China Accuses U.S. NSA of Cyberattacks During Asian Winter Games
China has accused the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) of launching cyberattacks on critical infrastructure during the Asian Winter Games in Harbin earlier this year. According to Chinese authorities, the attacks targeted industries like energy, transportation, communications, and defense, while also aiming to steal personal data from athletes and disrupt the event’s operations.
The police have placed three alleged NSA agents — Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson — on a wanted list, and claimed the University of California and Virginia Tech were also linked to the operation, though details on their role were not provided.
Investigators say the attackers used front organizations to buy foreign IP addresses and rented servers across Europe and Asia to cover their tracks. Chinese officials allege the NSA's Tailored Access Operations unit was behind the breach, which reportedly exploited pre-installed backdoors in Microsoft systems. The cyberattacks are said to have peaked as the games began, especially targeting systems holding personal information for event participants.
The U.S. Embassy declined to comment, and both American universities have yet to respond. Beijing has raised the issue directly with Washington, calling the attacks "particularly egregious" and demanding the U.S. "stop its cyberattacks against China, and cease its unwarranted smears and attacks." The allegations arrive as tensions between the two countries deepen over trade, security, and tech competition.
