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Chinese industry group accuses Intel of embedding backdoors in its CPUs since 2008, citing potential national security risks. The Cybersecurity Association of China (CSAC) is calling for an investigation into the security of Intel's products sold in China, sparking concerns about the implications for global supply chains and individual freedoms.
The Cybersecurity Association of China (CSAC) accuses Intel of embedding backdoors in its CPUs since 2008. The alleged backdoor installations pose a significant security threat to critical information infrastructure worldwide, including China. Intel has recently inked deals with Chinese state-linked agencies for its Xeon processors, raising concerns about potential restrictions and implications for the company's business prospects. The CSAC also accuses Intel of major defects in product quality and security management, demonstrating an "extremely irresponsible attitude towards customers." The alleged backdoor installations raise questions about the balance between national security and individual freedoms, with experts warning about unregulated surveillance and its dangers. These allegations highlight the importance of prioritizing robust security measures to protect against vulnerabilities in global supply chains and relying on foreign entities for critical infrastructure.
In a move that is being described as "a major blow" to Intel's ongoing recovery efforts, a Chinese industry group has accused the American chipmaker of embedding backdoors in its CPUs since 2008. The Cybersecurity Association of China (CSAC) claims that these alleged backdoor installations are part of a "next-generation security defense system" developed by the US National Security Agency (NSA), which would allow Uncle Sam to "build an ideal monitoring environment where only the NSA is protected and everyone else is 'naked'." This, according to the CSAC, poses a huge security threat to the critical information infrastructure of countries around the world, including China.
The accusations against Intel come on the heels of a series of high-profile allegations from the White House that Chinese spies have burrowed into US networks and critical infrastructure systems. China has denied these claims, but the alleged backdoor installations by Intel add another layer of complexity to the already contentious issue. The CSAC is calling for an investigation into the security of Intel's products sold in China "to effectively safeguard China's national security and the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese consumers."
Intel did not immediately respond to The Register's inquiries, fueling speculation about the company's stance on these allegations. However, it is worth noting that Intel has recently inked deals with several Chinese state-linked agencies for its Xeon processors to be used in AI workloads. Considering that over a quarter of Intel's revenue last year came from China, a security review of its products — and potential restrictions — could have significant implications for the company's future business prospects.
The alleged backdoor installations are not the only concern raised by the CSAC. The industry group also accuses Intel of "major defects in product quality and security management," which they claim demonstrate an "extremely irresponsible attitude towards customers." This criticism is echoed by some experts, who point to a growing trend of Chinese state-linked entities acquiring high-performance computing power that could be used to weaponize AI.
The NSA's involvement in the alleged backdoor installations raises significant questions about the balance between national security and individual freedoms. The CSAC claims that these alleged backdoors would allow the US government to monitor the activities of Chinese companies operating in the United States, effectively creating a "monitoring environment where only the NSA is protected and everyone else is 'naked.'" This has led some experts to warn about the dangers of unregulated surveillance and the need for robust security measures that protect both national security and individual freedoms.
The implications of these allegations go beyond Intel and China, however. They highlight the growing concern about the vulnerabilities of global supply chains and the potential risks associated with relying on foreign entities for critical infrastructure. As the world grapples with the challenges of quantum computing and emerging technologies, it is essential that we prioritize robust security measures to protect against such threats.
The CSAC's call for an investigation into Intel's products sold in China serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the tech industry. As companies continue to expand their global reach and engage with new partners, it is crucial that they prioritize the security and integrity of their products and services. The alleged backdoor installations by Intel, combined with other recent allegations from the White House, underscore the need for greater cooperation and collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and civil society organizations to address these pressing issues.
Related Information:
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2024/10/16/china_intel_chip_security/
https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/16/china_intel_chip_security/?td=rt-9cs
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/china-s-infosec-leads-accuse-intel-of-nsa-backdoor-cite-chip-security-flaws/ar-AA1so4JF
Published: Thu Oct 17 00:56:12 2024 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
