Attempts to infect, compromise computers coincide with reports of tighter security before 60th anniversary of Communist government
Omar El Akkad, From Monday’s Globe and Mail:
Along with Mr. Villeneuve and Mr. Walton, Mr. Deibert was at the centre of an operation that uncovered “GhostNet,” a network of more than 1,200 infected computers worldwide that included machines in embassies and ministries. In that case, the vast majority of attacks appeared to originate from China.
In the case of the attacks against journalists, the researchers have traced back the malware’s IP address to two compromised servers, both located in Taiwan.
Ironically, one of those servers belongs to the National Central University of Taiwan – it is where students and faculty are directed to go to download anti-virus software.
Because there exist very few recognized international mechanisms for reporting and logging such attacks, Mr. Deibert said he had to contact Taiwanese authorities directly to notify them that key servers had been infiltrated.
“I think it’s not appropriate for a researcher at the university to contact an ambassador here in Canada to let them know,” Mr. Deibert said.
“But nonetheless it has to be done, and the reason is there is really no other obvious avenue for us to turn.”