FROM HELP TO HARM
The ministry also singled out other online office tools as potential risks. Among those spotlighted was cloud transfer assistants, which allow files to be downloaded and accessed through devices.
“Some office workers, for convenience’ sake, would illegally transfer confidential files using these file transfer tools so that they could access them on their personal mobile phones or computers after work,” said the ministry.
It explained that once these files are uploaded to the cloud, it increases the risk of “foreign espionage intelligence agencies” accessing them through “trojan viruses”.
These software companies could also easily access confidential information from their backend, raising the risk of leaks, the ministry noted.
Chinese authorities also warned of the use of text recognition apps or Optical Character Recognition technology – where text can be extracted from an image with one click.
Without giving details, the ministry cited a scenario where certain workers in sensitive positions “illegally” used such apps to take pictures of confidential documents.
Although the document’s stamp and “confidentiality level” were intentionally covered, the ministry said pictures of these documents were uploaded onto the online platform.
This meant that foreign intelligence agencies were able to easily “obtain the software backend data through technical means and steal state secrets”, it said.
Beyond the use of tools, the ministry also took highlighted online work chat groups as another potential security risk. It said some people “violate regulations” by discussing confidential work matters in the group.
Sometimes, they may even publish content involving state secrets in the form of pictures or files. Such information can be easily reposted by other group members or even made public, the ministry explained. In some scenarios, foreign agencies can also obtain chat records through cyberattacks.
The anti-spy agency has been issuing constant warnings since emerging from the shadows last year, as Beijing’s national security drive continues apace amid tensions with the West.
“National security is for the sake of the people, and it also relies on the people,” said the ministry in its latest notice.
While stating the restrictions people face online when dealing with sensitive information, the ministry also encouraged good practices such as conducting regular antivirus checks on their devices.
“We enjoy the convenience that technology brings to our daily lives and work, but at the same time, we should be vigilant against foreign intelligence agencies that may steal our country’s secrets.”
