In the first quarter of 2023, Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB) documented over 170 million cyberattacks attributed to China, targeting governmental bodies. These incidents coincide with Taiwan's upcoming local elections in November, which analysts believe may be part of a larger strategy by China to sway political outcomes and public opinion on the island.
Among the reported attacks, 17,328 were directed at the Taiwan Government Service Network (GSN), likely focusing on gathering sensitive information and data theft. The NSB indicated that beyond direct cyber assaults, China employs advanced techniques, including artificial intelligence, to create misleading content and manipulate public perception through fake polls.
The report also noted the identification of 13,696 suspicious social media accounts and the circulation of 863,069 controversial messages during this period. These actions are viewed as part of a broader cognitive warfare strategy aimed at distorting critical discussions on issues like diplomacy and defense.
This surge in cyber activities underscores the heightened geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and China, raising alarms over foreign interference in Taiwan's democratic processes as the elections approach.