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The suspected Chinese malware has been identified on several US military systems.
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Unlike other monitoring malware from China, this malware appears to be intended to disrupt operations.
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Malware can also have the potential to disrupt normal civilian life or business.
US officials have found suspected Chinese malware across several military systems — and unlike previous attacks, experts say the intent is more likely to disrupt rather than monitor, The New York Times reports.
The attacks first came into the public eye in May after Microsoft identified malicious code in telecommunications software in Guam, where the US is home to Andersen Air Force Base.
US officials told The Times that investigations into Chinese malware had been underway for several months and that the malicious code had infiltrated US military systems across the country and abroad. Experts told the Times that previous cyberattacks were usually aimed at monitoring US operations.
Deputy Director of the National Security Agency George Barnes said Intelligence and National Security Summit earlier this month.
Now, experts say this new wave of malicious code has the potential to disrupt US military and civilian operations.
Last month, Rob Joyce, the NSA’s director of cybersecurity, called the nature of this malware “really disturbing.” According to the Times, this could allow China to cut off electricity, water and communications to military bases, and could also affect personal homes and businesses across the country.
Additionally, according to experts who spoke to the Times, it’s not clear whether or not the Chinese government knew about the malware, or how well the software actually worked.
Apparently, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the issue of Chinese piracy while meeting with Chinese diplomats earlier in July, According to a report from CNN.
“We have consistently made it clear that any action targeting the US government, US companies, and US citizens, is a matter of deep concern to us, and that we will take appropriate action to hold those responsible accountable, and the Secretary has made that clear again,” said one senior official. State Department official for the Blinken meeting.
In response to questions from the Times to the White House about the issue, National Security Council spokesman Adam R. Hodge: “The Biden administration works tirelessly to defend the United States from any disruptions to our critical infrastructure, including through coordinating interagency efforts to protect water systems, pipelines, railroads, and aviation systems, among others.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Do you have a news tip? Contact this reporter at scahill@insider.com.
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