Researchers at the University of Toronto are part of a team that uncovered an electronic spying operation that infiltrated computers and stole documents. Targets included government and private offices around the world, including those of the Dalai Lama.

The Information Warfare Monitor group investigated suspected Chinese espionage against the Tibetan community in exile. It turned up multiple infections that allowed attackers access to sensitive information.

The methods used by the attackers demonstrate the way in which malware can http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifbe adapted to create a low-cost intelligence capability. The data uncovered by the researchers led to the discovery of insecure, web-based interfaces to four control servers that gave the attackers access to compromised computers.

There have been allegations that China is behind the espionage. There isn't any evidence that the spies were working directly for the Chinese government, although there have been accusations that stolen information may have benefited Chinese policy and interests.

Detailed report - here.