Chinese hackers blamed for Californian attack

NEWS Chinese hackers mounted a sustained attack on California's electricity management systems during the height of the state's energy crisis last month, according to the latest reports in the US press. A computer system which controls much of the flow of electricity across the state was attacked for at least 17 days, according to the Los Angeles Times. The attacks could have started as early as 25 April and were not discovered until 11 May. Officials of California's electricity authority say they aren't sure where the attack originated but reports suggest the Guangdong province of China was the likely source. However, officials have not ruled out Americans posing as Chinese hackers committing the attacks. The attack occurred during the Sino-American spy plane crisis.