Chinese Hackers’ Covid-Relief Fraud Expands Cyber Threats to US

The US Secret Service allegation that a Chinese hacking organization stole tens of millions of dollars in US Covid-19 relief funds broadens the threats the nation and its citizens face from the cybercriminals, according to cybersecurity professionals and attorneys.

State-sponsored cyber threat group APT41 fraudulently obtained $20 million that was distributed as pandemic relief, the Secret Service told Bloomberg Law on Tuesday, confirming a report first published by NBC News.

The theft marks what’s believed to be the first time the group—best known for cyber espionage and financial crimes—has been publicly confirmed to have targeted US government funds. The money ...