FBI Disrupts Second Major Chinese Hacking Group 'Flax Typhoon'

U.S. law enforcement has disrupted a Chinese hacking group called 'Flax Typhoon,' according to FBI Director Christopher Wray. Speaking at a cybersecurity conference, Wray revealed that the group, run by the Integrity Technology Group, was involved in espionage for Chinese government agencies by compromising thousands of devices.

WASHINGTON, Sept 18 (Reuters) - U.S. law enforcement has successfully disrupted a significant Chinese hacking group known by the moniker 'Flax Typhoon,' as announced by FBI Director Christopher Wray on Wednesday.

Speaking at a prominent cybersecurity conference in Washington, Wray detailed how the group, managed by China's Integrity Technology Group, positioned itself as an IT firm while clandestinely 'collecting intelligence and performing reconnaissance for Chinese government security agencies.' This operation compromised thousands of devices.

In the background is a previously identified hacking group named 'Volt Typhoon,' which has elicited growing concern among Western officials for its cyber-sabotage activities targeting critical U.S. infrastructure. U.S. authorities assert it is Beijing-backed, though China claims it is merely a ransomware gang. China's embassy in Washington has yet to comment on the FBI's latest statement.

(With inputs from agencies.)