The Harbin Public Security Bureau has issued warrants for three U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) operatives following a revelation that over 270,000 cyberattacks targeted critical infrastructure during the Ninth Asian Winter Games in February. Authorities described the campaign as an AI-fueled “digital siege” aimed at disrupting energy, transportation, and national defense systems across Heilongjiang province.
Collaborating with China’s National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center and cybersecurity firm 360 Group, investigators traced 60% of attacks to U.S.-based servers, with malware routed through European hosts to obscure origins. Three NSA agents from the Tailored Access Operations (TAO) office were identified, alongside two American universities accused of involvement.
Senior engineer Du Zhenhua revealed attackers planted AI-generated “digital time bombs” designed to autonomously scan vulnerabilities and adjust tactics—escalating fears of a new era in cyber warfare. Systems managing athlete registrations, travel logistics, and venue access were primary targets, risking exposure of sensitive data.
360 Group’s Zhou Hongyi warned that AI-driven tools allow attackers to bypass traditional defenses, urging governments and enterprises to adopt AI-powered security measures. Investigators noted the operatives’ routines—avoiding weekends and U.S. holidays—helped confirm their identities, linking them to prior breaches at Chinese tech firms.
