Spyware deluge hits Vietnam sites amid China spat

Hanoi

THE spyware used in cyber attacks on Vietnam's major airports and national carrier last month is now suspected of having bombarded many more official sites, amid tensions with China over territory in the disputed South China Sea.

A malicious code disguised as anti-virus software found lurking in everything from government offices to banks, major companies and universities was the same as that used in "politically-coloured" attacks on two of the country's biggest airports and Vietnam Airlines, said Ngo Tuan Anh, vice-chairman of Hanoi-based network security company Bkav Corp.

On July 29, the flight screens at the airports displayed messages critical of Vietnam's claims to the South China Sea, according to the VnExpress news website. Vietn…