All Public Institutions In Taiwan Were Targeted By Cyberattacks

Digital minister, Audrey Tang said on Wednesday (August 3), that all institutions in Taiwan were hit by cyberattacks, as tensions with China rise following the visit to the self-ruled island by U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Tang further stated that, On Tuesday (August 2), attacks on Taiwan government units surpassed 15,000 gigabits, 23 times higher than the previous daily record, Taiwan pledged on Wednesday to step up security against possible disruptions by “overseas forces” including cyberattacks.

Pelosi Defies China During Meeting With Taiwan President 

During this period,  Pelosi arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday and left on Wednesday after pledging solidarity with the island and hailing its democracy.

Pelosi could be head stating “we will not abandon our commitment”

China demonstrated its outrage over the highest-level U.S. visit in 25 years to the island Beijing claims as its own with a burst of military activity in surrounding waters, summoning the U.S. ambassador in Beijing and halting several agricultural imports from Taiwan

Taiwan Cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng told a media briefing authorities had stepped up security at key infrastructures including power plants and airports and increased the cybersecurity alertness level across government offices.

Several government websites including the presidential office experienced cyberattacks, some of which authorities said China and Russia were the culprits.

Officials said planned Chinese military drills, starting from Thursday noon to midday on Sunday, would affect all 18 international flight routes near the capital Taipei.

They said the impact, however, is minimal, with slight travel time increases as planes fly alternative routes.

Pelosi Departs After China’s Criticism

Shortly after Pelosi’s arrival late on Tuesday, Chinese state media reported China’s Su-35 fighter jets were crossing the sensitive Taiwan Strait separating the island from China, before Taiwan’s military called the report false.

However, Taiwan’s defense ministry said its website suffered a cyberattack and went offline temporarily, adding it was working closely with other authorities to enhance cybersecurity as tension with China rises.