Taiwan Reports Surge in Daily Cyberattacks

Cyberattacks rose 6% in 2025 from a year ago – National Security Bureau
Some attacks linked to China’s military drills and political events
Taiwan’s critical sectors, including energy and hospitals, heavily targeted
China denies conducting hacking attacks

Cyberattacks Intensify Across Critical Sectors

Taiwan recorded a 6% rise in daily cyberattacks in 2025, reaching an average of 2.63 million attempts targeting hospitals, banks and other essential services. The National Security Bureau noted that this figure represents a 113% increase compared to 2023, when such data was first published. Sectors including energy, emergency response and healthcare saw the sharpest year‑on‑year growth. Officials say the trend reflects a deliberate effort to disrupt government operations and weaken public confidence.

The report links many attacks to China’s broader “hybrid warfare” strategy. Taiwan has long accused Beijing of combining military drills, disinformation campaigns and cyber operations to pressure the island into accepting its sovereignty claims. China conducted 40 “joint combat readiness patrols” near Taiwan in 2025, and cyberattacks spiked during 23 of those events. These patterns suggest coordination between digital and physical coercion.

Politically sensitive moments also triggered increased hacking activity. Cyberattacks intensified during President Lai Ching‑te’s first‑year anniversary speech in May. A similar surge occurred when Vice President Hsiao Bi‑khim addressed lawmakers at the European Parliament in November. The bureau argues that these incidents demonstrate China’s intent to influence Taiwan’s political environment.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to requests for comment. Beijing routinely denies involvement in hacking operations. Taiwan, however, maintains that the scale and timing of attacks point to state‑backed activity. The report warns that such tactics are likely to continue.

Hybrid Threats Target Government and Industry

The National Security Bureau says China’s cyber operations are designed to compromise Taiwan’s infrastructure and disrupt essential services. Distributed denial‑of‑service (DDoS) attacks were used to interfere with daily life by overwhelming public‑facing systems. Man‑in‑the‑middle attacks attempted to intercept communications and penetrate telecommunications networks. These methods reflect a mix of disruption and espionage objectives.

Taiwan’s semiconductor industry has become a major target. Science parks hosting companies such as TSMC faced attempts to steal advanced technologies. Attackers used a range of techniques to infiltrate networks and extract sensitive information. The report suggests these efforts aim to support China’s push for technological self‑reliance.

Beijing views technological independence as essential in its competition with the United States. Taiwan’s semiconductor leadership makes it a strategic focus for cyber espionage. The report argues that China seeks to avoid falling behind in critical technologies. This has increased pressure on Taiwan’s high‑tech sectors.

Taipei strongly rejects China’s sovereignty claims and insists that only its people can determine the island’s future. The government continues to strengthen cybersecurity measures across public and private sectors. Officials warn that hybrid threats will remain a central challenge. Taiwan’s security agencies are preparing for further escalation.

Geopolitical Tensions Drive Digital Conflict

China’s military and political pressure on Taiwan has intensified in recent years. Daily military drills near the island have become routine, often accompanied by disinformation campaigns. Cyberattacks now form a key component of this multi‑layered strategy. Taiwan’s government says these actions are intended to weaken its institutions and erode public trust.

Hybrid threats blur the line between wartime and peacetime operations. The report states that China’s tactics are designed to be effective in both scenarios. Coordinated cyber and military activities create uncertainty and strain Taiwan’s defensive resources. This approach complicates traditional security responses.

Taiwan continues to invest in cybersecurity infrastructure to counter these threats. Government agencies are working with private companies to improve resilience. The island’s technology sector, which plays a crucial global role, remains a priority for protection. Officials emphasize that safeguarding digital systems is essential for national stability.

International partners are closely watching developments. Taiwan’s cybersecurity challenges have implications for global supply chains, particularly in semiconductors. The report underscores the need for continued vigilance. Cyber conflict is becoming an increasingly prominent feature of regional tensions.