A recent report from private intelligence firm Recorded Future exposed how China tried to hack Indian electricity distribution centers near Ladakh.
These were Chinese state-sponsored hackers who tried to steal information during 2021.
This comes as a stark revelation at a time when a military standoff is already straining the ties between them.
“In recent months, we observed likely network intrusions targeting at least seven Indian State Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs) responsible for carrying out real-time operations for grid control and electricity dispatch within these respective states. Notably, this targeting has been geographically concentrated, with the identified SLDCs located in North India, in proximity to the disputed India-China border in Ladakh,” the group said.
As per NDTV, China’s hacking attacks took place between August last year and March.
The investigation highlights that data passed in and out of Indian Load Despatch Centres to China’s command and control servers. These are spread across the world.
Moreover, it also compromised a national emergency response system.
Besides, an Indian subsidiary of a multinational logistics company also became a target.
The group has informed the findings to Indian government before publishing the report.
Notably, these Chinese attackers were trying to gather information surrounding critical infrastructure systems.
A couple of objectives could be behind this espionage. These may have been aimed to gain an increased understanding of these complex systems; to develop an understanding of capability development for future use; it may help gain sufficient access across the system in preparation for future contingency operations as well.
With upgrading technology, high profile cyber-attacks are on the rise across globe. India and China, the two neighbours, have had a long history of territory disputes.
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