A recent report by a cybersecurity firm has revealed that over 10,000 computers in China were intruded by 29 hacker groups, both domestic and international, from December 2014 to November 2015.

SkyEye Lab, a Qihoo 360 managed Chinese security firm, revealed that 29 domestic and overseas hacker groups were responsible for initiating advanced persistent threats (APT) attacks on Chinese establishments last year. It further revealed that research, government and educational institutions in Beijing, Guangdong and Zhejiang province formed a large percentage of their targets.

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The report disclosed the identities of the hacker groups, which included Darkhotel and OceanLotus. According to Qihoo 360 senior executive Wu Yunkun, most hackers phish into accounts to steal confidential information. APT attacks, on the other hand, involve stealing huge volumes of vital data from establishments and institutions.

The report warns that aside from exposing sensitive information, these attacks pose a serious threat to the country's security.

China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy cyber security expert Qin An revealed that hacker groups utilize complex and systematic technology for APTs. The hacking attempts last year were widely diffused and affected enterprises linked with energy and military services.

This year, it is evident that the hacking continues with Tsinghua University being one of the latest victims. The hacker behind the attack on Tsinghua University claimed to be a member of the militant group Islamic State. However, Edward Snowden, a whistleblower, debunked the claim and said it was the US' National Security Agency that intruded in the Beijing-based university's computers and servers, according to the South China Morning Post. 

Tagscybersecurity, Qihoo 360, Darkhotel, OceanLotus, SkyEye Lab