North Korea, Iran and Russia are also accused of launching cyberattacks

Jul 23, 2013 09:59 GMT  ·  By

Rep. Mike Rogers (R., Mich.), one of the most vocal United States officials when it comes to cyber espionage, has launched another series of accusations. According to Rogers, the cyberattacks launched by the Chinese government have cost the US almost $2 trillion (€1.5 trillion) in lost and stolen property.

Present at an event sponsored by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Rogers accused the Chinese military of stealing US industrial technology, and using it to illegally compete with the United States.

“There have been no consequences, and I mean no consequences, to their economic espionage. It’s been a free rein and a free run,” Rogers said, cited by the Washington Free Beacon.

The official claims that these cyber espionage operations have helped China boost its own economy while slowing down the US’s economic recovery.

In addition to China, Rogers also accuses Russia, North Korea and Iran of launching cyberattacks on the US.

He has once again highlighted the fact that the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Cyber Fighters – which he believes are sponsored by Iran – have launched devastating attacks against financial institutions.

Although he hasn’t named the target, Rogers claims that one financial organization alone has suffered damage worth $100 million (€75 million).

In addition, the US representative believes Russia is also involved in some of these Iran-backed attacks.

The attacks have been documented by America, but the steps taken to mitigate them are not enough, he said.

In early June, Rogers, Rep. Tim Ryan and Senator Ron Johnson introduced a new law that seeks to punish foreign state-sponsored cybercriminals.

If the bill goes into effect, cybercriminals will be denied the right to obtain a US visa. If they already have one, it will be revoked, and all their assets will be frozen.