US Seizes Hacking Platforms Used By China-Linked Group
US authorities have seized two hacking platforms allegedly used by a China-based state-sponsored cyber group to target US critical infrastructure. The platforms, QScan and QTRouter, were allegedly operated by Nanjing Xinjiuwei Network Technology Company and provided hacking services to paying customers, including China's Ministry of State Security and the People's Liberation Army.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized the domains linked to QScan and QTRouter, rendering both platforms inoperable. The operation targeted victims such as NASA, the Federal Reserve, and several government departments.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that these tools were used by Chinese state-sponsored hackers to hide the origin of their attacks. He added that this was part of a series of technical actions against cyber operations allegedly sponsored by Beijing.