China has accused a US intelligence agency of hacking the Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an. As per the China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center, the National Security Agency's (NSA) Office of Tailored Access Operations had carried out cyber-attacks on the university that would provide programmes in aeronautics and space research. The NSA had reportedly carried out more than 10,000 cyberattacks on Chinese targets in recent years, by copying over 140 gigabytes of data.

HIGHLIGHTS
NSA Office of Tailored Access Operations carried out cyber-attacks on university
The NSA had conducted over 10,000 “vicious” cyber-attacks on Chinese targets
Beijing-based cyber-security discovered US-sponsored hacking activity in China

As per a report, when the attack carried out from overseas was eventually reported in June, China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center's team and 360 Security Technology had analyzed the university's data systems. They have identified that the cyber-attack on the university was conducted by the Tailored Access Operations of the NSA.

The team had claimed that NSA had conducted over 10,000 “vicious” cyber-attacks on Chinese targets in recent years, stealing over 140 gigabytes of data with “great value.'

As per the statement by the Police in Xi'an in June, the university had reported that it had detected phishing emails that display a “serious security threat” to essential databases.

The Northwestern Polytechnical University was related with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It would provide research programmes in aeronautics, astronautics and marine technology engineering.

Beijing and Washington have been accusing one another of conducting cyber espionage. In February this year, Beijing-based cyber-security firm Pangu Lab had mentioned that it had discovered US-sponsored hacking activity in China.

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