149. Mic Drop: China seeks a Great Leap Forward in cyber
Jul 19, 2024
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Former MI6 director Nigel Inkster discusses China's aggressive cyber operations, drawing parallels with Russian tactics. The podcast explores China's cyber capabilities, data collection practices, election meddling, and disinformation campaigns, shedding light on their goal of becoming a cyber superpower.
Chinese hackers are adopting Russian tactics in cyber operations.
China aims to become a cyber superpower through technology leadership and ideological dominance.
Deep dives
China's Cyber Operations Evolution
China's cyber operations have evolved from sloppy tradecraft to sophisticated activities with a focus on quantity and intensity. Unlike other cyber superpowers targeting money, China's objective is to become a cyber superpower by transforming into a leader in advanced technology and data mining. China's expansive cyber activities aim to establish ideological dominance and minimize external challenges.
Role in Disinformation and Election Meddling
China's cyber strategy now includes disinformation campaigns and election meddling, aligning with Russia's tactics. The collaboration between China and Russia in undermining Western democracies is evident in spreading conspiracy theories, such as those concerning Kate Middleton's health. China's increased boldness in cyber operations stems from viewing technological advancement as crucial for its economic growth and social stability.
Chinese hackers are stepping up their game, according to Nigel Inkster, the former director of operations for Britain’s MI6. In an encore episode of Mic Drop, he says Chinese hackers are taking on a new swagger in cyberspace and borrowing things from a familiar playbook: a Russian one.
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