Taiwan is facing increasing military pressure from Beijing, which has been conducting frequent air and naval drills near its airspace and waters. While Taiwan has been enhancing its conventional defense capabilities, it is also preparing for a possible cyber war with China, which could target its critical infrastructure and disrupt its society.
Cyber Threats From China
China is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated and aggressive cyber actors in the world, with a large and well-resourced cyber army that conducts espionage, sabotage, and influence operations against its adversaries. China has been accused of launching cyber attacks against Taiwan’s government, military, media, and private sector, as well as interfering in its elections and spreading disinformation.
According to a report by the Institute for National Defence and Security Research, a Taiwanese think tank, China’s cyber attacks against Taiwan have increased in frequency, intensity, and complexity in recent years, especially during periods of heightened cross-strait tensions. The report identified four main types of cyber threats from China:
- Cyber espionage: China’s cyber spies seek to steal sensitive information from Taiwan’s political, military, economic, and technological sectors, as well as to monitor and track its activities and intentions. For example, in 2018, a Chinese hacker group known as APT10 was exposed for infiltrating the networks of several Taiwanese government agencies and companies, and stealing large amounts of data.
- Cyber sabotage: China’s cyber saboteurs seek to disrupt, damage, or destroy Taiwan’s critical infrastructure and systems, such as power grids, water supplies, transportation, communication, and financial services. For example, in 2016, a massive blackout in Taiwan was attributed to a cyber attack by a Chinese hacker group known as BlackTech, which targeted a power plant’s control system.
- Cyber influence: China’s cyber influencers seek to manipulate, deceive, or coerce Taiwan’s public opinion and behaviour, as well as to undermine its social cohesion and democratic institutions. For example, in 2020, a Chinese cyber campaign was uncovered for spreading fake news and disinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taiwan-US relations, and the Taiwan presidential election, in order to sow fear, distrust, and division among the Taiwanese people.
- Cyber warfare: China’s cyber warriors seek to support its military operations and objectives, as well as to degrade Taiwan’s defence capabilities and readiness, in the event of a cross-strait conflict. For example, in 2017, a Chinese cyber attack was blamed for paralysing Taiwan’s naval combat system, which affected its missile launch and radar functions.
Cyber Defence Measures
Taiwan has been taking various measures to enhance its cyber defence and resilience, as well as to deter and counter China’s cyber aggression. Some of these measures include:
- Strengthening cyber governance: Taiwan has established a comprehensive and coordinated cyber governance framework, which involves the participation and collaboration of various government agencies, such as the National Security Council, the Executive Yuan, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Communications Commission. Taiwan has also enacted and revised several laws and regulations to protect its national security, critical infrastructure, personal data, and cyber sovereignty.
- Building cyber capabilities: Taiwan has invested in developing and acquiring advanced cyber technologies and tools, such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and blockchain, to enhance its cyber detection, protection, response, and recovery capabilities. Taiwan has also established and expanded several cyber units and teams, such as the Cyber Security Department, the Cyber Command, the Cyber Warfare Force, and the Cyber Army, to conduct cyber operations and missions.
- Promoting cyber awareness: Taiwan has launched various initiatives and programs to raise the cyber awareness and literacy of its government officials, military personnel, private sector employees, and general public, as well as to foster a cyber culture and ethics. Taiwan has also organized and participated in various cyber exercises and drills, such as the Cyber Storm, the Cyber Shield, and the Cyber Yushan, to test and improve its cyber preparedness and performance.
- Enhancing cyber cooperation: Taiwan has sought to strengthen its cyber cooperation and partnership with like-minded countries and organizations, such as the United States, Japan, Australia, the European Union, and NATO, to share cyber information, intelligence, and best practices, as well as to coordinate cyber policies, strategies, and actions. Taiwan has also supported and joined various cyber initiatives and platforms, such as the Global Cooperation and Training Framework, the Cybersecurity Tech Accord, and the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace, to promote cyber norms, values, and rules.
Taiwan is facing a serious and growing cyber threat from China, which could pose a significant challenge to its national security, sovereignty, and democracy. Taiwan is preparing for a possible cyber war with China, which could involve various types of cyber attacks and impacts. Taiwan is taking various measures to enhance its cyber defence and resilience, as well as to deter and counter China’s cyber aggression. Taiwan is also seeking to cooperate and collaborate with its allies and partners, to defend and uphold its cyber interests and values.