British Chancellor Rishi Sunak. His government has been aggressive in regulating AI and cybersecurity, but has ignored the threat from China. Image credit: Reuters
Ciaran Martin, former chief executive of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, has issued a stern warning about the growing cyber threat from China, stressing that the UK is ignoring a major shift in Beijing's cyber espionage tactics.
Martin's comments came after a U.S. warning earlier this year that Chinese state-backed hackers were targeting critical sectors, marking a pivotal moment in China's cyberwarfare strategy.
In an interview Parents Speaking at Manchester Tech Week's DTX conference, Martin stressed the need for increased vigilance across the public and private sectors and civil society. He called on the UK government to send a clear message to China that any attempts to disrupt critical infrastructure will not be tolerated.
Setting clear boundaries and designating disruption of civilian infrastructure as a red line is crucial, Martin said.
Martin stressed the gravity of the situation, drawing parallels between China's evolving cyber tactics and those of Russia, and hinting at a shift towards a Moscow-style strategy.
Referencing a warning from FBI Director Christopher Wray in April, he detailed how Chinese hackers had infiltrated key US infrastructure, including the communications and energy sectors, with the intent of causing widespread damage.
Martin noted that while such attacks may not directly result in fatalities, they could cause significant damage, and he used the ransomware attack on the British Library as an example to highlight the potential impact if similar attacks were to occur simultaneously on multiple critical institutions.
Regarding the UK's response to cyber threats, Martin welcomed the government's consideration of mandatory reporting of ransomware attacks and regulating ransom payments. He expressed gratitude that these measures were being seriously considered and stressed the importance of strong action to protect the national interest.
The urgency of Martin's warning is underscored by recent incidents blamed on Beijing-backed hackers, including a cyber attack on a British election monitoring group and surveillance of British politicians.
In light of these developments, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden reiterated the Government's determination to act decisively against any threats from the Chinese government.
A professor at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford, Martin's insights have been influential in the field of cybersecurity, and his calls for greater preparedness and prevention against cyber threats have become a rallying cry for collective action to protect the UK's digital infrastructure and national security.
(With input from relevant agencies)
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