Spyware Threatens Taiwan, Tibetan Activists, Say Western Agencies

Western intelligence agencies have warned of a spyware campaign by Chinese security services targeting pro-democracy groups and ethnic minorities. According to a joint advisory by cybersecurity agencies from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany, spyware apps developed by Chengdu-based Sichuan Dianke Network Security Technology Co. are being used to monitor activists linked to Taiwan, Tibet, and other marginalized groups. The malware—“BADBAZAAR” and “MOONSHINE”—steals data and enables remote access to phones. Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre stressed that the tools’ wide spread could harm even those not initially targeted.