News Roundup: May 16-30, 2024
Bite-sized news and updates on the latest in Taiwan cybersecurity
Surge in Chinese Cyberattacks Targets Taiwan Ahead of Presidential Inauguration
May 16, 2024
In the lead-up to President-elect Lai Ching-te's inauguration on May 20, Taiwan has experienced a significant surge in cyberattacks targeting its government websites, according to the National Security Bureau (NSB). Data from the NSB reveals an alarming increase to over 2.5 million daily cyberattacks from China, a sharp rise from the 1 million daily attacks following the January elections. Despite this escalation in cyber activities, no irregular movements from the People's Liberation Army have been detected that would pose an immediate threat, as reported by NSB deputy chief Ko Cheng-heng. However, the Chinese Communist Party continues to intensify its gray zone warfare tactics against Taiwan. Meanwhile, Taiwan is monitoring potential Chinese interference in Palau’s upcoming elections, highlighting Beijing's pattern of using economic coercion and media manipulation to influence political outcomes in allied nations.
Strengthening Cybersecurity: The Czech-Taiwan Partnership
May 16, 2024
In a recent event co-hosted by the European Values Center for Security Policy and the Czech Taiwanese Business Chamber, the focus was on bolstering Czech-Taiwan cybersecurity cooperation. This collaboration, featuring experts like Dr. Benson Wu and Dr. Hon-min Yau, emphasizes the importance of a unified security strategy between the two democracies. The partnership seeks to enhance mutual support, fortify strategic alliances, and uphold democratic values. By joining forces, Taiwan and the Czech Republic aim to improve defenses against cyber threats, share critical resources, and contribute to the development of global cybersecurity standards and norms.
Taiwan Participates in Global Cybersecurity Chat at RSA Conference
May 16, 2024
Taiwan's active participation in the Global Cybersecurity Chat at the RSA Security Conference and its partnerships with international stakeholders, such as in the Czech-Taiwan cybersecurity cooperation, are crucial on multiple fronts. Politically, these engagements enhance Taiwan's global presence and reinforce its position as a key player in the international community. They provide a platform for Taiwan to collaborate with other democracies, promoting shared values and democratic principles. From a cybersecurity perspective, these collaborations are vital for strengthening Taiwan's defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. By exchanging expertise and resources with countries like Australia, Canada, Germany, and Japan, Taiwan can adopt best practices, stay ahead of emerging threats, and contribute to establishing global cybersecurity norms.
Taiwan's CYBERSEC: A Key Event in Global Cybersecurity
May 17, 2024
CYBERSEC, Taiwan's annual cybersecurity conference, emerged as a cornerstone in the global cybersecurity landscape. It drew experts and professionals from around the world to tackle current trends, challenges, and innovations. As Asia's leading cybersecurity gathering, CYBERSEC provided a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, featuring renowned speakers who discussed cutting-edge technologies and emerging threats. The event's workshops, panel discussions, and exhibition area showcased the latest advancements in cybersecurity. By hosting CYBERSEC, Taiwan positioned itself as a regional leader, fostering cooperation within the Asia-Pacific and contributing significantly to global cybersecurity efforts.
Read our complete analysis on CYBERSEC 2024.
Taiwanese Man Behind $100 Million Dark Web Drug Market Arrested at JFK
May 21, 2024
A 23-year-old Taiwanese man, Rui-Siang Lin, was arrested at JFK Airport for allegedly running "Incognito Market," a dark web marketplace selling $100 million worth of illegal drugs. Known as "Pharoah," Lin's platform, which operated from October 2020 until its shutdown in March, facilitated the anonymous sale of narcotics like cocaine, methamphetamines, and heroin. The U.S. Justice Department described it as one of the largest online illegal narcotics marketplaces, featuring elements of legitimate e-commerce such as branding and customer service. Lin, who faces life in prison if convicted, had been working at Taiwan's embassy in St. Lucia and was en route to Singapore via New York when arrested. Taiwan's foreign ministry is closely monitoring the case.
Taiwanese Company JPC Connectivity Targeted by Hunters International Ransomware Group
May 21, 2024
JPC Connectivity, a Taiwanese company, has fallen victim to the newly emerged Hunters International ransomware group. This group, suspected to be the rebranded Hive ransomware operation, uses code with significant overlaps to the old gang's encryptor, suggesting a continuation of their malicious activities under a new name. The emergence of Hunters International highlights the persistent and evolving threat landscape that Taiwanese companies face in the realm of cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for robust defense measures against sophisticated ransomware attacks.
Taiwanese Company Cooler Master Suffers Major Data Breach
May 30, 2024
Cooler Master, a prominent Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer, experienced a significant data breach orchestrated by a threat actor known as 'Ghostr'. The breach compromised the Fanzone member information of 500,000 customers, including personal details and allegedly unencrypted credit card information. Despite the threat actor's demands for payment to avoid leaking the data, Cooler Master did not respond. The breach, occurring on May 18th, 2024, also impacted databases containing corporate, vendor, sales, warranty, inventory, and human resources data. Although customers verified some leaked data, there was no confirmed evidence of credit card information being compromised. Cooler Master's lack of response has left affected customers worried about the security of their personal information and the company's handling of the incident.
Yachi Chiang Stresses Importance of Consent in Taiwan's Data Privacy Laws
May 30, 2024
(4:09-6:55) President of Taiwan Law & Tech Association, Yachi Chiang, highlighted important data privacy laws in Taiwan, emphasizing telecommunication companies' collection and sharing of personal data based on customer consent. She mentioned that personal data must be capable of identifying an individual, and the importance of obtaining informed consent for data use. Chiang also noted that while Taiwan's data protection laws align with EU principles, such as informed consent and the right to opt-out, the country's regulations may not be as strict as the EU's Data Protection Act. Overall, she emphasized the significance of proper data collection practices and customer consent in safeguarding data privacy in Taiwan.
Read about Taiwan’s TikTok Security Debate for more on data security.
CyberSec Taiwan
About CyberSec Taiwan
Your source for the latest news and analysis on Taiwan-centric cybersecurity.