China has directly accused the cyber attack made by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) during February’s Asian Winter Games. According to authorities, these attacks targeted key industries such as energy, transportation, communication, and national defense in Heilongjiang province.
The Harbin Public Security Bureau identified three alleged NSA agents: Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson. Officials added them to a national wanted list. Moreover, they linked the attacks to the University of California and Virginia Tech, although details about their involvement remain unclear.
Targeted Systems and Intent
Chinese investigators say the attacks aimed to steal confidential information, create public panic, and damage the country’s digital infrastructure. They accused the cyber attack was from the NSA systems tied to the Asian Winter Games, which includes registration platforms that stored athletes’ personal data.
Additionally, these operations focused on triggering pre-installed backdoors in Microsoft Windows. The attackers gained access to specific devices in the province during the games.
How the NSA Hid Its Tracks
To stay anonymous, the NSA reportedly bought IP addresses from different countries. Then, it rented servers in both Europe and Asia. This tactic helped mask the origin of the attacks and made them harder to trace.
According to Xinhua, the cyber attack escalated on February 3, during the first ice hockey match. By that time, attackers had already gathered large volumes of data from the games’ systems.
China’s Official Reaction
China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the attacks and responded during a press briefing. Spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing had raised the issue with Washington. He urged the U.S. to “act responsibly” and to end false accusations and cyber aggression.
So far, the U.S. Embassy in China has not commented on the matter.
Ongoing Cyber Tensions
This incident adds fuel to a growing digital conflict between the world’s two biggest economies. Just last month, the U.S. charged several Chinese hackers with targeting U.S. government departments and foreign ministries across Asia.
In response, Beijing has begun to share more details about alleged U.S. attacks on its own tech firms. For instance, in December 2024, China said it disrupted two U.S.-linked cyber operations designed to steal trade secrets.
Conclusion
As both sides trade accusations, the cyber space is becoming a major battlefield in global politics. While China calls for accountability, the U.S. continues to press its own charges, showing that the fight over digital dominance is far from over.
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