Source:https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3281974/old-devices-idle-servers-can-be-turned-spy-us-chinas-top-security-agency-warns
ChinaPolitics

Old devices, idle servers can be turned to spy on us, China’s top security agency warns

In continuing awareness campaign, Beijing’s Ministry of State Security says foreign agencies control disused equipment to gain state secrets

Phoebe Zhangin Shenzhen
China’s Ministry of State Security urges Chinese to check, and if necessary decommission, idle equipment and unused ports in information systems to plug security gaps. Photo: Shutterstock Images
Foreign spy agencies have been using Chinese firms’ idle or discarded network devices, including servers and cameras, to launch cyberattacks and steal national secrets, the country’s top anti-espionage agency warned on Friday.

In a post on the Chinese messaging app WeChat, the Ministry of State Security said the tactic had become a trend in recent years.

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