Chinese hackers 'stole classified data from Malaysia's MH370 ?

Chinese hackers stole classified information from Malaysian officials involved in the search for MH370 a day after the plane disappeared, it was claimed today.

Government departments were sent e-mails containing a virus disguised as a hoax news report saying the Malaysian Airlines jet had been found.

When the attachment was opened, the virus - known as malware - began extracting sensitive data and sending it to a computer in China.

The attack came at a time when Malaysian officials in charge of the search were being heavily criticised - particularly by the Chinese - for not releasing crucial information.

It was spotted by CyberSecurity Malaysia – a Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation agency - which blocked the transmissions and shut down the infected machines.

But by then around 30 computers in the Department of Civil Aviation, the National Security Council and Malaysia Airlines had been infected and an unknown amount of information stolen, a source said.

-malayonline