Taiwan Under Digital Siege: Cyberattacks Surge in 2025

Taiwan faced a relentless wave of cyberattacks in 2025, with hackers targeting everything from hospitals to banks. The island's National Security Bureau revealed that these attacks surged by 6% compared to the previous year. On average, Taiwan experienced 2. 63 million cyberattacks daily. This alarming trend is part of a broader strategy by China to destabilize Taiwan's infrastructure. The attacks weren't random. They often coincided with military drills and political events. For instance, during 40 joint combat readiness patrols, where Chinese military planes and ships approached Taiwan, cyberattacks spiked on 23 occasions. This synchronization suggests a deliberate effort to create chaos and disrupt daily life. Critical sectors like energy, emergency services, and hospitals saw the most significant increases in attacks. The report highlights that these attacks are not just about stealing data. They aim to paralyze government functions and social services. This is a clear example of hybrid warfare, combining cyberattacks with military and political pressure.China's cyber army also targeted Taiwan during key political moments. For example, attacks surged when President Lai Ching-te gave his first annual speech and when Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim addressed lawmakers in Europe. These timed attacks show China's strategic use of cyber warfare to exert pressure on Taiwan. The report also revealed that China's attacks included DDoS attacks to disrupt daily life and man-in-the-middle attacks to steal information. Science parks, crucial for Taiwan's semiconductor industry, were also prime targets. Hackers used various techniques to steal advanced technologies, likely to boost China's own technological and economic development. Taiwan's National Security Bureau emphasized that these attacks are part of a broader strategy to compromise Taiwan's infrastructure comprehensively. The goal is clear: to disrupt and paralyze the island's government and social functions. This ongoing digital siege underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure.