To Catch a Thief: China’s Rise to Cyber Supremacy Ep 3: The Most Dangerous Time in American History
11 snips
Mar 24, 2025 Jim Lewis, a leading expert on Chinese cyber espionage, shares his insights on alarming hacking tactics targeting American businesses, including airlines and startups. He discusses a striking incident involving a Wisconsin welding shop turned staging ground for cyberattacks. Lewis elaborates on the implications of intellectual property theft and the complex history of China's economic transformation from Mao to Deng. He also highlights the emotional and financial toll of espionage, offering chilling examples of companies affected by these aggressive tactics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Cate Server
- Chinese hackers used a server in Cate Machine and Welding, a small Wisconsin shop, to attack US businesses.
- The hackers targeted airlines, startups, law firms, and research labs, stealing intellectual property.
NSA Blind Spot
- While Americans were concerned about NSA surveillance, Chinese hackers exploited this blind spot.
- The Cate server, and others like it, were ideal for China because the NSA couldn't legally access them.
Beyond Espionage
- Chinese hacking extended beyond typical espionage targets to commercial entities.
- They targeted any company possessing valuable IP, regardless of industry, to support China's growth.