Cyber Crime
China’s Cyber-Offense Ecosystem: A Global Threat in the Making
A recent report from France’s Orange Cyberdefense has uncovered the intricate web of public and private collaboration fueling China’s offensive cyber capabilities.
Contrary to the long-held perception that China’s cyberattacks are solely the work of state actors, the research reveals a far-reaching ecosystem of private cybersecurity firms, technology providers, and universities working in tandem with government agencies. This dynamic alliance is driving China’s strategic military, economic, and geopolitical ambitions in cyberspace.
Beyond Government Control
China’s cyber-offense prowess has often been attributed to state-sponsored groups operating under the direct oversight of the government. However, the Orange report challenges this notion, highlighting a multilayered system where private entities play a critical role.
“China’s offensive cyber capabilities are supported by a complex ecosystem involving both state and non-state actors,” the report states. This ecosystem is instrumental in enabling Beijing to stay ahead in the global cyber race, leveraging cutting-edge innovations from the private sector.
A Powerhouse of Collaboration
China’s synergistic approach between its private sector and government entities accelerates its cyber-offensive capabilities, says Dan Ortega, a security strategist at Anomali.
“The collaboration facilitates quicker access to advancements in AI, big data analytics, 5G, and cloud computing, while also enabling large-scale cyber operations,” Ortega explains. He notes that initiatives like the Military-Civil Fusion strategy compel private companies to share technological breakthroughs with the state, creating a feedback loop that amplifies cyberattack potential.
An Escalating Threat
The timing of Orange’s report is significant, coinciding with rising concerns over China’s cyberattacks targeting U.S. critical infrastructure. Operations like Volt Typhoon have heightened fears that Chinese actors have entrenched themselves within networks vital to energy, telecommunications, and other sectors.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has labeled China the “most active and persistent cyber threat” to U.S. government and private networks, reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
The Key Players
Orange’s research identifies four main government stakeholders—People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Ministry of State Security (MSS), Ministry of Public Security (MPS), and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)—as the architects of China’s cyber strategy.
These entities employ a broad arsenal, from recruiting private hackers to forming alliances with corporations and universities, to execute data theft, website defacement, and denial-of-service attacks.
Private Firms: The Backbone of Cyber Offense
Hundreds of private companies, both large and small, are actively aiding China’s cyber operations. High-profile players like Shanghai-listed Integrity Technology Group (ITG) and cybersecurity firms such as ThreatBook, Qihoo360, and Qi An Xin not only provide defensive solutions but also contribute to offensive efforts. On the smaller scale, subcontractors like Shanghai-based i-Soon specialize in niche cyber capabilities, further diversifying China’s attack arsenal.
Academia’s Role in Cyber Warfare
China’s integration of universities into its cyber strategy has surged since 2017. Prestigious institutions, including the C9 League, contribute to research in AI-driven cybersecurity, translate stolen documents, and gather open-source intelligence. This academic involvement underscores the seamless blending of public and private efforts in China’s cyber landscape.
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A Different Norm
Trey Ford, CISO at Bugcrowd, highlights the fundamental difference in business norms between China and the West. Chinese companies are deeply tied to the government’s economic and military objectives, operating under different ethical and privacy standards. This alignment enables China to harness private sector innovations for state-sponsored cyber missions without the constraints faced by businesses in democratic nations.
A Growing Threat
The expanding ecosystem of China’s cyber capabilities signals a future of increasingly sophisticated attacks. Stephen Kowski, CTO at SlashNext, warns of enhanced targeting, advanced supply chain compromises, and social engineering attacks. “China’s civil-military fusion creates a seamless flow of expertise between private sector innovations and state-sponsored operations, paving the way for faster and more advanced attack deployments,” Kowski says.
As China continues to refine its cyber-offense model, the global community must brace for the heightened risks it poses to critical infrastructure, intellectual property, and national security. This intricate web of collaboration underscores the need for a coordinated international response to counter this looming cyber menace.