretive and expansive operations of the nation’s cyber espionage apparatus. The leaked files, attributed to a Shanghai-based group known as iSoon, paint a concerning picture of China’s aggressive tactics, targeting governments, companies, and individuals across the globe with a relentless pursuit of sensitive information.

The data dump, consisting of over 570 files encompassing contracts, target lists, and internal chat logs, landed on GitHub last week, sparking immediate scrutiny from cybersecurity experts worldwide. While the source of the leak remains shrouded in mystery, the authenticity of the files has been largely confirmed, raising serious questions about China’s cyber activities and their implications for international security.

The documents reveal a complex web of state-sanctioned hacking, with Chinese intelligence agencies, military, and police outsourcing their cyber operations to private contractors like iSoon. This practice, known as “offensive security,” allows the government to maintain plausible deniability while conducting aggressive cyber campaigns against foreign adversaries and domestic targets deemed threats to national security.

The leaked information exposes a vast network of targets spanning across 20 countries, including India, Taiwan, South Korea, and even close allies like Cambodia and Pakistan. The hackers sought a diverse range of data, from sensitive government road maps in Taiwan to immigration records in India and call logs from South Korean telecom giants. This insatiable appetite for intelligence highlights the strategic objectives of China’s cyber operations, which appear to go beyond mere espionage and delve into the realms of economic warfare and potential military preparedness.

Beyond the geopolitical implications, the leak also sheds light on the internal workings of China’s hacking industry. The data reveals complaints from disgruntled iSoon employees regarding low wages and demanding workloads, hinting at a culture of exploitation and pressure within the group. This glimpse into the human cost of cyber warfare adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, raising ethical questions about the individuals who are often instrumentalized in these clandestine operations.

The timing of this leak coincides with the ongoing legal battle surrounding Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, who faces extradition to the United States for his role in publishing classified information. This case has reignited debates about freedom of speech, press freedom, and the role of whistleblowers in exposing government wrongdoings. While the motivations behind the iSoon leak remain unclear, it undoubtedly raises similar questions about the ethical implications of exposing classified information, even when it pertains to potentially illegal or harmful state activities.

In conclusion, the leak of data from iSoon represents a significant development in the ongoing saga of international cyber espionage. It exposes the vast scale and sophistication of China’s hacking operations, raising concerns about the potential for cyber conflict and the erosion of trust between nations.

Court hears U.S. pursuit of Julian Assange’s prosecution as ‘state retaliation’

Jennifer Philip — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 15:18:50 +0000

The UK high court is considering Julian Assange’s last appeal against extradition to the U.S., which is being described as “state retaliation.” Assange is accused of conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information through WikiLeaks. Initially blocked due to suicide risk concerns by district judge Vanessa Baraitser in January 2021, U.S. authorities successfully appealed the decision later that year, advancing Assange’s extradition process.

Lawyers representing the 52-year-old are seeking permission to challenge the original judge’s dismissal of other aspects of his case to prevent extradition. Mark Summers KC argued during the first day of the hearing on Tuesday that the U.S. prosecution of Assange would amount to retaliation for his political views, making extradition unlawful under UK law. Summers stated that this situation represents a classic example of state retaliation for expressing political beliefs. He added that the district judge failed to address this issue, which, if considered, would have been detrimental to her decision.

In written submissions, Summers and Edward Fitzgerald KC, also representing Assange, asserted that the evidence indicated the US was willing to resort to any means, including misuse of its criminal justice system, to maintain impunity for US officials involved in torture and war crimes during the “war on terror” era, and to suppress those seeking to hold them accountable. Mr Summers later informed the High Court in London that U.S. authorities had devised a remarkable plan to potentially assassinate or abduct Assange during his time in the Ecuadorian embassy, where he spent around seven years. He went on to mention that the plan faltered when UK authorities showed reluctance toward the idea of rendition or a confrontation on the streets of London.

Mr Fitzgerald later argued that Assange, who was not present at Tuesday’s hearing, is facing prosecution for his involvement in what he described as standard journalistic practices. He explained to the court that Assange is being prosecuted for engaging in routine journalistic activities such as acquiring and publishing classified information, which is both accurate and of significant public interest.

The barrister further characterized the case as an unprecedented legal prosecution, expressing concerns that the 52-year-old could face a serious risk of experiencing a blatant miscarriage of justice if he were to be extradited. On the first day of the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, numerous journalists and members of the public were present, along with scores of Assange supporters gathering outside the central London courthouse from 8 am. US authorities are opposing Assange’s appeal, arguing that his case is “unarguable” and should not proceed to a full hearing.

James Lewis KC, representing the U.S., stated in written submissions that Assange’s actions are consistently misrepresented in the appeal. He emphasized the unprecedented amount of classified material provided to Assange and asserted that Assange’s actions threatened the strategic and national security interests of the United States, putting individuals’ safety at serious risk.

Mr Lewis, who is set to present oral arguments on behalf of the U.S. on Wednesday, reiterated that the original judge concluded Assange was not prosecuted for political reasons but for allegedly committing serious criminal offences. He defended the judge’s decision as unimpeachable, arguing that it is not credible for a journalist to be immune from criminal prosecution in such circumstances. The hearing presided over by Dame Victoria Sharp and Mr Justice Johnson, is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, with their decision on whether Assange can proceed with the appeal expected at a later date.

Wikileaks founder’s US extradition ruling to roll out today

Ruchira Sonawat — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 06:21:46 +0000

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will learn on Monday whether a British judge has approved his extradition to the United States to face charges including espionage over the release of secret U.S. military documents.

Assange is accused of 18 counts of conspiring to hack government computers and of breaching a secrecy law by releasing vast troves of confidential military records and diplomatic cables over a decade ago by the U.S. authorities.

The Australian-born Assange could go to prison for 30 to 40 years, his lawyers say, though prosecutors say he would face no more than 63 months in jail.

The losing party on Monday is likely to appeal to London’s High Court and the case could go to the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court, further delaying the final outcome.

U.S. prosecutors and Western security officials see the accused as a reckless and dangerous enemy of the state whose actions put at risk the lives of agents whose names were in the material.

WikiLeaks is an international non-profit organisation that publishes news leaks and classified media provided by anonymous sources. It came to international attention in 2010 when it published a series of classified cables that had been sent to the U.S. State Department 274 of its consulates, embassies, and diplomatic missions around the world.