The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has combined military and civilian artificial intelligence (AI) resources to enhance its cyberwarfare capabilities against Taiwan, seeking opportunities to launch cyberattacks, disseminate disinformation and damage key infrastructure, the National Security Bureau (NSB) said in a recent report that it delivered to the legislature.
The AI could be used to identify security loopholes in software and hardware, and generate mutated computer viruses that are difficult to detect, the bureau said.
“Through AI, the intensity of denial-of-service attacks could be enhanced, and botnets can be more effectively manipulated, making cyberattacks more automatic, random and hidden,” it said.
Photo: Reuters
“AI can manufacture massive amounts of deepfake videos and disinformation based on scripted information, which can be spread through fake online accounts and bots,” the bureau said.
Beijing has integrated AI resources from the military and civilians to boost its cyberwarfare capabilities against Taiwan, the bureau said, adding that China is waiting for opportunities to launch cyberattacks, spread disinformation and damage key infrastructure.
The bureau said it would continue to tackle the cybersecurity threat from China by partnering with the private sector, and adding AI to cybersecurity systems to detect cyberattacks and identify false content.
“We would form a digital united front by sharing intelligence with our international allies, including the types of cyberattacks used by China and other organizations, and the ways disinformation is spread,” it said.
AI allows hackers to launch precise attacks on a much larger scale, the Ministry of Digital Affairs said, adding that enhanced technology and media literacy capabilities are ways to tackle the threat.
Separately, deepfake technology in China has matured at commercial and military levels, Taiwan Association of University Professors deputy chairman Chen Li-fu (陳俐甫) said.
Beijing could pay Internet celebrities, commentators and news media in Taiwan to help the spread of deepfake-generated content, Chen added.
If China uses its military forces to take over Taiwan, wars would be launched on physical battlegrounds and in cyberspace simultaneously, he said.
“Having the Information, Communications and Electronic Force Command is not enough. Instead of defending against cyberattacks, the command should be able to use AI to launch cyberattacks as well. The government should be able to maintain direct communication with the public during wartime,” he said.
Additional reporting by Chen Cheng-yu
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