China-linked hackers target US AI policymakers in credential theft campaign

A China-linked hacking group is impersonating U.S. artificial intelligence experts to steal email credentials from researchers, think tanks, defense contractors, and law firms, Reuters reported. The campaign specifically targets individuals involved in AI regulation, export controls, and national strategy formulation, indicating an interest in U.S. policymaking processes rather than proprietary technology theft. Attackers allegedly use social engineering tactics to mimic trusted industry figures and harvest login information from key personnel shaping American AI governance. This pattern suggests strategic intelligence gathering aimed at understanding or influencing Washington's regulatory approach to advanced computing. Security researchers have linked the operation to Chinese state-sponsored actors based on tradecraft and targeting patterns. The attacks raise concerns about potential compromise of sensitive policy discussions during a critical period for U.S. AI competitiveness. Government agencies have been notified of the ongoing threat to national security infrastructure.