Czech Cybersecurity Agency Warns of Chinese Tech Threats
NÚKIB, the Czech Republic's cybersecurity agency, has sounded the alarm over potential security threats from Chinese technology companies. Director Lukáš Kintr has warned that the People's Republic of China (PRC) poses a significant risk that should not be overlooked.
NÚKIB, along with allied countries' agencies, has identified three Chinese tech giants—Huawei, ZTE, and Hikvision—as suspects in global cyber-espionage campaigns targeting critical infrastructure. The growing reliance on data-intensive technologies in sectors like transportation, energy, healthcare, and public administration has increased this dependence on cloud storage and remote operations, making the reliability of providers a major concern.
NÚKIB has issued a warning about the risks associated with technology systems that transfer data to, or are remotely managed from, China. The agency recommends that the public carefully evaluate the use of affected products and technologies, or consider the type of information they input or activities they engage in with these systems. The Czech government has previously accused the Chinese government of attempting to hack its Ministry of Foreign Affairs since at least 2022.
While NÚKIB's warning does not amount to a direct ban on using these technologies, regulated entities must now consider the potential threats during their procurement and security processes. The agency's statement serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in an increasingly interconnected digital world.