News Roundup: April 1-15, 2024
Bite-sized news and updates on the latest in Taiwan cybersecurity
[Call for Papers] IEEE CNS 2024 in Taipei
April 1, 2024
IEEE CNS 2024 is set to take place in Taipei, Taiwan, inviting submissions from academia, industry, and government sectors to showcase innovative research findings in communications and network security. As a prominent platform for cybersecurity professionals and policymakers, the conference serves as a vital arena for the exchange of ideas, techniques, and tools pertinent to both practical and theoretical dimensions of cybersecurity. With a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation, IEEE CNS 2024 in Taipei underscores Taiwan's commitment to advancing the field of communications and network security on a global scale.1
[Report] Microsoft's New Report Highlights Escalating Cyber Threats in Taiwan and East Asia
April 4, 2024
In the, “Same targets, new playbooks: East Asia threat actors employ unique methods”, Microsoft has reported a significant evolution in cyber tactics by East Asian actors, with a specific focus on the increasing sophistication of influence and cyberattack strategies targeting Taiwan and its allies. Since June 2023, Chinese cyber groups have sharpened their efforts on geopolitical hotspots including Taiwan, employing advanced AI-generated media to exacerbate regional rifts and manipulate public perception. These operations aim to deepen existing divisions within Taiwan and between its neighbors like Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, North Korean threat actors have continued their aggressive cyber campaigns against global targets, including those connected to Taiwan, by employing deceptive methods that exploit legitimate software. This strategic enhancement in cyber operations highlights a critical shift towards more complex and stealthy maneuvers in the region.2
Kiwibot Acquires Taipei Chipmaker Auto Mobility Solutions Amid US-China Tensions
April 4, 2024
In a strategic move that highlights the intricate dynamics of global tech and geopolitical tensions, Kiwibot, a robotics delivery company based in the Bay Area and Colombia, has announced the acquisition of Auto Mobility Solutions, a Taipei-based chipmaker specializing in robotics and autonomous driving technologies. This acquisition, driven by escalating US-China tensions, marks a significant step for Kiwibot in enhancing its technological capabilities and cybersecurity measures, particularly against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny over Chinese-sourced intelligent robots in Western markets. Kiwibot's CEO, Felipe Chávez Cortés, emphasizes that this merger is not only a milestone for Kiwibot's growth and innovation but also strategically positions the company by connecting Asian manufacturing expertise with Western AI development in a secure manner. The deal is set to expand Kiwibot's presence in Asia and is seen as a pivotal move at a time when global tech leaders are reevaluating their operations and alliances due to political pressures and security concerns.3
Taiwan Supports Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency Training for Royal Saint Lucia Police Force
April 4, 2024
In a significant move to bolster cybersecurity capabilities, 30 officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force successfully completed a comprehensive four-day training program on Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency last week. Sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saint Lucia and conducted at the Police Training Academy at La Toc, the program equipped participants with essential skills to understand, trace, and combat cybercrimes involving cryptocurrencies. Course instructor Rui Siang (Shawn) Lin from the Taiwan Technical Mission in Saint Lucia utilized his expertise to enhance the investigative capabilities of the officers. The training culminated in a ceremony where participants were lauded for their dedication and newly acquired skills, underscoring Taiwan's ongoing commitment to support Saint Lucia in public security and law enforcement training. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Taiwan to foster international cooperation and strengthen global cybersecurity defenses.4
HITCON Community 2024 Celebrates its 20th Anniversary
April 8, 2024
HITCON Community 2024, a premier cybersecurity event, announced the celebration of its upcoming 20th anniversary set for August 23-24, 2024. As one of Taiwan’s most influential hacking gatherings, HITCON (Hacks in Taiwan Conference) brings together top industry experts and enthusiasts to share knowledge, explore new security trends, and collaborate on tackling some of the most pressing cybersecurity challenges. As promised by the community’s organizers, this milestone year promises an array of exciting activities and updates leading up to the event. Stay tuned.5
Australian Parliamentarians Advocate for Strengthened Cybersecurity Collaboration with Taiwan
April 10, 2024
During a recent visit to Taipei, Australian parliamentarians expressed a strong desire to enhance cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan, acknowledging the island's frequent cyber-attack challenges. Julian Hill, chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, emphasized the mutual benefits of sharing expertise in cybersecurity, noting that Australia also faces significant cyber threats. The discussions extended beyond security to economic interactions, with talks on a potential free trade agreement highlighting the depth of the bilateral relationship. The delegation, which included members from both the Labor and Liberal National parties, recognized the strategic importance of Taiwan as Australia's seventh largest trading partner and a key market within the Asia-Pacific region. Their visit, which included meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, aimed to further solidify ties and explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the face of shared cyber challenges and the pursuit of enhanced trade relations.6
BlackSuit Cyber Threat Group Targets UPC Technology Corporation in Taiwan
April 15, 2024
Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd., a renowned Taiwan-based multinational electronics manufacturer, has reportedly been compromised in a ransomware attack by the group known as Hunters International. The breach, which occurred on April 15, 2024, involved the theft of 1.2 terabytes of sensitive and confidential data from the company's expansive operations across multiple countries. As a key player in the computer equipment and peripherals industry with a revenue of $3.3 billion, Chicony's product range includes everything from desktop and mobile keyboards to digital cameras and motherboards. The specifics of the ransom demand remain undisclosed at this time. This major security breach highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in protecting valuable corporate data against increasingly bold cybercriminal activities.7
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IEEE, 2024. https://cns2024.ieee-cns.org/authors/call-papers
Microsoft, 2024. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/security-insider/reports/east-asia-threat-actors-employ-unique-methods/
Heater, Brian. TechCrunch, 2024. https://techcrunch.com/2024/04/04/robot-delivery-firm-kiwi-buys-taipei-chipmaker-citing-us-china-tensions/
Government of Saint Lucia website. Press Release, 2024. https://www.govt.lc/news/taiwan-sponsors-cryptocurrency-and-cybercrime-training
HITCON, 2024. https://blog.hitcon.org/
Yeh, Joseph. Focus Taiwan, 2024. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202404100019
Cyfirma. Weekly Intelligence Report, 19 April 2024. https://www.cyfirma.com/news/weekly-intelligence-report-19-apr-2024/