What's happened
As of July 15, 2025, coordinated cyberattacks have targeted major US and UK institutions. Four suspects were arrested in the UK for hacking retailers including Marks & Spencer and Harrods. Chinese national Xu Zewei was detained in Italy for hacking US COVID-19 research, linked to the Hafnium group. Columbia University suffered a politically motivated data breach in late June.
What's behind the headline?
Rising Cybersecurity Threats Reflect Geopolitical Rivalry
The recent wave of cyberattacks underscores the intensifying digital battleground between global powers, particularly the US, UK, and China. The arrest of Xu Zewei, linked to the Chinese Ministry of State Security and the Hafnium hacking group, highlights China's strategic targeting of critical COVID-19 research to gain scientific and technological advantages. Meanwhile, the UK arrests of young suspects connected to the Scattered Spider collective reveal the growing sophistication and youth involvement in cybercrime, exploiting social engineering to breach major retailers.
Political Motivations and Hacktivism
The Columbia University breach, attributed to a politically motivated hacktivist, illustrates how cyberattacks are not solely financially driven but also used to influence political narratives, in this case surrounding affirmative action policies. The display of President Trump's image during the attack adds a layer of symbolic messaging, reflecting the intersection of cybercrime and political activism.
Implications and Forecast
These incidents will likely prompt governments and institutions to bolster cybersecurity defenses and intelligence-sharing. The US and UK will continue to prioritize counter-espionage and cybercrime crackdowns, while China’s cyber operations will remain a focal point of international scrutiny. For individuals and organizations, the evolving threat landscape demands heightened vigilance, especially regarding credential security and insider threats.
Impact on Public and Private Sectors
Retailers, universities, and research institutions are increasingly vulnerable to complex cyber threats that blend technical exploits with social engineering. The financial and reputational damage from these breaches will drive investments in cybersecurity infrastructure and policy reforms. However, the persistent geopolitical tensions suggest that cyber espionage and politically motivated attacks will remain a persistent challenge.
What the papers say
TechCrunch reports that Xu Zewei, arrested in Italy, is accused of hacking US COVID-19 research as part of the Hafnium group, working for Shanghai Powerock Network under Chinese government direction. The DOJ outlines his involvement in mass Microsoft Exchange server hacks and espionage targeting universities and researchers (TechCrunch, July 8, 2025). The South China Morning Post highlights FBI Director Kash Patel's statement on relentless CCP cyberattacks and the intensifying espionage contest between the US and China, noting both sides' increased spying activities and publicizing of arrests (South China Morning Post, July 15, 2025). UK authorities arrested four suspects linked to the Scattered Spider hacking collective targeting British retailers like Marks & Spencer and Harrods, with the National Crime Agency citing charges including hacking, blackmail, and money laundering (TechCrunch, July 10, 2025; AP News, July 10, 2025). Columbia University's politically motivated cyberattack in late June, detailed by the NY Post and AP News, involved theft of sensitive student data and was linked to a hacktivist aiming to expose affirmative action practices, with symbolic displays of President Trump's image during the outage (NY Post, July 3, 2025; AP News, July 2, 2025). These sources collectively illustrate a multifaceted cyber threat landscape involving state-sponsored espionage, organized crime, and politically motivated hacking.
How we got here
Cyberattacks have escalated amid geopolitical tensions, with hacking groups exploiting vulnerabilities in retail, academic, and government sectors. The US and UK have intensified efforts to combat espionage and cybercrime, while China faces accusations of state-sponsored hacking targeting sensitive research and institutions.
Go deeper
- What is the Hafnium hacking group and their impact?
- How did the UK suspects breach major retailers?
- What political motives were behind the Columbia University hack?
Common question
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What Data Was Compromised in the Columbia University Cyberattack?
On June 24, 2025, Columbia University faced a significant cyberattack that not only disrupted its network but also exposed sensitive data. This incident raises critical questions about the implications of such breaches on university operations and student privacy. Below, we explore the details of the attack, its impact, and preventive measures universities can take.
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How do political tensions influence cybersecurity threats?
Political tensions can significantly impact cybersecurity, as seen in recent attacks targeting institutions like Columbia University. Understanding the connection between politics and cyber threats can help us grasp the broader implications for security and privacy.
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What Happened in the Columbia University Cyberattack?
On June 24, 2025, Columbia University faced a significant cyberattack that compromised sensitive student data and disrupted essential systems. This incident raises critical questions about data security in educational institutions and the measures needed to prevent future attacks. Below, we explore the implications of this breach and what universities can do to enhance their cybersecurity.
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What Is Chinese Cyber Espionage and How Does It Impact Global Research?
Recent arrests, like that of Xu Zewei for hacking U.S. universities to steal COVID-19 data, highlight the growing threat of Chinese cyber espionage. People are asking how common these attacks are, what they mean for international relations, and how countries are protecting their research. This page explores these questions and more, shedding light on the complex world of cyber espionage and its global implications.
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Who Is Behind the Recent Cyberattacks on US, UK, and China?
Recent cyberattacks targeting major nations like the US, UK, and China have raised urgent questions about who is responsible and what their motives are. From state-sponsored espionage to organized crime and politically motivated hacking, the landscape is complex and evolving. Curious about the actors involved and what these attacks mean for global security? Keep reading to find out more about the key players, their methods, and the wider implications of these cyber threats.
More on these topics
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Established in 1754 on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhattan, Columbia is the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the fifth-oldest institution of hig
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With more than 19 million residents in 2019, it is the fourth-most-populous state.
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Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a sovereign country consisting of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands. Italy is located in south-central Europe, and is considered part of western Europe.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Harrods is a department store located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, London, England. It is owned by the state of Qatar via its sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority.
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency.
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The Ministry of State Security, or Guoanbu, is the civilian intelligence, security and secret police agency of the People's Republic of China, responsible for counter-intelligence, foreign intelligence and political security.