Paraguay, U.S. Tie Intrusions to China-linked Actors
Paraguay and the U.S. found infiltrations in state networks tied to China-linked actors. Lawmakers requested details.
Paraguay and the United States carried out a joint cybersecurity review of Paraguay’s state networks and found cyber intrusions in government systems that both governments attributed to actors linked to China. Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies has now asked the executive branch and MITIC to explain the scope of the incidents, the technical basis for the attribution, and the cooperation with U.S. agencies.
The United States and Paraguay carried out a joint cybersecurity review of Paraguay’s state networks and found cyber intrusions in government systems that both governments attributed to actors linked to China.
Scope of the review
Paraguayan authorities said publicly that the inspection identified multiple threat actors linked to China and that the intrusions affected several state systems. That confirmation added a diplomatic dispute with Beijing, beyond the technical dimension, according to information released by the authorities.
Request for information in the Chamber of Deputies
Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies formally requested information from the Executive Branch and the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies, MITIC, asking for details on the true scope of the incidents, the systems and data affected, and the technical indicators supporting attribution to Chinese actors. It also asked for specifics on the extent of cooperation with U.S. intelligence and cybersecurity agencies.
The legislative request also seeks a complete copy of the official joint statement between MITIC and the U.S. government on the intrusion, along with all technical reports, audits, and studies supporting the attribution. Among the elements cited are IP addresses, digital signatures, and tools that, according to the parliamentary filing, would have been used by groups linked to the Chinese government.
Follow-up measures and China’s response
Lawmakers also asked for information on the mitigation steps and state cybersecurity measures MITIC says it adopted after detecting the intrusions. The request also includes the communication sent to the Office of the Attorney General for possible legal action.
China officially rejected the accusations from the United States and Paraguay about the involvement of agents linked to Beijing in the intrusion into Paraguayan government systems. The Chinese government said the allegations were unfounded and reaffirmed its opposition to cyberattacks.
Sources
- Diputados pide informes sobre supuestos ciberataques de China al Gobierno de Santiago Peñaabc.com.py· ABC Color
- Estados Unidos y Paraguay detectaron infiltraciones cibernéticas de actores vinculados a China en sistemas estatales paraguayosinfobae.com· Infobae
- Paraguay atribuye ciberataques a China y abre una nueva disputa con Pekínnotipress.mx· NotiPress
- China nega acusação de ataque hacker contra o Paraguaiexame.com· Exame
