Another question from a reader popped into my inbox today:
Good afternoon. Yesterday, the US Government laid charges against a number of Chinese officials for cybercrimes against six US companies. My question is, does that really matter as I don’t see China handing these people over to stand trial?
Thanks for the question. Before I answer your question, let me do a quick recap. Yesterday the US Department of Justice laid charges against five people who they accused of hacking six US companies and then turning over whatever they electronically stole to Chinese based companies. In effect, these five people are accused of cyber espionage for commercial gain. Now, I’m all for going after those who hack other people or companies and I am all for them being punished to the fullest extent of the law. However, that’s likely not going to happen in this case. There’s zero chance that China will hand over these people. Which means they will never face justice. Plus this is likely to increase tensions between the US and China. Thus other than give the appearance that the US is going after cybercrime, I fail to see the point of this exercise. Perhaps there’s something going on behind the scenes that is connected to this that will clarify things, assuming we find out about it. But as it stands now, the logic of laying these charges escapes me.
Perhaps some of the readers of this blog has some further insight on this? If so, please leave a comment and share your wisdom.
Hey IT Nerd! Do US Charges Against Chinese Hackers Mean Anything?
Posted in Commentary with tags China, Security, US on May 20, 2014 by itnerdAnother question from a reader popped into my inbox today:
Good afternoon. Yesterday, the US Government laid charges against a number of Chinese officials for cybercrimes against six US companies. My question is, does that really matter as I don’t see China handing these people over to stand trial?
Thanks for the question. Before I answer your question, let me do a quick recap. Yesterday the US Department of Justice laid charges against five people who they accused of hacking six US companies and then turning over whatever they electronically stole to Chinese based companies. In effect, these five people are accused of cyber espionage for commercial gain. Now, I’m all for going after those who hack other people or companies and I am all for them being punished to the fullest extent of the law. However, that’s likely not going to happen in this case. There’s zero chance that China will hand over these people. Which means they will never face justice. Plus this is likely to increase tensions between the US and China. Thus other than give the appearance that the US is going after cybercrime, I fail to see the point of this exercise. Perhaps there’s something going on behind the scenes that is connected to this that will clarify things, assuming we find out about it. But as it stands now, the logic of laying these charges escapes me.
Perhaps some of the readers of this blog has some further insight on this? If so, please leave a comment and share your wisdom.
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