International Cyber Op Wipes Chinese Malware From Thousands of Computers
The FBI, in conjunction with foreign law enforcement partners, has deployed software to wipe infected computers from PlugX, which is malware developed in China.
The initial investigation, led by French police and Sekoia.io, a private cybersecurity company, found a way to remotely delete PlugX from infected devices, according to a Justice Department press release.
Deleting the Malware from U.S. Computers
After testing and confirming it was effective, the FBI started to obtain warrants in August 2024 and began deleting this malware from computers based in the United States.
With Jan. 3 as the last day of warrant usability, they managed to delete it from 4,258 computers and networks.
The Development of PlugX
PlugX was developed by Chinese hacking entities known to cybersecurity experts by the nicknames “Mustang Panda” and “Twill Typhoon.” The malware’s purpose was to infect computers, gain administrative control and steal information.
Court documents state that the Chinese government paid the Mustang Panda group to develop PlugX. Starting back in 2014, PlugX managed to infiltrate thousands of personal computers, as well as European and Asian governments and businesses and Chinese dissident groups.
Official Statements
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division hailed the operation as a success.
“DoJ prioritizes disrupting cyber threats in order to protect the U. S. victims from harm,” Olsen said. “This operation, like other recent technical operations against Chinese and Russian hacking groups like Volt Typhoon, Flax Typhoon, and APT28, has depended on strong partnerships to successfully counter malicious cyber activity.”
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania added said this case shows how reckless and aggressive the Chinese government is.
“Working alongside both international and private sector partners, the Department of Justice’s court-authorized operation to delete PlugX malware proves its commitment to a ‘whole-of-society’ approach to protecting U.S. cybersecurity,” Romero added.
How to Protect Your Computer from Malware
The most important way to protect yourself from malware is to avoid downloading apps from unknown or unofficial sources. You should also not click on email attachments sent by unknown senders since hackers can use these to install malware on your computer remotely.
Finally, make sure your operating system, browser and antivirus are always up to date. Don’t use counterfeit versions of this software, as it is unlikely to contain the latest security updates.
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