In a significant development in the ongoing battle against cyber threats, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on January 14, 2025, that the FBI successfully executed an operation that removed the 'PlugX' malware from over 4,200 computers across the United States. This operation, conducted in August 2024, targeted the Chinese hacking group known as 'Twill Typhoon,' which has been linked to espionage activities since 2014. The malware, which has been active since 2012, had infected millions of computers worldwide, including approximately 3,000 in France. The operation was a collaborative effort led by French authorities alongside the cybersecurity firm Sekoia, highlighting the international dimension of the threat posed by Twill Typhoon. The Chinese government has been accused of funding this hacking group, which has targeted significant entities such as European shipping companies and various government institutions. This operation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Chinese cybersecurity firms, including Qihoo 360, which has been under investigation by U.S. authorities for its alleged involvement in cyber espionage. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently conducted a search of Qihoo 360's premises, reflecting the increasing tensions between the U.S. and China over cybersecurity issues. Qihoo 360 claims to have uncovered numerous overseas hacking groups, including operatives from the CIA and NSA, further complicating the narrative surrounding cybersecurity and international relations. As the U.S. intensifies its efforts to combat cyber threats, the implications of these operations extend beyond national security, affecting global cybersecurity dynamics. [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/14/doj-confirms-fbi-operation-that-mass-deleted-chinese-malware-from-thousands-of-us-computers/) [177d93bb] [The Herald](https://www.herald.co.zw/us-security-search-premises-of-chinese-firm-probe-has-political-undertones/) [51064ac2] [South China Morning Post](https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3272819/chinese-cybersecurity-firm-links-us-sanctions-its-role-uncovering-hackers-targeting-china) [09163dc8]