Microsoft hack will widen US-China rifts on cyber

Significance

Microsoft attributed the first hack exploiting these flaws to a Chinese state-sponsored group. These flaws were subsequently leaked online, and organisations that have failed to install software patches continue to be targeted. Over 30,000 systems have already been compromised in the United States alone, further straining US-China ties.

Impacts

• The ubiquity of US technology will make vulnerabilities in US software a wider cybersecurity risk.
• Developing indigenous IT software and hardware will be unfeasible for most countries as rifts over 5G have exposed.
• Although tarnished, Microsoft will benefit from having few competitors in the business and domestic use software market.