The attacks, first spotted by the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future, occurred as the Vatican and Chinese government prepare for a round of diplomatic negotiations, according to The Associated Press. China called the accusation “groundless speculation,” but Recorded Future suggests that state-backed hacker group RedDelta attempted to give China a leg up in the upcoming talks.
In September, the Vatican and Chinese government are slated to begin renegotiations of a 2018 diplomatic agreement about bishop appointments within the country, according to AP News. The deal is a key part of the two parties’ relationship.
