US seizes Chinese hacking platforms targeting agencies

The US Justice Department and FBI announced the seizure of internet domains used by Chinese state-sponsored hacking platforms QScan and QTRouter, operated by the QTFY group. These platforms targeted US critical infrastructure and government agencies, including United States — NASA, the United States — Federal Reserve, the US Senate, the Department of Energy, the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the United States — National Institutes of Health. The QTFY group, allegedly employed by Nanjing Xinjiuwei Network Technology Company, provided hacking services to China's Ministry of State Security and the National Liberation Army. The operation disrupted the platforms, rendering them inoperable. The FBI and NSA issued a cybersecurity advisory. China denied involvement and accused the US of smearing its reputation. The event highlights ongoing US-China tensions over cyber espionage.