The Rising Threat from China

A Growing Concern for US Interests

Cyber-related threats originating from China are escalating in both frequency and sophistication. With a history of high-profile breaches, state-sponsored hacking campaigns, and growing concerns over the safety of Chinese-made tech, businesses and consumers must remain vigilant and proactive in defending against these threats. This article will explore key incidents tied to Chinese cyber activities, the growing risk posed by Chinese apps and technology, and the urgent need for secure communication practices.

A Troubling History of Cyber Breaches: The OMB Hack and Beyond

One of the most infamous cybersecurity incidents tied to China occurred in 2014 with the breach of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). This attack, attributed to a Chinese hacking group known as “Deep Panda” or “APT10,” exposed sensitive data on more than 21 million individuals, including security clearance information and personal details. The scale of this breach highlighted the vulnerability of U.S. government networks to state-sponsored cyber threats and set the stage for a series of subsequent attacks attributed to Chinese actors.

But the OPM breach was far from an isolated incident. Over the years, China has been linked to numerous cyber-attacks targeting global businesses, governments, and research institutions. These operations have often involved the theft of intellectual property, espionage, and the disruption of critical infrastructure. China's cyber capabilities are advanced and well-resourced, with many of these attacks thought to be carried out or sanctioned by the Chinese government, as part of its strategy to dominate global industries and access confidential information, both through direct attacks, as well as through the theft of IP by planted agents working as employees and researchers in businesses and universities.

The Infiltration of Chinese Apps: A Threat to Consumer Privacy

Beyond traditional cyber-attacks, Chinese apps—especially in the realms of social media and e-commerce—have become increasingly problematic. A prime example is the social media platform TikTok, which has faced scrutiny in multiple countries due to concerns about data privacy and the Chinese government's potential access to user data. Despite TikTok’s claims of independence, its parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, raising fears over the potential for data harvesting and surveillance by Chinese authorities due to invasive laws requiring compliance to CCP requests by all firms based in China. Many Western governments, including those of the U.S. and India, have raised alarms about the app’s security implications, leading to calls for a ban or tighter regulation of Chinese apps.

TikTok, with its highly engaging algorithm and short-form video content, has amassed a global user base, especially among younger demographics. While it offers opportunities for creativity and community-building, several studies have highlighted concerning trends tied to the platform. Research suggests that TikTok's algorithm can exacerbate mental health challenges by repeatedly exposing users to content related to self-harm, eating disorders, and depressive behaviors. A 2022 study published in The Journal of Adolescent Health found that TikTok disproportionately amplified videos discussing self-harm and suicide ideation, which could normalize these behaviors among vulnerable users. Moreover, algorithms often serve content promoting unrealistic beauty standards, triggering body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, especially among teenage girls.

In addition to its mental health impact, TikTok has also been implicated in spreading divisive and manipulative narratives on social issues. Investigative reports by the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post revealed that TikTok’s algorithm can funnel users toward extremist or polarizing content, including conspiracy theories and misinformation, within minutes of engagement. These issues have raised alarms about the platform's role in shaping young people's perceptions of societal issues, often amplifying misinformation or fostering radical viewpoints. The concern is amplified by evidence that state actors and other groups use TikTok as a tool for psychological manipulation, targeting users with propaganda disguised as organic content.

Similarly, Chinese shopping apps like Shein and AliExpress have been criticized for collecting vast amounts of user data, often without proper disclosure. These platforms may not only threaten personal privacy but also represent a direct vector for cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, or other forms of data exfiltration.

Chinese-Produced Tech: A Backdoor to Global Networks

The proliferation of Chinese-manufactured technology—especially telecommunications equipment and networking devices—has raised significant cybersecurity concerns, particularly regarding companies like Huawei. The Chinese tech giant has been at the center of controversy for allegedly embedding "backdoors" into its equipment, which could be used by the Chinese government to spy on users or steal sensitive data. Although Huawei has denied these claims, several countries, including the U.S., Australia, and the UK, have moved to exclude Huawei from their 5G networks due to these concerns.

The risks posed by Chinese technology are not limited to just Huawei. As more Chinese companies expand their presence in global markets, there is increasing suspicion about the security of their products. Given the close relationship between many Chinese companies and the Chinese government, there is legitimate concern about the potential for espionage and sabotage embedded in the devices used by millions of people and businesses worldwide.

The Latest Telecom Hacks: Evidence of State-Sponsored Cyber Warfare

In 2024, reports emerged detailing a series of high-profile telecom hacks attributed to China. These attacks were tied to the exploitation of vulnerabilities in telecom networks worldwide, leading to the compromise of user data, private communications, and even the disruption of services. The Chinese hacking groups responsible are believed to have ties to the Chinese government, leveraging cyber tools to target critical infrastructure and gain intelligence on foreign governments and corporations.

These telecom hacks are particularly alarming because they directly threaten the integrity of communication networks that businesses and individuals rely on for secure information exchange. The breach of such systems could lead to far-reaching consequences, including data leaks, ransomware attacks, and the weakening of national security.

Taking Action: Protecting Yourself and Your Business

As the threats from Chinese cyber activities grow more pervasive, businesses and consumers alike must take proactive measures to protect themselves. Here are several key steps to enhance security and mitigate risks:

1. Awareness and Vigilance: Organizations and individuals must remain aware of the cyber threats originating from China. It’s critical to stay informed about the latest breaches, vulnerabilities, and trends in cybersecurity. Regularly review the security controls of your networks and data systems, ensuring that they are maintained and monitored.

2. Avoid Chinese Tech: When possible, avoid using Chinese-made technology, particularly for critical infrastructure or communications. Look for alternatives from countries with robust cybersecurity frameworks and transparent business practices. This includes everything from smartphones to network equipment, social media apps, and e-commerce platforms.

3. Secure Communication Protocols: Adopt secure communication methods and platforms that offer end-to-end encryption such as Signal. This includes using encrypted messaging apps and adopting secure email protocols. Be sure that your passwords are regularly updated and you use two-factor authentication (2FA) where it is an option.

4. Corporate Cyber Hygiene: Businesses should invest in comprehensive cybersecurity, ensuring that their networks are protected with the latest firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint security software. Business must focus their cybersecurity efforts not just on prevention, but also on the detection of threats in their environment and through the preparation of actions plans to respond in the event of suspected or actual attacks.

5. Support Legislation: Finally, encourage your government representatives to enact and enforce strong data privacy laws that regulate the use of foreign tech and impose strict penalties on data theft and cyber espionage. Recognize those representatives who push back against the legislation or seek to dismiss the threat as being potentially compromised.

Conclusion

The growing cybersecurity threats from China—ranging from state-sponsored hacks to the infiltration of everyday apps and technology—pose a significant challenge for businesses and consumers alike. The rise of Chinese tech in global markets, coupled with the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, demands that all parties remain proactive in protecting their data and privacy. As the digital landscape evolves, so too must our approach to security—ensuring that we are never complacent, always vigilant, and ever prepared to defend our national interests on the global stage.