Taiwan has set up a unit to create a comprehensive internet shield against hackers, its intelligence chief said on Wednesday, in response to what it claims is a growing cyber threat from China.
Tsai Teh-sheng, head of the island’s National Security Bureau, described the perceived cyber threat from China as “very severe” when asked to evaluate it in parliament by Kuomintang legislator Lin Yu-fang.
“The types of their internet hacking are changing as their targets gradually diversify, ranging from military secrets, high-tech and business secrets to infrastructure,” Tsai said.
“With the capabilities, they could sabotage Taiwan’s infrastructure and spoil financial order whenever needed.”
Tsai said that China had been stepping up its cyber attacks against the island to new levels that have alarmed President Ma Ying-jeou, the initiator of the detente with China.
“Top government officials have paid special heed to the issues. Both the National Security Council and the Cabinet have set up an information security office tasked with the development of an internet shield,” Tsai said.
Ties have improved markedly since Ma of the China-friendly Kuomintang party came to power in 2008 on a platform of ramping up trade and tourism links with the mainland.