China's use of cyberattacks will become more ambitious

Significance

The Chinese government's use of cyber tools has already largely curtailed domestic dissent. Its cyber strategy also has global implications through espionage and potentially more active forms of disruption as Beijing becomes more ambitious and assertive on the global stage. Beijing will increasingly seek to export its vision, along with other states that are like-minded on the issue, such as Russia.

Impacts

• Almost all large organisations are potential targets for Chinese hackers.
• There is no sign that society going increasingly online will empower dissent more than it empowers the state.
• Moves to block China from accessing advanced foreign technology openly could drive it to resort more to cyberespionage.
• Business sectors focusing on science, design and technology are the most attractive targets for China's commercial cyberespionage.