Chinese hackers recently targeted Indian electricity distribution centres near Ladakh, finds report

The reasons for the attack may include gaining an increased understanding into complex systems in order to facilitate capability development for future use or gaining sufficient access across the system in preparation for future contingency operations, the report states Chinese state- “In recent months, we observed likely network intrusions targeting at least 7 Indian State Load Despatch Centres responsible for carrying out real-time operations for grid control and electricity dispatch within these respective states” reads the report Continued Targeting of Indian Power Grid Assets by Chinese State- Furthermore, the report also states that the company “identified the compromise of a national emergency response system and the Indian subsidiary of a multinational logistics company by the same threat activity group. The report states, “Given the continued targeting of State and Regional Load Despatch Centres in India over the past 18 months, first from RedEcho and now in this latest TAG-38 activity, this targeting is likely a long-term strategic priority for select Chinese state- Explaining the reasons for the repeated and prolonged attack, the report states, “The prolonged targeting of Indian power grid assets by Chinese state-linked groups offers limited economic espionage or traditional intelligence-gathering opportunities. The objective for intrusions may include gaining an increased understanding into these complex systems in order to facilitate capability development for future use or gaining sufficient access across the system in preparation for future contingency operations.” The report was first carried out by Bloomberg, which said that Beijing has consistently denied involvement in malicious cyber activity. “Two attempts by Chinese hackers were made to target electricity distribution centres near Ladakh but were not successful… We’ve already strengthened our defence system to counter such cyber attacks.” In India, the government’s Indian Computer Emergency Response Team tracks and monitors cyber security incidents.