News Roundup: November 16-30, 2024
Bite-sized news and updates on the latest in Taiwan cybersecurity
[REPORT] September 2024 Cybersecurity Monthly Report by MODA
November 15, 2024
Taiwan's Administration for Cyber Security under the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has released its Cybersecurity Monthly Report for September 2024, detailing critical insights into the nation's cybersecurity defense and monitoring efforts. The report highlights a total of 78,515 pieces of joint defense intelligence collected across government agencies, with information collection attacks—such as scanning, detection, and social engineering—constituting 41% of threats. Incident reports rose to 213, marking a 2.32-fold increase from the previous year, driven by military exercise-related cyber activities. Notably, the report underscores vulnerabilities related to improperly masked sensitive data on government websites, alongside the rising sophistication of phishing campaigns using ProtonMail to target public service agencies. MODA emphasizes the importance of strengthened monitoring and proactive defense strategies to mitigate risks in an increasingly complex digital threat environment.
Read the full report here.
Taiwan’s Cybersecurity Leadership Highlighted at World Economic Forum
November 16, 2024
Robert Chin, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of ASUS and founder of the Taiwan CISO Alliance, made history as the first Taiwanese cybersecurity leader invited to the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity 2024 in Geneva. Representing a network of over 200 CISOs from companies generating a combined annual revenue of over US$500 billion, Chin joined global experts to discuss operational technology (OT) resilience and strategies for safeguarding critical assets. His participation draws attention to Taiwan's growing influence in global cybersecurity, with ASUS leading initiatives to strengthen resilience and supply chain security through public and private sector collaboration.
Geopolitics Drives Surge in Cybercrime Targeting Taiwan
November 18, 2024
Findings published by Cyjax reveal a dramatic surge in Taiwan-targeted cybercrime, with Initial Access Broker (IAB) listings for Taiwanese organizations increasing by 2.7 times in Q3 compared to Q2. Taiwan now accounts for 1.9% of all global IAB listings and 2.7% excluding U.S.-based organizations, making it a significant target in the South China Sea region. The report emphasized Taiwan's critical role in the global semiconductor industry, particularly through companies like TSMC, as a major driver of interest among ransomware groups and state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). These actors seek to exploit Taiwan's intellectual property and supply chain influence, spurred by the global demand for AI technologies. Notable cases include IAB advertisements targeting Taiwanese firms with revenues averaging $3.28 billion, underscoring their economic and strategic value. Cyjax’s analysis sheds light on the interplay between geopolitics and cybercrime, positioning Taiwan as a focal point for both financial extortion and cyber espionage activities.
Read more about The Dark Web Threat Landscape Facing Taiwan.
Strengthening Taiwan's Cybersecurity Through Collaboration and Reform
November 22, 2024
Taiwan’s cybersecurity landscape took center stage at the TWCERT/CC 2024 conference, where public and private leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration to counter escalating cyber threats. Hosted by the National Institute for Cybersecurity (NICS) under the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA), the event brought together industry giants such as TSMC, Foxconn, and ASUS to discuss national digital security strategies. Deputy Minister Herming Chiueh highlighted ongoing efforts to extend 24/7 incident reporting and intelligence-sharing services to over 1,600 private enterprises, recognizing the critical role of companies like TSMC in safeguarding supply chains. Legislative amendments to the Cybersecurity Act and plans for a national cybersecurity response center were also unveiled, reinforcing the government’s commitment to resilience. NICS President Ho Chuan-te reiterated the conference's mission to unite industry, academia, and government, ensuring Taiwan remains prepared against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
Advancing Taiwan-CEE Collaboration in Security and Innovation
November 25, 2024
The fourth Taiwan Forum, themed "Connecting Horizons: Taiwan and CEE Advancing Security, Technology, and Economic Cooperation," showcased Taiwan’s expanding partnership with Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Highlighting shared values of democracy and innovation, the forum underscored Taiwan’s pivotal role in driving collaborative efforts in semiconductors, smart manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Panelists from CEE nations, including government officials and industry leaders, explored strategies to align with Taiwan’s cutting-edge industries and diversify supply chains. This dialogue reinforced Taiwan’s commitment to fostering resilience, economic growth, and technological leadership in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, cementing its role as a vital partner to CEE in addressing global challenges.
[REPORT] 2024 Taiwan Internet Report by TWNIC
November 28, 2024
The Taiwan Network Information Center (TWNIC) has officially released its 2024 Taiwan Internet Report, providing critical insights into the nation’s evolving digital landscape. The report, based on a comprehensive survey of over 2,100 respondents, explores internet access and usage patterns, public perceptions of AI, and emerging cybersecurity challenges. Key findings reveal Taiwan’s progress in reducing the digital divide through assistive technologies for seniors, while also demonstrating the need for greater AI literacy and public awareness of cyber threats. The report highlights mixed confidence in government cybersecurity measures and a strong public call for regulatory oversight of AI technologies. This detailed study, which incorporates expert interviews and rural focus group discussions, underscores Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to build a digitally inclusive and secure society.
Read the full report here.
Enhancing Cybersecurity Expertise Through International Training in Taiwan
November 30, 2024
Taiwan's National Institute for Cybersecurity (NICS) hosted the "2024 International Cyber Defense Training Course," a hands-on program aimed at equipping participants with advanced skills in cybersecurity threat analysis and defense techniques. Sponsored by the Administration for Cyber Security, the course featured practical exercises on topics such as packet analysis, Log4Shell offense/defense, and vulnerability enumeration. By fostering problem-solving capabilities under pressure, the training sought to develop a new generation of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. Open to 20 international students and professionals based in Taiwan, the event also served as a platform for international collaboration, promoting knowledge sharing across borders and enhancing Taiwan's leadership in global cyber defense education.
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