FBI cleared more than 4,000 computers of software allegedly created on behalf of China

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has conducted an international operation to remove malicious software (software) installed by hackers allegedly hired by the Chinese government. This was reported by the U.S. Department of Justice on January 14.

During the operation, the PlugX malware was removed from thousands of infected computers around the world, and 4,258 cases were identified directly in the United States. The ministry noted that the Chinese government ordered the development of PlugX from a group of hackers.

The malicious program is used to infect, control and steal information from victims' computers. According to the U.S. Ministry of Justice, PlugX was introduced by hackers starting in 2014 on Windows-based devices. The ministry emphasized that the FBI continues to investigate the activities of hackers allegedly hired by China.

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Earlier, on January 13, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that China had introduced malware into U.S. infrastructure systems. According to him, energy networks and telecommunications, as well as gas pipeline systems and power generation were affected.

Before that, on December 31, 2024, The New York Times, citing the U.S. Treasury Department, said that hackers linked to China allegedly attacked the electronic systems of the U.S. Treasury Department. It was noted that hackers could gain access to remote workstations of the Ministry of Finance and documents stored there. According to the ministry, it cooperated with the FBI in the investigation of the attack.

In response to the statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Beijing has always opposed any form of hacker attacks, as well as the spread of false information against China.