US authorities are investigating a bogus email from a Republican lawmaker that contained malware apparently aimed at giving China insights into the Trump administration’s trade talks with Beijing, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.
The malware in the email purportedly sent by congressman John Moolenaar in July to US trade groups, law firms and government agencies was traced by cyber analysts to a hacker group – APT41 – believed to be working for Chinese intelligence, the newspaper said.
The email was the latest alleged Beijing-linked hacking operation aimed at giving China insight into recommendations to the White House for contentious trade talks with China, said the newspaper, quoting people familiar with the matter.
“Your insights are essential,” said the email that asked recipients to review proposed legislation attached to it.
