Old devices, idle servers can be turned to spy on us, China’s top security agency warns
The Ministry of State Security (MSS), posting on the Chinese messaging app WeChat, said it had noticed the trend in recent years.
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The MSS said that in another case, a camera monitoring platform was attacked, with analysis showing that the platform’s server held the usernames and passwords for many users’ cameras. The system had not been maintained or updated for a long time, leading to a high risk of data leaks, the article said.
The ministry said that if a spy agency took control of the platform, it could manipulate its cameras and use them to steal secrets. Meanwhile, network ports could also be controlled by overseas agencies to log onto servers and launch attacks.
The MSS cautioned that as China’s network equipment was upgraded, the risks pertaining to idle equipment also increased and that units with access to top secrets should better manage this equipment and better train staff to carry out periodic checks and prevent the risk of leaks.
Furthermore, idle equipment in information systems should be checked, ports no longer in use should be closed and any security loopholes plugged, the MSS said.