Vast Chinese computer espionage network uncovered

Canadian researchers have detected a massive computer espionage network controlled from China that focuses on countries in south and south-east Asia, as well as the Dalai Lama's offices.

The researchers, who dub the network "Ghostnet," tracked it into almost 1300 computers in 130 countries. They uncovered the network after being asked by officials with the Dalai Lama to examine their network.

The researchers discovered that not only can Ghostnet allow files, including email, to be inspected and stolen, but that it can turn on computer cameras and microphones in order to monitor the room in which the computer sits.

See, "Vast Spy System Loots Computers in 103 Countries," New York Times, March 28, 2009, at March 28, 2009, at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/technology/29spy.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper; "Massive Chinese computer espionage network uncovered," The Observer, March 29, 2009, at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/29/china-computing.