Sensitive data on Australian F-35 fighter jets stolen

Hackers attacked an Australian defense contractor and stole sensitive data about the F-35 stealth fighter.

F-35 stealth fighter. Photo: US Air Force

Australian military officials say sensitive data related to the country's F-35 stealth fighter jet and P-8 surveillance aircraft was stolen when a defense contractor was hacked using a tool widely used by Chinese cybercriminals, AFP reported today.

Mitchell Clarke, an expert from the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), revealed at a conference on October 11 that an Australian aviation engineering contractor was hacked in July 2016, but it was not until November last year that the Australian National Cyber ​​Security Agency (ASD) learned about the incident.

According to Clarke, the hackers used a tool called "China Chopper", which is widely used in China, to steal 30 GB of "sensitive data" classified aslimitaccess under the US government's International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

In addition to information about the F-35 and P-8, the stolen data also includes schematic drawings of one of the Australian navy's new warships, where viewers can see in detail the design of the captain's seat.

However, Australian Defense Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said the stolen information was commercial and did not pose a military threat.

Mr. Pyne also said that recently cyber criminals have increased attacks on Australia after Canberra launched a submarine project worth up to 39 billion USD.

According to VNE