China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has issued a warning to the public about increasing attempts by foreign espionage and intelligence agencies to infiltrate China’s data sector. The agency cautioned that these efforts aim to steal critical data and compromise national security, urging citizens to remain vigilant in protecting both national and personal data in their everyday lives.
The MSS highlighted the unique risks associated with data security, given the intangible nature of data and the complexity of managing it across collection, transmission, storage, and deletion stages. The agency warned of potential threats including data leaks, tampering, misuse, unauthorized access, and other breaches that may compromise sensitive information.
Emphasizing a need for widespread public participation in data security efforts, the MSS urged citizens to stay alert to foreign intelligence threats and contribute to fortifying national security.
Despite these risks, China’s digital sector remains robust, underpinned by strong data security measures. The agency noted that technologies such as digital commerce, smart manufacturing, and 5G are advancing rapidly, contributing significantly to China’s economic growth. In fact, China’s digital economy expanded from 11.2 trillion yuan ($1.57 trillion) in 2012 to 53.9 trillion yuan by 2023, accounting for 66.45% of the nation’s GDP growth.
