Taiwan’s National Security Bureau said cyberattacks linked to China targeted the island at an average rate of 2.6 million attempts per day, according to its latest annual assessment. The bureau said the figure reflects sustained pressure on Taiwan’s digital infrastructure and represents a significant increase compared with previous years.
In a report released this week, the bureau said the attacks focused on systems that support daily life and economic activity. These included telecommunications networks, energy facilities, hospitals, emergency services, financial institutions and technology parks connected to Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. The bureau described the activity as persistent and wide-ranging, aimed at probing vulnerabilities and collecting sensitive information.
The bureau said the volume of cyber activity rose during politically sensitive periods, including major speeches and periods of heightened cross-strait tension. It also said spikes in cyberattacks often coincided with Chinese military exercises near Taiwan, suggesting coordination between digital operations and other forms of pressure.
According to the report, the attacks included techniques intended to disrupt services and intercept data flows. These methods involved attempts to overwhelm networks, interfere with communications and gain unauthorised access to government and industry systems. The bureau said telecommunications infrastructure was a frequent target, reflecting its central role in both civilian life and national security.
The assessment characterised the cyber activity as part of a broader pattern of hybrid threats that combine cyber operations with disinformation campaigns and military signalling. The bureau said these combined actions were designed to create long-term pressure rather than cause immediate large-scale outages.
China has repeatedly denied involvement in state-backed hacking activities. Beijing maintains that it opposes cybercrime in all forms and has rejected accusations of conducting cyber operations against Taiwan. The bureau’s report did not include a response from Chinese authorities.
Taiwanese officials said the sustained level of cyberattacks poses both security and economic risks. The report highlighted concerns about attempts to access sensitive technical data, particularly in sectors linked to advanced manufacturing and research. Taiwan is a key global producer of semiconductors, and the bureau said protecting related systems remains a priority.
In response, Taiwan has expanded cooperation between government agencies and private companies and increased information sharing with international partners. The bureau said improving detection, response capabilities, and coordination has helped limit the impact of repeated intrusion attempts, even as overall activity continues to rise.