Computer lab’s Chinese-made parts raise spy concerns

[InfoSec News <alerts () infosecnews org>]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/aug/16/computer-labs-parts-raise-spy-concerns/

By Eli Lake
The Washington Times
August 16, 2011

A U.S. supercomputer laboratory engaged in classified military research 
concluded a recent deal involving Chinese-made components that is 
raising concerns in Congress about potential electronic espionage.

The concerns are based on a contract reached this summer between a 
computer-technology firm and the National Center for Computational 
Engineering at the University of Tennessee, whose supercomputers 
simulate flight tests for next-generation U.S. military aircraft and 
spacecraft, and simulate submarine warfare for the Navy.

The storage system for the contract calls for using software from U.S. 
cybersecurity firm Symantec installed over devices made by Huawei 
Technologies, a Chinese telecommunications giant that U.S. officials 
have said has close ties to China’s military. Huawei and Symantec formed 
a joint venture in 2008, with Huawei owning 51 percent of the shares of 
the enterprise.

Last week, four Republican senators and one member of the House 
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence urged the Pentagon and Energy 
Department in a letter to review the contract for potential risks to 
national security.

[...]

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