UK cyber security agency backs Apple and Amazon’s denials of Chinese hardware hack

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said it had no cause to doubt statements made by Apple and Amazon yesterday, denying a Bloomberg report that malicious computer chips were placed inside their equipment by foreign agents.

Bloomberg cited 17 anonymous sources across US intelligence agencies and company insiders, who stipulated Chinese intelligence officials had infiltrated around 30 US businesses to hack their way into internal company networks.

"We are aware of the media reports but at this stage have no reason to doubt the detailed assessments made by AWS and Apple," the NCSC told Reuters.

"The NCSC engages confidentially with security researchers and urges anybody with credible intelligence about these reports to contact us," it said.

Read more: Apple and Amazon deny reports of Chinese hardware hack

In statements published by Bloomberg yesterday, Amazon said the report was untrue, and had "found no evidence to support claims of malicious chips or hardware modifications".

Apple's statement detailed a number of internal investigations based on Bloomberg enquiries, adding "each time we have found absolutely no evidence to support any of them".

"We have repeatedly and consistently offered factual responses, on the record, refuting virtually every aspect of Bloomberg's story relating to Apple."