China Rejects Allegations of Cyberattack Links to Singapore Espionage Group

The Chinese embassy in Singapore has denied any connection to an espionage group accused of targeting the city-state’s critical infrastructure.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, the embassy called the accusations “groundless smears and accusations,” and reaffirmed China’s opposition to cyberattacks.

“China does not encourage, support or condone hacking activities,” the embassy stated, adding that the country cracks down on all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with the law.

The statement followed remarks by a Singapore minister on Friday, who said the espionage group UNC3886 was targeting “high value strategic threat targets” and vital infrastructure that provides essential services.

The minister did not name any country in connection with the group or provide specific details of the attacks.

Cybersecurity firm Mandiant, owned by Google, has previously described UNC3886 as a “China-nexus espionage group” that has attacked defence, technology and telecommunications organisations in the United States and Asia.

Beijing has consistently denied involvement in cyberespionage and maintains that it is a victim of such threats.

Singapore’s critical infrastructure sectors include energy, water, banking, finance, healthcare, transport, government, communication, media, and security and emergency services, according to the country’s cyber agency.

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• China denies link to UNC3886 espionage group

• Embassy calls cyberattack claims “groundless smears”

• Singapore minister says group targeted vital infrastructure

Source: REUTERS