In 2023, MGM Resorts lost over $100 million to a phone call. Hackers impersonated IT support, tricked a helpdesk employee, and took over critical systems. Clorox faced similar chaos when attackers crippled its IT operations, disrupting sales and supply chains.
These global giants were caught off guard.
Now, think about your China office. Would your team spot the same tricks if they came through a QR code or fake WeChat message?
Most foreign companies believe global cybersecurity plans will protect them everywhere. But China’s digital environment plays by different rules. Attackers here use local channels, language, and habits to bypass defenses your HQ never considered.
This is a business risk you cannot ignore.
Key Takeaways From This Article
- Foreign companies in China are prime cyber targets.
- Attackers use identity theft, ransomware, and AI phishing.
- Global cybersecurity plans often miss China-specific risks.
- Leaders must localize security measures and response plans.
- JET helps businesses manage China’s IT challenges.
Why Foreign Companies Are Easy Targets in China
Your business in China holds valuable data: IP, customer information, and supply chain links. To attackers, this is gold. And just because your office is in Kunshan, Wuxi, or Taicang and not in a first-tier city like Shanghai or Beijing doesn’t mean you’re safe. Attackers don’t care where you are in China!
Chinese authorities investigated over 2,400 hacking cases in 2024, arresting more than 7,000 suspects. CrowdStrike reported a 150% increase in China-linked intrusions, with industries like manufacturing and finance hit hardest. Mid-sized foreign firms are often easier prey because they lack localized defenses.
At JET, we often hear a dangerous assumption that “Our HQ has cybersecurity covered.” But HQ policies often overlook the platforms and tactics attackers use in China.
The Threats You Must Pay Attention To
1. Identity-Based Attacks
Attackers prefer stealth. In 2024, 75% of intrusions were malware-free. They used stolen usernames and passwords to log in unnoticed. Without multi-factor authentication and monitoring, these breaches stay hidden.
2. Ransomware with Double Extortion
Modern ransomware steals your data before encrypting it. Attackers then demand payment twice, once to unlock and again to avoid public leaks. A global chipmaker faced this after a phishing attack on its China office. Incidents like this are rising.
3. AI-Powered Social Engineering
AI has made phishing faster and more convincing. Attackers spoof suppliers, regulators, and internal teams. In China, these scams often come through WeChat, SMS, or QR codes. HQ policies rarely cover these local attack methods.
The Real Cost of Ignoring These Threats
Cyber incidents in China disrupt IT, but worse, they halt operations, expose data, and damage your reputation. A single breach can trigger fines, partner mistrust, and global fallout. We know of a phishing link that hijacked a foreign SME’s WeChat business account. The attacker locked the company out of its customer channels, leading to lost sales and many weeks of painful recovery.
Why This Matters to You And Avoid Common Cyber Security Blind Spots
Would you rather explain a data breach to your China clients or prepare now and avoid it? From our experience, most foreign firms in China overlook three critical areas:
- Assuming HQ policies apply without adjustment
- Underestimating social engineering through local channels
- Lacking a localized incident response plan
What You Can Do Now
You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert, and here’s what you can do now:
- Run a China-focused security assessment this quarter
- Enable multi-factor authentication across all systems
- Educate your team on China-specific attack methods
- Create a localized incident response plan
- Work with trusted local IT partners who understand China
The Takeaway
Cyber threats in China evolve fast, and attackers use local tactics that global strategies often miss. Take action now, enjoy peace of mind, and don’t become an example of a hacked company in a blog post!
About JET IT Services
JET helps businesses in China overcome IT challenges with reliable, compliant, and secure solutions. From network optimization to cybersecurity, we ensure your IT systems run smoothly so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business!