UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - A Virginia-based U.S. cyber security firm that tracks hundreds of cases around the world has found that a branch of China's military is suspected of a number of breaches and may have already stolen much valuable material from the American government and large corporations.

Hackers are using a technique called spearphishing. Instead of sending out thousands of E-mails and hoping a few victims will bite, the hackers target a specific group or company and send out very personal messages.

For example, they will use your name in the E-mail or will scour the internet to find personal information to lure you in.

"Their goal is to get you to click on a link, E-mail, or download a file," said Michelle Tuttle, cybersecurity expert. "It usually appears as a zip file and then it will download malware or spyware so they can get more information on your datatbases."

President Obama has recently said cyberwarfare is a grave threat to national security.

However, there are ways to protect yourself.

First, never give out your personal information online and always be vigilant when responding to E-mails.