Chinese Hackers Seized South Korean Defense Secrets
According to a report by South Korea's intelligence agency on October 15, 2010, Chinese hackers seized confidential documents from SK's foreign affairs and defense ministries earlier in 2010. 'FRANCE 24' reported this on October 15, 2010.
Additionally, the agency as well disclosed that the intruders dispatched e-mails purportedly from South Korean presidential aides, diplomats as well as other high-profile individuals whom Seoul officials knew. Files were attached to the e-mails laden with malware and they impersonated crucial documents like assessments of North Korea's economy. Anyone who opened those attachments had malicious software download documents on the user's PC.
The hackers reportedly, intruded when officials in South Korea dealing with defense and foreign affairs clicked on file attachments, which had titles on topics like Kim Jong-II the North Korean leader's schedule for his visit to China. TIEPEI TIMES reported this on October 16, 2010. Unfortunately, the hacking did ultimately happen despite the NIS (National Intelligence Service) detecting the invasion during the initial part of 2010 as also cautioning government officials of such e-mails. The NIS had also warned all SK state departments regarding the attack as well as had advised employees for cautiously inspecting e-mails prior to viewing them.
