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China's MSS warns of foreign spy agencies collecting public employees' data via setting up malicious Wi-Fi connection

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Dec 07, 2025 10:18 AM

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) warned in an article published on its WeChat account on Sunday that foreign spy agencies may set up malicious Wi-Fi networks in specific areas near government offices and if public employees accidentally connect to them, the data on their devices could be stolen.

According to the MSS, public Wi-Fi offers convenient access for work, communication, and entertainment, but it may also carry risks such as data theft and cyberattacks.

Some foreign intelligence agencies may set up malicious Wi-Fi networks in specific areas, such as around government offices or near classified institutions. If public employees - especially those handling sensitive information - connect to them by mistake, the data on their devices, including contacts and emails, could be fully monitored, potentially leading to leaks of state secrets.

The MSS also warns that insecure public Wi-Fi is a major channel for hacker attacks. Once connected, users' devices may be secretly infected with malicious software and remotely controlled without their knowledge, posing risks to personal property and public safety.

In addition, personal data generated when connecting to insecure public Wi-Fi - such as browsing history, location information, and typed content - can be illegally collected and analyzed by malicious actors. Such information may be used to build user profiles and identify group tendencies, enabling attackers to precisely deliver false information and incite hostility. Over time, this can erode social consensus and mainstream values, posing potential threats to social stability and ideological security.

The MSS also advises the public to strengthen their cybersecurity awareness, avoid connecting to unknown Wi-Fi hotspots, refrain from performing sensitive operations and avoid clicking on suspicious links.