How Dare China Spy On Our Vaccine Labs

Fury at cyber raids by 'hostile states' to sabotage Covid fight

- Michael Knowles

Cyber criminal gangs backed by China are targeting British drug companies trying to develop a coronavirus vaccine, security chiefs warned last night.

Medical research firms, universities and local government organisations are also among those tracked by sophisticated networks of hackers.

Security sources said “cyber actors” linked to China, Russia and Iran were behind the sick plots, with more attacks expected over the coming weeks as gangs attempt to steal “intelligence that aligns with national priorities”.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said yesterday: “It is completely unacceptable that malicious cyber actors are targeting those working to overcome the coronavirus pandemic around the world, from experts working on the global health response to hospitals and healthcare systems. The effects of these cyber attacks are potentially life-threatening as they disrupt and put pressure on organisations and individuals working hard to save lives.

“The UK will continue to counter those who conduct reckless cyberattacks for their own malicious ends. We are working closely with our allies to hold the perpetrators to account and deter further malicious cyber activity around the world.”

The Foreign Secretary warned of “hostile states” and criminal gangs exploiting the coronavirus crisis for fraud and espionage. Mr Raab said the “vast majority” of nations have come together to defeat Covid-19, but some will always “seek to exploit a crisis for their own criminal and hostile ends”.