China Compromises Canadian Government Computer Networks

In its latest annual report, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) identifies Beijing as the “most active” state-sponsored cyber threat against Canada, ahead of Russia, Iran, North Korea, and India.

On October 30, 2024, the CCCS published its annual report on cyber threats targeting Canadian citizens and organizations. Among state actors, China is described as “the most active and sophisticated cyber threat” currently facing Canada.

Groups linked to the Chinese state are reportedly targeting federal, provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous government networks across Canada on a regular basis. Over the past four years, China is believed to have hacked at least 20 of these networks, exfiltrating “communications and other useful information.”

According to the CCCS, these campaigns aim to give Beijing an edge in its bilateral relations with Ottawa and to “support the People’s Republic of China’s malign influence and interference activities against Canada’s democratic processes and institutions.” These compromises may also serve “other strategic, economic, and diplomatic interests.”

The federal agency further highlights the probable use of “Chinese technology platforms” by Beijing for espionage purposes, in a thinly veiled reference to TikTok. The CCCS report notes that other countries, including Russia, Iran, North Korea, and India, also regularly target Canada.