In a significant move to combat cyber threats, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned Yin Kecheng, a Shanghai-based Chinese cyber actor, and Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology Co., LTD., a cybersecurity firm linked to the notorious Salt Typhoon cyber group. These actions are a direct response to the recent compromise of the Treasury’s network and the targeting of critical U.S. infrastructure by state-backed Chinese cyber actors.
Cyber Threat Landscape and Background
Yin Kecheng has been implicated in unauthorized access to U.S. government systems, while Sichuan Juxinhe has been directly involved in exploiting the networks of major U.S. telecommunications and internet service providers. The Salt Typhoon group has been active since at least 2019, escalating its operations against U.S. critical infrastructure, which has raised significant alarms within the cybersecurity community.
Government Response and Initiatives to Chinese Cyber Actors
The Treasury Department emphasizes its commitment to using its authorities to address the growing cyber threats posed by actors linked to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This designation follows previous sanctions against other entities involved in similar cyber activities, highlighting the ongoing risks to U.S. critical infrastructure and the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.
As a result of these sanctions, the U.S. government blocks all property and interests of the designated individuals and entities within the U.S., and it prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions involving them. Violations of these sanctions may lead to civil or criminal penalties, underscoring the seriousness of the U.S. government’s stance on cybersecurity.
The U.S. Department of State is also offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of individuals engaged in malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure. Furthermore, this initiative reflects the government’s proactive approach to enhancing national security and protecting vital systems from foreign threats. In addition, it underscores the importance of collaboration between the government and the public in safeguarding the nation’s digital landscape.
For more detailed information on the sanctions and the individuals involved, please visit the official announcement.
