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Taiwan’s Cyber Defenses Must Prioritize Offense to Counter China’s Growing Threats

As Taiwan prepares for a new administration under President-elect Lai Ching-te, the nation’s cybersecurity posture faces a critical juncture. The Tsai Administration has made strides in strengthening defenses, but experts warn that solely relying on defensive measures will be inadequate against the rapidly evolving cyber threats emanating from China.

The Need for Offense

Cybersecurity is no longer a mere digital concern; it has become a cornerstone of national security policy. Taiwan’s domestic cybersecurity industry remains underdeveloped, and the country’s reliance on international collaboration and partnerships must intensify to counter the escalating threat landscape.

International Cooperation Key

Taiwan’s partnership with the United States, particularly through initiatives like CODE (The Cyber Offensive and Defensive Exercises) drills and the Talent Circulation Alliance (TCA), has been instrumental in advancing cybersecurity capabilities. The incoming administration should not only sustain this cooperation but also expand it to form a comprehensive cyber collective defense framework with likeminded nations such as Japan.

Public-Private Partnerships Crucial

Taiwan’s cybersecurity industry is growing, and public-private partnerships will be essential in fortifying the nation’s defenses. The Lai government must champion and incentivize these collaborations to leverage the expertise of both private sector players and government agencies.

Education and Awareness Critical

Governments play a vital role in educating citizens about cybersecurity threats and best practices for securing digital devices and personal information. Taiwan has taken steps in this direction, including establishing publicly accessible cybersecurity education websites and providing educational materials to schools. The incoming administration must continue and expand these efforts to ensure the public is equipped to navigate the complex cyber landscape.

A Steadfast Commitment to National Security

As Taiwan faces an uncertain future with China’s growing military might, a steadfast commitment to cybersecurity as a cornerstone of national security policy will be paramount. The Lai Administration must prioritize international collaboration, public-private partnerships, education, and awareness to safeguard Taiwan’s security interests and ensure its resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats.

The stakes are high

As the Tsai Administration has demonstrated, Taiwan is no stranger to Chinese cyber-attacks, which have escalated in frequency, complexity, and intensity over the past several decades. The incoming administration must be decisive and proactive in building on her approach to counter these operations and ensure the nation’s cybersecurity posture remains robust.

References

[1] Andrzej Kozłowski, 2015 [2] Kaushal Kishore Chandel, 2021 [3] Charles K S Wu, Hsuan-yu Shane Lin, and Yao-yuan Yeh, 2022