Chinese hackers had access to Canadian government systems for years

Chinese hackers have reportedly maintained access to Canadian government systems for five years, engaging in cyber-espionage to gather sensitive information. This information comes from the "National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026" published by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. The report indicates that state-sponsored Chinese cyber actors have targeted various levels of government, including federal, provincial, and Indigenous networks, with the intent of gaining strategic, economic, and diplomatic advantages. Although the report states that all known compromises have been addressed, it warns that remnants of the attacks may still exist. The hackers have shown particular interest in advanced technologies such as robotics, quantum computing, and 6G networks. Additionally, the Canadian government has noted that these threat actors conducted reconnaissance scans throughout 2024, targeting not only government departments but also political parties, critical infrastructure, and media organizations. The report highlights that members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China were specifically targeted in 2021, indicating a focus on individuals critical of the Chinese Communist Party.

- Chinese hackers accessed Canadian government systems for five years.

- The cyber-espionage targeted various government levels and sectors.

- The hackers focused on advanced technologies like robotics and quantum computing.

- All known compromises have been resolved, but remnants may remain.

- The Canadian government reported ongoing reconnaissance activities by these threat actors.