China is turning to private firms for offensive cyber operations

China is increasingly relying on private firms for offensive cyber operations, as revealed by leaked documents from the Chinese hacking company iS00N. These documents shed light on the extent of privatization in Chinese intelligence operations, with companies handling activities once exclusive to government agencies. The leaked information exposed how iS00N conducted spying operations on targets across Europe, Asia, and North America for China's security bureaus. The trend towards privatization in cyber operations may have been influenced by the expansion of China's espionage activities targeting various entities globally. The leaked documents also disclosed details of iS00N's contracts with Chinese government agencies and technology companies, showcasing the company's involvement in surveillance and data analysis services. Despite some operational blunders and leaks, private intelligence companies like iS00N continue to play a significant role in China's cyber landscape, offering agility in hiring and executing intelligence tasks. The revelations highlight the evolving nature of cyber warfare and the increasing role of private entities in state-sponsored hacking activities.