Taiwanese Vice President Xiao Meiqin attended the “2024 Taiwan Cyber Security Alliance Launching Ceremony” on July 10th and emphasized that Taiwan is a focal point for hacker attacks. She stated that ensuring Taiwan’s cyber security is crucial for providing greater protection to the world’s high-tech industries. Xiao highlighted the international significance placed on Taiwan’s cyber security, as it is closely linked to global cyber security.
Chairman of the Taiwan Cyber Security Alliance, Tu Ruishen, mentioned in his speech that the alliance, initiated by nine Taiwanese cyber security associations with over a hundred domestic member companies, has outlined three short-term missions: promoting cyber security talent cultivation tailored to Taiwan’s market needs, aligning with national cyber security policies, and collaborating on domestic cyber security product services to propose international solutions. He expressed hope for government support to help Taiwanese cyber security businesses shine on the international stage.
Xiao Meiqin pointed out in her address that cyber security is currently a critically important field, as everyone’s daily life is closely linked to cyber security, including mobile phones, computer products, networks, banking assets, and transportation tools, all operating in environments with high cyber security risks. The establishment of the “Taiwan Cyber Security Alliance” effectively consolidates industry resources, collaborates with governmental and educational sectors, and boosts the overall national cyber security capabilities.
She emphasized that Taiwan is situated in a geopolitically sensitive area, facing higher risks of cyber security-related attacks and intrusions compared to other countries. Taiwan is also the core of the global high-tech industry, attracting attention from numerous hacker attacks. Ensuring Taiwan’s cyber security is not only a responsibility to safeguard ourselves, but also a significant duty for global technological, economic development, and human safety.
According to a report released by the U.S. cyber security intelligence company Recorded Futures on June 24th, a suspected Chinese government-supported hacker group “Red Juliett” has increased its cyber espionage activities against Taiwan, particularly targeting government, education, technology, and diplomatic sectors. The organization is likely operating from Fuzhou, China, based on IP address geographical locations, consistent with its ongoing activities aimed at Taiwan.
Xiao Meiqin mentioned that President Lai previously emphasized cyber security as the core foundation of the five key industries for the nation’s future economic development. With Taiwan’s cyber security not meeting global expectations yet, there is ample room for growth, requiring collective efforts to reach set goals. Not only should cyber security professionals focus on cyber security, but awareness among all citizens needs to be raised to make Taiwan a genuinely resilient and secure island in terms of cyber security.
Taiwan’s National Security Bureau mentioned on May 16th that there has been an increase in cyber intrusion attacks by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), rising from over one million attempts per day since the presidential election earlier this year to over 2.5 million daily attacks, mainly targeting government agencies. The bureau will continue to identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
Xiao Meiqin stressed that international communities highly value Taiwan’s cyber security, given its interconnectedness with global cyber security. During her diplomatic tenure in the U.S., America has continually assisted Taiwan in aligning with other international cyber security organizations, governments, and private entities. Therefore, despite facing numerous cyber security risks, Taiwan also presents opportunities for collaboration, as other countries and entities are willing to cooperate with Taiwan to enhance global connectivity.
She reiterated that cyber security is the most indispensable core foundation among the government’s five key industries for trust. Appreciating everyone’s support and involvement, extending cyber security protection into various sectors of society will ensure enhanced privacy rights and financial security for all Taiwanese. She concluded by wishing a successful launch for the “Taiwan Cyber Security Alliance,” anticipating more vibrant future opportunities for the cyber security industry.
President of the Republic of China, Lai Qingde, conveyed his address through a prerecorded video today, commending the launch of the Taiwan Cyber Security Alliance as a significant step to enhance Taiwan’s cyber security capabilities. He highlighted the vital role of cyber security in ensuring national security and driving digital transformation and innovative development across industries. Lai expressed gratitude towards the alliance, emphasizing their mission to safeguard national security through cyber security and enhance cooperation among industry, government, academia, and research to advance cyber security technology.
Lai Qingde mentioned that everyone’s dedication and efforts are greatly respected as essential promoters for Taiwan’s cyber security diplomacy. Through the InfoSec Taiwan 2024 International Cyber Security Organization Conference held in recent days, cyber security experts and enterprises from both domestic and international sectors discussed trends in cyber security development, enabling Taiwan’s cyber security industry to enhance global connections and competitiveness. He promised concrete actions to strongly support the development of the cyber security industry in the future.
He stated that cyber security is the flagship industry among the government’s upcoming five key industries, especially as Taiwan faces more significant challenges from foreign disinformation compared to other countries. Viewing cyber security as a focal area, the government will continue investing resources in regulatory frameworks, technological research and development, talent cultivation, and market expansion to support the cyber security industry’s growth. Lai expressed gratitude for the initiation of the Taiwan Cyber Security Alliance, showcasing industry-driven innovation and collective efforts to safeguard national security in the digital realm and elevate industries to greater heights.
Subsequently, Xiao Meiqin and distinguished guests at the event participated in the initiation ceremony. Attendees included Minister of Digital Development Huang Yannan, Director of Digital Industries Bureau Lu Zhenghua, Legislator Lin Chuyin, Chairman of the Taiwan Cyber Security Alliance Tu Ruishen, and Chairman of the Taiwan Internet Space and Security Policy Development Association Cai Yilang.