In its recently published cyber security yearbook, The Estonian Information System Authority (RIA) states that China poses a threat to Western countries with cyber-attacks, the creation of technological dependency and data collection. The Chinese intelligence services also have access to the personal data of Estonian citizens via Chinese-made technology and applications.
RIA recorded a record 6,515 cyber incidents with an impact in Estonia in 2024. A record 40,287 security breaches were recorded worldwide.
Hackers infiltrated U.S. telecoms companies, authorities in Romania had to cancel the first round of presidential elections, and the global economy was rocked by major data leaks and software bugs.
Cyber threats from China also on the rise
“China’s ambition to become the world’s leading power by 2050 is being helped by its cyber groups. The cyber threats from China can be divided into three categories: cyber-attacks, technological dependency and data proliferation in China,” states RIA’s cyber security yearbook.
The agency stressed that China-linked groups are in all likelihood the most capable and sophisticated operatives. “For example, U.S. Senator Mark Warner has pointed out that the activities of China-linked actors are so serious that they make Russia’s seem like child’s play. Compared to Russia, the Chinese often operate more covertly because their goal is not to degrade services, but cyber espionage or pre-positioning.”
More read: ERR.EE