Chinese Hackers Reportedly Impersonating U.S. AI Experts to Steal Sensitive Policy Information

Chinese hackers are reportedly "impersonating" U.S. AI experts to steal sensitive policy information.
Cybersecurity firm Proofpoint says the group, tracked as TA419, has targeted U.S. and Japanese think tanks, defense contractors, universities and law firms since 2025.
The hackers reportedly pose as AI and statecraft experts, pitch collaborations, then redirect targets to credential-stealing websites.
Per Reuters, one target was Alex Engler, a former White House official, who received an email from someone impersonating former U.S. technology official Lynne Parker inviting him to join an AI policy project.
Proofpoint said the targeting suggests an intelligence interest in U.S. policymaking, not just technology theft.