Taiwan's Government Websites Attacked Just Before Pelosi’s Visit

Tensions in Asia have increased after the website of Taiwan’s presidential office suffered an ‘overseas cyber attack’. 

Taiwanese government websites experienced cyber attacks on Tuesday 2nd August, just before the visit by the American House speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, the government has said.

The attacks hit at least four websites, those of President Tsai Ing-wen, the National Defence Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the country’s largest airport. 

The attack came in advance  of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei, which the Chinese government warned would have serious consequences. Shortly after Pelosi’s arrival, China launched high visibility and intentionally threatening joint military manoeuvres near Taiwan's coastline and airspace.

Taiwan’s presidential office which was attacked several hours before Pelosi’s arrived.  The site’s traffic shot up to 200 times that of a normal day, leaving the website unable to display any content for 20 minutes, suggesting a big DDoS attack. It resumed normal operation after the problems were fixed, according to a statement.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry website and the main portal website for Taiwan’s government also experienced cyber attacks, according to Joanne Ou, spokeswoman for Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry. On Wednesday 3rd August, the websites appeared to have resumed operation. The Ministry of National Defence and the website of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, where Pelosi’s plane landed, were also affected although they were also restored shortly after her departure, according to reports.

In the past, Taiwanese websites, particularly those of the governing Democratic Progressive Party, have been hit by Chinese hackers, often at times of critical moments, like elections and country crises.  

Although nobody has claimed responsibility for the outages it cannot be certain they were connected to Nancy Pelosi’s trip, commentators have warned that China might use cyber attacks to signal its displeasure over the visit.

A spokesman for the Presidential Office said it would continue to strengthen its monitoring and ensure the security and stable operation of major infrastructure in the face of the “continued compound information operations by foreign forces.” 

NBC:      Reuters:     Silicon:       NYT:       CybesecurityConnect:    CyberNews

You Might Also Read: 

Chinese Hackers Aim To Plunder Taiwan's Semiconductor Industry:
 

« Cyber Attack On NHS Software Services
US Federal Court Court IT Systems Breached »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

MIRACL

MIRACL

MIRACL provides the world’s only single step Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which can replace passwords on 100% of mobiles, desktops or even Smart TVs.

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

IT Governance

IT Governance

IT Governance is a leading global provider of information security solutions. Download our free guide and find out how ISO 27001 can help protect your organisation's information.

Clayden Law

Clayden Law

Clayden Law advise global businesses that buy and sell technology products and services. We are experts in information technology, data privacy and cybersecurity law.

CYRIN

CYRIN

CYRIN® Cyber Range. Real Tools, Real Attacks, Real Scenarios. See why leading educational institutions and companies in the U.S. have begun to adopt the CYRIN® system.

Security Industry Association (SIA)

Security Industry Association (SIA)

The SIA's mission is to be a catalyst for success​ within the global security industry through information, insight and influence.

Forcepoint

Forcepoint

Forcepoint provide a unified, cloud-centric platform that safeguards users, networks and data while eliminating the inefficiencies of managing multiple point security products.

BGD E-GOV CIRT

BGD E-GOV CIRT

BGD e-GOV CIRT's mission is to support government efforts to develop ICT programs by establishing incident management capabilities within Bangladesh.

Adroit Technologies

Adroit Technologies

Adroit Technologies has been developing award winning real-time software for the industrial automation markets for over 25 years.

Cybersprint

Cybersprint

Cybersprint's Digital Risk Protection platform continuously monitors your digital footprint so you can make informed decisions on exposure to online threats, identify vulnerabilities and take action.

Digital Transformation EXPO (DTX)

Digital Transformation EXPO (DTX)

Digital Transformation EXPO showcases the latest technology and insight from the world’s leading brands and experts in DX.

Office of the National Security Council (UVNS) - Croatia

Office of the National Security Council (UVNS) - Croatia

UVNS coordinates, harmonizes the adoption and controls the implementation of information security measures and standards in the Republic of Croatia.

CyberArts

CyberArts

CyberArts is founded on the belief that every single organization deserves and requires the creme de la creme when there is a need for Cyber services.

Metro Systems

Metro Systems

Metro Systems offer fully integrated IT solutions & services covering Digital Transformation, Digital Infrastructure, Cyber Security and Training.

Jobsite

Jobsite

Jobsite is an award winning job board in the UK providing job listings in the key sectors of IT, Engineering and Finance.

High Security Center (HSC)

High Security Center (HSC)

High Security Center provide real-time threat protection. We protect your company from targeted and persistent attacks using technologies such as Machine Learning and Behavioral Analysis.

CyberUK

CyberUK

CYBERUK is the UK government’s flagship cyber security event and the authoritative event for the UK’s cyber security community.

U2opia Technology

U2opia Technology

U2opia is a consortium with a proven track record of delivering groundbreaking technology, cybersecurity, and innovative business solutions.

Eden Data

Eden Data

Eden Data is on a mission to break the outdated mold of traditional cybersecurity consulting. We handle all of your security, compliance & data privacy needs.

Clarity

Clarity

Clarity is an AI cybersecurity startup that protects against deepfakes and new social engineering and phishing attack vectors accelerated by the rapid adoption of Generative AI.

QANplatform

QANplatform

QANplatform is a Quantum-resistant hybrid blockchain platform.