Canadian companies targeted in extensive hack by China: U.S. officials

U.S. authorities say companies in Canada were among the targets of two Chinese citizens charged with carrying out an extensive hacking campaign to steal data.

An indictment was unsealed today against Zhu Hua and Zhang Shillong, who prosecutors said were acting on behalf of China’s main intelligence agency to pilfer information in several countries.

WATCH: U.S. announces charges against 2 Chinese hackers 

2:46 Wray details how breach by Chinese hackers was discovered

• Wray details how breach by Chinese hackers was discovered
• Rosenstein names Chinese hackers charged with global hacking campaign
• Canada among countries Chinese hackers stole personal information from

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Papers filed in Manhattan federal court allege the hackers were able to breach the computers of enterprises involved in activities ranging from aviation and space to pharmaceutical technology.

U.S. prosecutors allege the hackers were able to steal “hundreds of gigabytes” of data from targets in 12 countries.

In Canada, the RCMP had no immediate comment on the U.S. charges.

WATCH: China denies ‘slanderous’ spying charges by U.S., Canada and other countries

2:03 China denies ‘slanderous’ spying charges by U.S., Canada and other countries

In the last several months, the U.S. Justice Department has filed charges against several Chinese intelligence officials and alleged hackers.

2:06 Up to 500 million Marriott hotel guests’ data exposed in breach

*with a file from Reuters