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MSS unveils case of foreign agents hacking commercial camera to spy on Chinese port

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 07, 2025 09:13 AM

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Thursday revealed a case in which a surveillance camera installed by a commercial shop near a port was hacked by foreign agents and used to monitor the port. The ministry warned that cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, posing serious threats to personal data and national security, and urged the public to stay vigilant.

The internet is now an integral part of daily life and work, but its convenience comes with hidden risks. In recent years, increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks have threatened both personal data and national security. As participants in cyberspace and defenders of cybersecurity, all citizens must stay alert - greater vigilance means fewer worries, the MSS said in an article released on its WeChat account.

While addressing the security risk posed by default password, the ministry unveiled a case of Li, a seaside shop owner, who installed a smart surveillance camera for security. Li has noticed his camera would automatically rotate toward a nearby port during lunch breaks and at night. Suspecting a cyberattack, Li reported it to national security authorities via the 12339 hotline.

An investigation found the camera was regularly transmitting data to overseas websites. The device had been using its factory default weak password and lacked software updates, allowing foreign hackers to seize control.

Security officials helped Li strengthen protections by updating the password, enabling automatic software updates, and adjusting the camera's position - effectively preventing further threats, according to the article.

The ministry also warned that Party and government agencies, universities, and research institutions often maintain publicly accessible email accounts for work-related purposes. However, these accounts have become prime targets for foreign espionage agencies.

A common tactic is phishing - malicious emails disguised as routine correspondence, designed to lure recipients into clicking harmful links or downloading infected files. These attacks aim to steal login credentials and sensitive data, and in some cases, can lead to full control of the affected devices.

The MSS also mentioned a case about a technician surnamed Wang, who works at a classified enterprise and joined a tech discussion group on social media for work-related exchanges. To avoid missing shared files, he logged into his personal account on his work computer and enabled automatic downloads.

During a routine security check, authorities discovered his computer had been infected with a Trojan from the group, which was regularly connecting to foreign websites. Investigators found that foreign intelligence agencies often use such platforms to spread malware and steal sensitive information - highlighting the need for heightened vigilance.

The ministry reminded the public that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Citizens and organizations should stay vigilant, fulfill their obligations, and take routine protective measures.

Any suspected cyberattacks or threats should be promptly reported, said the ministry.