China Tops UK's Cyber Threat List as Attacks Surge Ahead of Elections
May 16, 2024The UK's intelligence agency GCHQ has named China as the foremost cyber threat, focusing on countering their 'coercive and destabilizing actions'.
China's cyber activities have raised alarms with recent attacks on the UK's Ministry of Defence and Electoral Commission, indicating a shift from technology theft to targeting critical infrastructure.
GCHQ's director, Anne Keast-Butler, acknowledges immediate threats from Russia and Iran but stresses that China poses the greatest cyber risk to the UK.
There has been a significant rise in cyber attacks on UK entities, with an average of 1,078 incidents reported weekly, marking a 36% increase from the previous year.
Global elections face heightened security efforts by cyber experts to guard against cyber threats, amid the escalating scale of attacks.
The US, UK, and allies have issued warnings about the Volt Typhoon group laying the groundwork for potential disruptive cyber-attacks, with US National Cyber Director Harry Coker noting that PRC hackers are targeting interests at an unprecedented level.
The article underscores the escalating cyber threat from China, necessitating enhanced intelligence and security strategies.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources
Daily Mail • May 14, 2024
China poses 'genuine and increasing' cyber risk to the UK and the 'irresponsible actions' of...ComputerWeekly.com • May 14, 2024
China poses genuine and increasing cyber security risk to UK, says GCHQ directorYahoo News • May 14, 2024
GCHQ boss says China's 'genuine' cyber threat 'weakens security of internet for all'