China and North Korea are among the world’s most worrisome countries in terms of cybersecurity threats, according to a UK official. The Head of the British government’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Felicity Oswald, expressed concerns over the evolving Chinese threat and highlighted the risks posed by cyber challenges emanating from various nations. Oswald emphasized that the proliferation of cyber challenges has made it easier for any country to purchase cyber threats, raising alarms for national security and businesses worldwide.
In an interview with a Tokyo-based publication, Oswald pointed out that the Chinese actors’ approach in cyberspace over the past 18 months should serve as a cause for worry. She noted that the UK is particularly troubled by China’s handling of vulnerabilities under national security legislation, as it diverges from established cybersecurity norms of sharing vulnerabilities for the common good. Oswald also highlighted the threats posed by criminal actors globally, including those from Russia, in addition to nation states.
The NCSC primarily focuses on four major nation states’ cyber activities: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Oswald underlined the significance of addressing the evolving cyber landscape and the need to stay vigilant against cyber threats for national security and economic stability. The increased accessibility to cyber tools and malware raises concerns for countries and businesses worldwide, urging a collective effort to enhance cybersecurity measures.
