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The author of the China-based programming code used in an alleged state-sponsored cyber attack on Google, and other US firms, has been identified as an IT contractor. Traced by US officials, the freelance security worker reportedly created a code that compromised computers and planted spyware within them, thanks to a previously unknown hole in Internet Explorer. Alongside Google, about 34 western companies were hit by his code, parts of which the 30-something freelancer uploaded to a hacking forum, a US official claimed. Speaking to the Financial Times, the unnamed source also said that the freelancer’s code, described as a work in progress, was already accessible to China’s authorities. Cited only as a researcher for the US government, the official then stressed that the freelancer did not launch the attack, and is not a full-time state worker in China. Moreover, “he would rather not have uniformed guys looking over his shoulder,” and apparently, would prefer not to be used in such a cyber offensive. However the freelancer’s IT capabilities were said to be of such a high level that it was not plausible for him to “get away” from such a line of work. China has denied any role in the attack, which US officials say was primarily aimed at accessing the Gmail accounts of journalists, human rights activists and 'dissidents.' Despite the denial, US secretary of state Hilary Clinton has demanded “an explanation” from Beijing about the attack,with an official request that China’s foreign minister investigate. Feb 23, 2010 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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