The New York Times reports that Chinese hackers targeted its computer systems in an attack that began in September 2012. The attackers managed to gains access to a domain controller that holds account access credentials for all Times employees; this particular attack targeted the accounts of the current and former Times Beijing bureau chiefs. The hackers appear to have been looking for information identifying sources in China who may have provided information to journalists investigating a story about the fortunes amassed by family members of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. The hackers took circuitous routes, directing their attacks through previously compromised systems at several different US universities and shifting IP addresses often. Such deceptive strategy is similar to that used in other cyberattacks that have been linked to China. Chinese officials deny involvement in the attacks. The Times called in Mandiant to help monitor and block the attacks, gather evidence, and expunge the hackers. The attackers have been ousted from the system for now and more cyberdefenses have been established, but the Times harbors no illusions that its systems will not be targeted again. (más…)