NSA Hacking Tool Was Stolen by Chinese Hackers and Used Against US 2 weeks ago A National Security Agency (NSA) hacking tool was stolen by Chinese hackers in 2014 and used against US targets, according to researchers. The NSA is tasked with protecting US digital communications and resources, as well as trying to crack the communications of entities the US considers hostile. The agency also engages in signal intelligence gathering, both foreign and domestic. As part of its activities, the NSA develops tools to help it crack encryption and hack into systems. The Tailored Access Operations (TAO) NSA unit, also known as the “Equation Group,” is primarily responsible for the latter realm of operations.