Crowdstrike Warns Chinese Hackers Are Stealing AI From US Tech Companies

CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. reported that Chinese entities conducted cyberattacks on U.S. technology companies to steal artificial intelligence (AI) research, according to a June 10, 2026, report by CNBC. The breaches are part of a broader effort by Beijing to close the technological gap with the United States, the cybersecurity firm said.

The report cited CrowdStrike’s analysis of cyberoperations linked to Chinese state-sponsored groups, which targeted firms in the AI sector between 2023 and 2026. The attacks involved sophisticated techniques to infiltrate networks and exfiltrate proprietary data, according to the firm’s threat intelligence division. CrowdStrike did not identify specific companies but noted that the affected entities operated in fields such as machine learning, quantum computing, and semiconductor design.

“These campaigns reflect a strategic priority for Beijing to accelerate its AI capabilities through adversarial means,” a CrowdStrike spokesperson said in a statement. The firm emphasized that the attacks were not isolated incidents but part of a sustained effort to access cutting-edge technologies developed in the U.S. and its allies.

The report aligns with broader concerns about China’s growing focus on technological self-reliance. In 2023, the Chinese government launched a national initiative to strengthen domestic AI research, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign technology. The move has drawn scrutiny from U.S. policymakers, who have warned that intellectual property theft could undermine global innovation ecosystems.

U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed the details of the alleged breaches but have acknowledged the threat posed by Chinese cyberoperations. In a May 2026 speech, Deputy National Security Advisor Anne-Marie Elcik noted that “China’s cyber espionage activities represent one of the most significant challenges to U.S. technological leadership.” She called for increased collaboration with private sector partners to bolster cybersecurity defenses.

The cybersecurity firm’s findings come amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China over technology. In 2024, the Biden administration imposed restrictions on Chinese investments in U.S. tech firms, citing national security risks. Chinese officials have repeatedly denied allegations of cyber espionage, framing such claims as part of a broader effort to curb China’s economic rise.

Market reactions to the report were mixed. Shares of CrowdStrike fell 2.3% in after-hours trading on June 10, as investors weighed the implications for the cybersecurity industry. Conversely, stocks of U.S. tech companies with significant operations in China saw modest gains, reflecting investor optimism about potential regulatory changes.

Analysts said the report underscores the risks of global supply chain dependencies. “The U.S. tech sector is increasingly vulnerable to state-sponsored hacking, particularly as China invests heavily in AI research,” said Dr. Laura Chen, a technology policy expert at the Brookings Institution. “This highlights the need for stricter export controls and enhanced international cooperation.”

CrowdStrike’s analysis also pointed to the involvement of multiple Chinese cyber units, including groups linked to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The firm identified patterns of activity consistent with previous breaches attributed to these groups, such as the 2021 attack on a U.S. defense contractor. However, the firm did not provide specific evidence linking the recent attacks to particular Chinese agencies.

The report has reignited debates about the effectiveness of current cybersecurity measures. In 2025, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued guidelines for companies to detect and respond to advanced persistent threats (APTs). Despite these efforts, experts say the evolving nature of cyber threats continues to outpace defensive strategies.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the report, reiterating its stance that “accusations of cyber espionage are baseless and politically motivated.” The ministry also accused the U.S. of hypocrisy, pointing to its own history of surveillance programs revealed by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden in 2013.

As the U.S. and China continue their technological rivalry, the cybersecurity landscape remains a critical battleground. CrowdStrike’s findings suggest that the race for AI dominance will increasingly involve covert operations, raising questions about the long-term implications for global innovation and economic stability.