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US cybersecurity firm says Beijing-linked hackers hit the Vatican ahead of talks between China and the church
- Targets included communications between Hong Kong diocese and Vatican with similar tools to those used by Chinese state-backed operators: cybersecurity firm
- Catholic Church and China had been expected to talk about renewal of landmark deal when pandemic struck
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Hackers linked to the Chinese government have infiltrated Vatican computer networks, including the Roman Catholic Church’s Hong Kong-based representative, a US firm that tracks state-backed cyberattacks said on Wednesday.
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It said the attacks began in May. The Vatican and Beijing were expected to engage in talks this year over the renewal of a landmark 2018 deal that stabilised relations between China and the church.
US cybersecurity firm Recorded Future said in the report that the attacks targeted the Vatican and the Catholic diocese of Hong Kong, including the head of the Hong Kong Study Mission, who is seen as Pope Francis’ de facto representative to China.
The report said the targets included communications between the Hong Kong diocese and the Vatican and used similar tools and methods previously identified with Chinese state-backed hacking groups.
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China demands ‘sufficient evidence’ over Vatican hacking accusations
China demands ‘sufficient evidence’ over Vatican hacking accusations
China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
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