China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has issued warnings about the growing risks associated with the improper handling of publicly accessible information. These so-called “open-source” data, freely available through social media, online forums, or satellite imagery, provide foreign espionage organizations with opportunities to extract sensitive information through big data analysis. Even seemingly trivial details can be pieced together to create a comprehensive surveillance profile.
According to the MSS, significant risks arise in areas such as procurement processes, where technical or strategic details might be unintentionally disclosed, or in the publication of government information that fails to meet required confidentiality standards. Personal posts on social media also pose threats. For instance, users often share images revealing sensitive locations or operations, such as military installations in the background, without realizing the potential consequences.
A recent case highlights the consequences of such negligence: a technology enthusiast used a drone to capture classified images of a new warship and posted them online. This individual was later convicted for illegally obtaining state secrets. In response, the MSS has called for stronger security measures in companies and government agencies, as well as heightened awareness among internet users. Companies should implement mechanisms to control information flow, while authorities must ensure that sensitive documents are not easily accessible.
These warnings underscore the increasing challenges open data poses to cybersecurity and national interests. For businesses operating in China, this necessitates reviewing security protocols and raising employee awareness about responsible data management. At the same time, these developments present opportunities to assist clients in adopting modern security strategies.
Source: SCMP
China Intellectual Property Blog 