Unveiling the Intriguing World of a Chinese Hacking Firm: Secrets of Influence, Booze, and Lust

China’s hacking industry is a murky world of clandestine dealings, where flashy marketing presentations are just the tip of the iceberg. The recent leak of internal documents from a Chinese hacking company, I-Soon, has pulled back the curtain on the seedy underbelly of this state-linked industry. The CEO of I-Soon saw the Lunar New Year banquet as the perfect opportunity to cozy up to government officials, showcasing the intricate web of connections between hackers and the Chinese government.

I-Soon, like many other contractors in China’s hacking scene, thrived on a culture of late-night drinking sessions, hotpot parties, and cutthroat competition with rivals like cybersecurity giant Qi Anxin. Despite Qi Anxin being a major investor in I-Soon, the leaked records revealed a deep-seated animosity between the two companies. The leaked documents have raised eyebrows not just for their content, but for the mystery surrounding their source.

The ties between Chinese hacking companies like I-Soon and the government are undeniable, with the leaked documents shedding light on the extent of these connections. While Beijing has repeatedly denied any involvement in offensive hacking, the leaked records paint a different picture. The Chinese Academy of Sciences, a state body, has a stake in I-Soon through a Tibetan investment fund, further blurring the lines between state and corporate interests.

Despite its financial struggles and cash flow issues, I-Soon remains just a small player in China’s vast hacking ecosystem. Surprisingly, for a company operating in such a covert industry, I-Soon’s lax security protocols have been a cause for concern. The leak of sensitive internal documents has sparked investigations both within the company and by Chinese authorities, raising questions about the future of I-Soon and its place in China’s hacking landscape.

The I-Soon leak serves as a cautionary tale about the hidden world of state-linked hacking in China, where alliances are fragile, competition is fierce, and loyalty is always up for debate. As the dust settles on this unprecedented breach of secrecy, one thing is clear: the Chinese hacking industry is far more complex and interconnected than meets the eye.