In 2018, cybersecurity firm Cybereason uncovered a complex worldwide campaign against telecom providers conducted by PRC-backed hackers since at least 2012. Their cyber operations compromised companies from more than 30 countries and “aimed to gather information on individuals in government, law-enforcement and politics.” One the attack’s particularity was that it was conducted in multiple waves, allowing the hackers to pursue their operations over a long period of time. Analyzing all the evidence gathered, the cyber experts concluded “with a high level of certainty that the threat actor is affiliated with China and is likely state sponsored”. The report did not mention who the affected companies were, but Reuters reported that many of them are likely located in Western Europe.