Toronto - The international cyber spy network which has invaded some 1,295 computers in 103 countries, is continuing to operate despite being discovered, the Toronto Globe and Mail newspaper reported Monday, citing computer technology experts.

The Canadian researchers who managed to get on the trail of the hackers have so far witnessed no reduction in the cyber spies' activities, the paper said.

"What we were witnessing was an international crime taking place," said Ron Deibert, one of the team of Canadian scientists who uncovered the hacker network dubbed GhostNet.

We need to begin thinking about ways of implementing arms control in cyberspace," he said.

The researchers at the Munk Center of International Studies at the University of Toronto believed that up to 30 per cent of the invaded computers were "high-value targets" in government offices, foreign ministries, the media and international organizations.

Among the prime targets of the cyber spy network were the offices of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, which was the cause of the initial investigation. The researchers found that the GhostNet hackers found that a number of attacks originated from China.

Other targets reportedly have included Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. (dpa)