Cybercrimes linked to Chinese hacking groups have targeted governments, political organizations, and key industries, the United States and its allies claim.

The Biden administration on Monday said China carried out a massive hack of Microsoft Exchange email server software in January that affected mostly small businesses.

How did they do it? Intelligence agencies say Chinese government-affiliated hackers have targeted victims with ransomware, demanding millions of dollars.

The United States has not levied any new sanctions against China, but the Justice Department announced charges against four Chinese nationals for allegedly using a front company to cover up the government’s role in the crimes.

This story originally appeared in WORLD. © 2021, reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.