Updated

Chinese-government linked hackers are using American computer services companies in conducting cyber attacks against private company networks, according to cyber security analysts.

A detailed computer forensic investigation by a major U.S. security firm revealed that three recent cyber attacks were carried out by two Chinese hacker groups known as Deep Panda and Wekby. Both groups appear linked to each other and are part of a Chinese-government run cyber espionage campaign.

The Department of Homeland Security stated in an internal report that cyber espionage targeting the bulk collection of personal data from government and private networks included nine attacks over the past year.

A report on the investigation by the security firm reveals the Chinese groups conducted the attacks using seven computer-hosting companies to target a U.S. air carrier, a European telecommunications company, and a European energy firm.

A copy of the report was obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. The security firm asked not to be named.

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