Intel Accused of Embedding NSA Backdoors in Processors

The Chinese Cybersecurity Association (CSAC) has leveled serious accusations against Intel Corporation. In an extensive statement published on WeChat, the organization detailed numerous vulnerabilities in the American manufacturer’s processors and harshly criticized its approach to product security.

According to CSAC, since 2008, the American company has embedded hidden backdoors in almost all of its processors. These backdoors were implemented as part of the “next-generation security system” developed by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). Chinese experts assert that this creates the perfect environment for total surveillance, where the NSA remains the only secure player, while all other users are left completely vulnerable to external threats.

Moreover, the association emphasizes that the identified flaws point to Intel’s blatant disregard for its customers. CSAC highlights the scale of the potential threat—at risk is China’s critical information infrastructure and that of other nations.

The organization has called on China’s Cyberspace Administration to examine Intel’s products in the domestic market thoroughly.

The technological rivalry between the U.S. and China is intensifying once again. In recent years, Washington has consistently claimed that Chinese specialists have infiltrated America’s critical infrastructure systems, claims that Beijing strongly denies. The tension is further heightened by the fact that two years ago, the U.S. restricted the supply of advanced chips to China, and last year, it tightened sanctions by completely banning the export of processors for artificial intelligence. The U.S. government justifies these measures by aiming to prevent powerful computing systems from falling into the hands of the Chinese military, who could use them to develop smart weapon systems.

Nevertheless, Intel managed to secure several contracts this year with Chinese state organizations for the supply of Xeon processors, also to be used for AI tasks. The investigation and subsequent restrictions could deal a significant blow to the American manufacturer. Last year, more than a quarter of the company’s revenue came from the Chinese market, which plays a pivotal role in Intel’s strategy to regain its market position.

The corporation has so far refrained from commenting.