Holy Hack<\/p>\n
State-backed Chinese hackers allegedly targeted both the Vatican and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong in a months-long attack.<\/p>\n
The attacks, first spotted by the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future, occurred as the Vatican and Chinese government prepare for a round of diplomatic negotiations, according to The Associated Press. China called the accusation groundless speculation, but Recorded Future suggests that state-backed hacker group RedDelta attempted to give China a leg up in the upcoming talks.<\/p>\n
In September, the Vatican and Chinese government are slated to begin renegotiations of a 2018 diplomatic agreement about bishop appointments within the country, according to AP News. The deal is a key part of the two parties relationship.<\/p>\n
The suspected intrusion into the Vatican would offer RedDelta insight into the negotiating position of the Holy See ahead of the deals September 2020 renewal, reads Recorded Futures report.<\/p>\n
Catholicism has been a problem for the Chinese government: AP News reports that the countrys 12 million Catholics are split in half between a Chinese-backed sect and an underground church that remains loyal to the Pope.<\/p>\n
The 2018 deal and the upcoming renewal was an attempt to unite the two factions. The original agreement recognized the status of seven state-appointed bishops who hadnt been approved by the Vatican, smoothing over relations between the two.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Vatican allegedly hacked by China ahead of key talks [The Associated Press]<\/p>\n
More on the Vatican: Trolls Immediately Attack Vatican Minecraft Server<\/p>\n
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China Allegedly Hacked the Vatican, Other Catholic Computer Systems - Futurism<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Holy Hack State-backed Chinese hackers allegedly targeted both the Vatican and the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong in a months-long attack. The attacks, first spotted by the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future, occurred as the Vatican and Chinese government prepare for a round of diplomatic negotiations, according to The Associated Press. China called the accusation groundless speculation, but Recorded Future suggests that state-backed hacker group RedDelta attempted to give China a leg up in the upcoming talks. Continue reading