Chinese-linked hackers targeted U.S. officials with Venezuela-themed phishing emails. The campaign followed the U.S. operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Cybersecurity firm Acronis attributed the activity to the state-sponsored group Mustang Panda. The malware, LOTUSLITE, was designed to steal data and maintain persistent access. The incident highlights the persistent use of timely geopolitical lures in cyberespionage. In a stark demonstration of how digital espionage shadows real-world geopolitics, a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group swiftly targeted U.S. government and policy officials in the immediate aftermath of Washington’s operation against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Cybersecurity researchers revealed this week that the group, known as Mustang Panda,…