Security researchers identify Chinese hacking group

A team of cybersecurity researchers said Monday that they have identified a state-sponsored Chinese hacking group that has launched cyberattacks to try to bolster China’s navy.

Security firm FireEye said in a blog post that the group, which they are calling APT40, has been carrying out cyberattacks since at least 2013 that targeted the engineering, transportation and defense industries.

{mosads}The researchers said that the group is also going after traditional targets for China, including groups tied to elections in Southeast Asia, to try to gain intelligence about the organizations.

FireEye noted that those actions are likely linked to Chinese disputes in the South China Sea, as well as China’s massive “Belt and Road Initiative,” which aims to make the country a global superpower in trade.

“Despite increased public attention, APT40 continues to conduct cyber espionage operations following a regular tempo, and we anticipate their operations will continue through at least the near and medium term,” the post reads.

This report comes as China and the U.S. reportedly near a deal to end the trade dispute between the two countries.

President Trump has said that an agreement would have to include a Chinese agreement to halt the alleged theft of American intellectual property, which is often done through cyberattacks. China has denied stealing any trade secrets.