| A hallmark of the economy within the United States (US) depends on our ability to innovate. Therefore, a threat to our ability to innovate becomes a threat economy. Considering the critical nature of our economy and the intertwined relationship of our economy to our national security, a threat to the US economy becomes a threat to US national security. A common means to attack the US economy is through corporate espionage activities. One entity, which is one of the most significant that conducts such activities, is China. However, it is not only the level to which China is conducting this espionage; it is also the means by which they conduct these activities, cyber. The purpose of this study is to explore the methods and implications of Chinese cyber espionage. This research reviewed particular associated Chinese cyber activities and Chinese governmental organizations that conduct the cyber activities, and the resulting implications to United States (U.S.) interests, specifically the U.S. economy, where effects can extend beyond financial damages to U.S. companies. These damages may not simply involve monetary loss, these espionage activities also result in loss of jobs due to the victim businesses being unable to maintain a workforce, which in turn has a rippling effect to the economy as a whole. Keywords: Cybersecurity, economic espionage, Chinese cyberattacks, Unit 61398. |
