Chinese suspected in Capitol hacking cases

[Eugene]

Source: Los Angeles Times

Chinese suspected in Capitol hacking cases
The breaching of congressional computers, which
apparently began in August 2006, seemed to target
information on Chinese dissidents and human rights
activities.

By Richard B. Schmitt, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
June 12, 2008

WASHINGTON -- Hackers believed to be operating from China
have broken into computers in Congress, apparently in search
of information on Chinese dissidents, two GOP lawmakers said
Wednesday.

The hackers were not identified, but one of the lawmakers,
Rep. Christopher H. Smith of New Jersey, a senior Republican
on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he thought all
signs pointed to the Chinese government.

Federal authorities have been increasingly concerned in recent
years about the Chinese government's aggressive deployment of
scientists, engineers, foreign businessmen, students and others
to sweep up U.S. technology and information. Protecting the
United States against cyber attacks and high-tech crimes is
the FBI's third priority, behind combating terrorism and public
corruption.

The extent of the intrusions on Capitol Hill, which officials
said began in August 2006, was unclear, although Rep. Frank R.
Wolf (R-Va.), whose office had four computers affected, said
that other members of Congress were targeted, as well as at
least one congressional committee. "They got everything," Wolf
said at a news briefing, describing the attack on his office
systems.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-hackers12-2008jun12,0,6818200.story

[midnight]

1. So why are they spending their money and time listenting to us?