China has responded to claims that it was responsible for a hack on Microsoft’s email software

China has lashed out at Australia, accusing the nation of ‘hypocrisy over the Federal Government’s accusation that the communist nation was responsible for a major hack on Microsoft email software.

In a statement from the Chinese Embassy, China firmly rejected the “groundless” accusations made by the Australian government on cyber issues, following the steps and parroting the rhetoric of the US.

Australia along with the US’s Biden Administration has pointed fingers at China over the hacking, stating that China’s Ministry of State Security is responsible for the cyber attack.

China’s embassy in Canberra, Australia issued a statement declaring the accusation was ‘false’:

“It is the world champion of malicious cyber attacks. Australia also has a poor record, including monitoring the mobile phone of the president of its biggest neighbor country, not to mention acting as an accomplice for the US’ eavesdropping activities under the framework of Five Eyes alliance.

“What the Australian government has done is extremely hypocritical, like a thief crying “stop the thief”.”

“As a victim of cyber attacks, China always firmly opposes cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms and calls on countries to advance dialogue and cooperation to safeguard cybersecurity. China put forward the Global Initiative on Data Security last September, and hopes that all countries will respond positively to jointly foster a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative cyberspace if they genuinely care about cybersecurity.”

The Biden administration also blamed China for the hack

The hack compromised tens of thousands of computers around the world earlier this year. The administration and allied nations have also disclosed a broad range of other cyberthreats from Beijing.

Of those threats includes ransomware attacks from government-affiliated hackers that have targeted companies with demands for millions of dollars.

According to a senior Biden administration official, hackers affiliated with China’s Ministry of State Security conducted the operation, which took advantage of security flaws in Microsoft Exchange Server software – or Microsoft’s email software.