In June of 2020, Trustwave SpiderLabs, a cybersecurity firm, announced it had found malware on tax software[1] downloaded by a client. The malware was embedded in software that foreign companies are required to use in order to do business in China. The software is produced by the Golden Tax Department of Aisino Corporation.
Upon detection, the malware quietly tried to uninstall itself without drawing further attention.[2] The purpose of the malware is most probably economic espionage, as it enables hackers to gain access to a computer and operate safely undetected by anyone save a skilled cybersecurity investigator.
Firms operating in China are required by local banks to install similar software[3] in order to pay taxes. The revelation that the software is implicated in malware should give pause to any companies active in China.