Belgium probes suspected Chinese hack of state security service

Summary: Belgium is investigating a cyberattack attributed to Chinese hackers, which compromised the email system of the state security service (VSSE). The attack reportedly siphoned off 10% of the agency’s emails between 2021 and 2023 using a vulnerability in Barracuda Networks’ software. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential exposure of personal data from nearly half of the VSSE’s staff and past applicants due to this breach.

Affected: Belgium State Security Service (VSSE)

Keypoints :

• Judicial investigation launched into a cyberattack on Belgium’s VSSE attributed to Chinese state-sponsored hackers.
• Attackers compromised 10% of the agency’s emails by exploiting a vulnerability in Barracuda Networks’ security product.
• No evidence of data being auctioned on the dark web or ransom demands; investigation ongoing.