Top German blue-chip companies targeted in cyber-attacks

German blue-chip companies BASF, Siemens, Henkel along with a host of others said on Wednesday they had been victims of cyber-attacks, confirming a German media report which said the likely culprit was a state-backed Chinese group.

German public broadcaster ARD said the hackers used a type of malware called Winnti, which allows attackers to remotely access a victim’s computer network. ARD said an analysis of the malware code showed which companies were targeted by a group likely working for the Chinese government.

Alongside the German firms named, companies including drug maker Roche, hotels group Marriott, airline Lion Air, conglomerate Sumitomo, and chemicals group Shin-Etsu were also targeted by the hackers, ARD reported.

Industrial conglomerate Siemens, shampoo maker Henkel and Swiss pharma group Roche confirmed that they were affected by “Winnti”, while BASF and Covestro also confirmed that they have been attacked.

Via Reuters / ARD