FBI: Chinese, Russian Hackers Pose ‘Very, Very Real Threat’ to Vaccine Research

FBI Director Christopher Wray told a House panel Thursday that foreign hackers, particularly from China and Russia, are trying to steal U.S. coronavirus vaccine research and testing technology and engaging in efforts to disrupt the government’s response to the ongoing pandemic.

During a hearing on threats to America held by the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM) noted:

According to U.S. intelligence officials, Chinese and Russian hackers are using cyber tools to steal American biomedical research used for the development of a COVID-19 [coronavirus disease] vaccine. Officials have also expressed concern about the possibility of Chinese and Russian hackers damaging American efforts to develop a vaccine.

She went on to ask Wray, “What is the department doing to combat foreign hackers and to work with pharmaceutical and academic institutions to strengthen [its] cyber defense capabilities?”

“You’re correct that we are seeing efforts by our foreign adversaries to engage in cyber targeting of [coronavirus disease] vaccine research, testing technology, treatment technology, and efforts to disrupt our national response to the pandemic,” the FBI chief responded. (Read more from “FBI Chief: Chinese, Russian Hackers Pose ‘Very, Very Real Threat’ to Vaccine Research” HERE)

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