A new report from Canada’s Cyber Espionage Agency says Chinese-backed threat agents have been “compromising” government networks and collecting valuable information over the past five years.
The Communications Security Establishment, which is responsible for foreign signals intelligence, cyber operations and cybersecurity, released its latest National Cyber Threat Assessment on Wednesday, setting out what the agency considers the most pressing cyber threats facing Canadian individuals and organizations. Ta.
The latest report, looking to the 2025-2026 fiscal year, names the People’s Republic of China as “the most comprehensive cybersecurity threat facing Canada today,” citing its size, trade skills and cyberspace ambitions. says, “I won’t lose to anyone.” . ”
And it was a messy success.
State-sponsored attackers are persistently conducting cyber espionage campaigns against federal, provincial, territorial, municipal and First Nations networks in Canada, according to a report from the Canadian Intelligence Agency. There is.
“Chinese cyber attackers have infiltrated and maintained access to multiple government networks over the past five years, collecting communications and other valuable information,” the CSE said.
At least 20 networks associated with Canadian government agencies and departments have been compromised by Chinese cyber attackers, the agency said.
“Although all known federal breaches have been resolved, it is very likely that the perpetrators of these intrusions have spent significant time and resources understanding the targeted networks.” is written.
According to the CSE, China targets government networks and public officials in order to gain an upper hand in bilateral relations and trade issues between China and Canada.
Russia, Iran and India also named
“For example, state and territory governments are likely to be valuable targets given their decision-making powers over regional trade and commerce, including resource extraction (such as energy and critical minerals).” says the report.
“Information collected is also likely to be used to support China’s negative or interference activities with Canada’s democratic processes and institutions.”
CSIS Director David Vigneault said the use of TikTok is dangerous and the possibility of the Chinese government accessing personal data from the social media platform poses a “threat to our way of life.”
China’s cyber capabilities also extend to supporting the Chinese government’s goal of silencing activists, journalists, and diaspora communities.
“The Chinese government is very likely leveraging Chinese-owned technology platforms, some of which may be collaborating with Chinese intelligence and security services, to facilitate cross-border repression. ” is high,” the report states.
Wednesday’s report did not name the platform.
Previously, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service issued a warning against the use of the wildly popular video app TikTok.
Former director David Binineau told CBC in an interview that it was “very clear” from the app’s design that the data collected from users was “available to the Chinese government.”
The CSE report also names Russia, Iran, North Korea and India as cyber attackers.
The report said Russian cyberattackers are “very likely targeting Canadian government, military, private sector, and critical infrastructure networks.”
The report also notes that as relations between Canada and India continue to deteriorate, India is likely to turn its burgeoning cyber program against Ottawa’s network for espionage purposes.
Already strained relations have soured over the past two weeks after Canada accused India of orchestrating murders, extortion and other acts of violence in Canada.
