Chinese hackers targeted AI policy experts with phishing

Researchers report that a China-linked hacking group used phishing emails to impersonate AI experts and policy officials, targeting people at universities, think tanks, law firms, and AI companies in July. The emails, posing as invitations to join AI advisory committees or contribute to Senate reports, were designed to build trust before directing targets to credential-stealing web pages. The group sought cloud account access as part of a broader espionage campaign.

• China-linked group targeted AI policy specialists
• Phishing emails impersonated prominent officials and experts
• Emails aimed to build rapport before credential theft
• Targets included universities, think tanks, law firms, and AI firms