Cyberattacks on Taiwan’s government departments doubled in 2024, reaching an average of 2.4 million attacks per day, according to the island’s National Security Bureau. Most of the attacks were attributed to Chinese cyber forces, with key targets including telecommunications, transportation, and defence. The report highlighted the increasing severity of China’s hacking activities, noting that many of the attacks were timed to coincide with Chinese military drills around Taiwan.
Taiwan has long accused Beijing of using cyberwarfare as part of broader “grey-zone harassment” efforts, which also include military exercises and surveillance balloons. The latest report detailed how China’s cyber forces employed advanced hacking techniques, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and social engineering, in an attempt to steal confidential government data. These attacks were aimed at disrupting Taiwan’s infrastructure, including highways and ports, and gaining strategic advantages in politics, military affairs, and technology.
China has not responded to the allegations, though it routinely denies involvement in hacking operations. However, Taiwan’s findings come amid growing international concerns over Chinese cyber activities, with the United States recently accusing Chinese hackers of stealing sensitive documents from the US Treasury Department. Taiwan’s government has warned that Beijing’s cyber threats are intensifying and pose a growing risk to national security.
Eskom has reconnected the second unit of the Koeberg nuclear power plant to South Africa’s grid following a significant refurbishment, providing a welcome boost to electricity supply. This achievement follows a decade marked by controlled power outages, which have finally given way to nine months of uninterrupted electricity, improving business confidence in the country.
Located near Cape Town, Koeberg remains Africa’s sole commercial nuclear power plant, generating approximately 1,860 megawatts, or 5% of the nation’s electricity. Eskom’s CEO, Dan Marokane, highlighted Koeberg’s role in aligning economic and environmental goals, promoting a sustainable energy future.
In a move to extend the plant’s longevity, the nuclear regulator approved a 20-year extension of Unit 1’s operating licence in July. A similar decision for Unit 2 is anticipated by 2025, underscoring South Africa’s commitment to maintaining and expanding its nuclear energy resources.
Looking ahead, South Africa plans to add 2,500 megawatts of nuclear capacity. Efforts to revive the development of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor, abandoned over a decade ago, are also under consideration as the nation explores innovative energy solutions.
A series of intrusions targeting Chrome browser extensions has compromised multiple companies since mid-December, experts revealed. Among the victims is Cyberhaven, a California-based data protection company. The breach, confirmed by Cyberhaven on Christmas Eve, is reportedly part of a larger campaign aimed at developers of Chrome extensions across various industries.
Cyberhaven stated it is cooperating with federal law enforcement to address the issue. Browser extensions, commonly used to enhance web browsing, can also pose risks when maliciously altered. Cyberhaven’s Chrome extension, for example, is designed to monitor and secure client data within web-based applications.
Experts identified other compromised extensions, including those involving AI and virtual private networks. Jaime Blasco, cofounder of Texas-based Nudge Security, noted that the attacks appear opportunistic, aiming to harvest sensitive data from numerous sources. Some breaches date back to mid-December, indicating an ongoing effort.
Federal authorities, including the US cyber watchdog CISA, have redirected inquiries to the affected companies. Alphabet, maker of the Chrome browser, has yet to respond to requests for comment.
India is taking significant steps to build a home-grown Earth observation satellite network, reducing dependence on foreign data for critical sectors like defence and infrastructure. Thirty Indian companies, forming nine consortiums, have expressed interest in the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre’s (IN-SPACe) initiative.
The project, part of a larger strategy to monetise the space sector, aims to bolster the country’s $45 billion small satellite and data services market, projected to thrive by 2030. Major participants include startups Pixxel and SatSure, alongside Tata Advanced Systems. Technical evaluations are set to conclude by January, followed by the selection of a winning bidder.
Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements, including substantial investment in space activities and establishing operational capabilities within India. The government plans to offer loans of up to 3.5 billion rupees, with private entities covering remaining costs.
India’s broader space programme features plans for crewed missions and interplanetary exploration. However, the immediate focus remains on expanding private sector involvement, supported by a 10-billion-rupee venture fund for startups. By fostering domestic innovation, the nation aims to secure its data sovereignty and commercial space leadership.
One NZ has become the first telecommunications company globally to offer a nationwide satellite text messaging service, thanks to a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink. This service enables customers with eligible phones and plans to send and receive text messages in areas beyond traditional cell tower coverage, provided they have a clear line of sight to the sky.
Initially, the service supports four specific phone models, with plans to expand compatibility to more devices next year. During the rollout phase, text message delivery times are expected to be within three minutes, though some may take up to ten minutes or longer. The service is available at no extra cost to existing customers on paid monthly plans, with future enhancements potentially including voice calling and data services.
This initiative follows successful tests of Starlink’s satellite text service during hurricane relief efforts in the United States. One NZ’s collaboration with Starlink marks a significant advancement in ensuring connectivity across New Zealand‘s diverse landscapes, particularly in the 40% of the country not covered by cell towers.
Ukraine‘s Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna announced that Russia launched a large-scale cyberattack on Thursday, temporarily crippling the country’s state registries. These registries contain essential citizen data, including information on births, deaths, marriages, and property ownership. The attack forced a suspension of services managed by the Ministry of Justice.
Stefanishyna described the incident as a deliberate attempt by Russia to disrupt Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. While restoration efforts are expected to take about two weeks, some services will resume on Friday. Other state functions appear to be unaffected.
This is the latest in a series of cyberattacks during the ongoing war, including a December 2023 assault on Ukrainian telecom provider Kyivstar and previous attacks on Russian ministries. Ukrainian authorities plan to conduct a thorough investigation to bolster defences against future cyber threats.
International lawyers for the Democratic Republic of Congo have welcomed Apple’s recent decision to instruct suppliers to stop sourcing minerals from conflict zones in Congo and Rwanda. However, they remain cautious, pressing ahead with legal complaints in France and Belgium that accuse Apple of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.
Apple strongly disputes these claims, stating that it has taken action to avoid sourcing tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold from the region due to escalating violence. The company highlighted that most of the minerals used in its devices are recycled and asserted its commitment to rigorous supplier audits and funding initiatives for improved mineral traceability.
Congo’s lawyers argue that Apple benefited from minerals extracted under violent conditions and smuggled through international supply chains. They insist on ground-level verification of Apple’s claims, stating that past crimes tied to conflict minerals cannot be erased. Millions of civilians in eastern Congo have been displaced or killed in decades-long conflicts fuelled by competition over valuable minerals.
While Apple has outlined its high standards for ethical sourcing, legal proceedings in Europe continue as Congo’s representatives demand accountability for alleged complicity in crimes linked to the region’s mining sector.
A coalition of Dutch technology firms, including chip equipment maker ASML, has announced plans to contribute approximately $230 million towards infrastructure development in Eindhoven, one of Europe’s fastest-growing technology hubs. This initiative aligns with the Dutch government’s “Operation Beethoven,” a €2.5 billion programme aimed at improving housing, transport, education, and electricity in the region.
The corporate funding will complement public investment, supporting projects coordinated by the regional development agency Brainport. Willem van der Leegte, CEO of manufacturing giant VDL Groep, a key ASML supplier, emphasised the mutual benefits of the collaboration, stating, “What is good for the region is good for the companies, and vice versa.” Other prominent contributors include chipmaker NXP and health technology firm Philips.
Eindhoven’s rapid growth as a technology hub has placed increased demand on local infrastructure. By joining forces, public and private sectors aim to create sustainable development that supports both the region’s workforce and the companies driving innovation.
Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink satellite internet is inactive in India, following recent seizures of Starlink devices by Indian authorities. Musk stated on X that Starlink beams were “never on” in the country, addressing concerns raised after a device was confiscated during an armed conflict operation in Manipur and another during a major drug bust at sea.
In Manipur, where ethnic conflict has continued since last year, the Indian Army seized a Starlink dish believed to be used by militants. Officials suspect it was smuggled from Myanmar, where rebel groups reportedly use Starlink despite the company’s lack of operations there.
Earlier this month, Indian police intercepted a Starlink device linked to smugglers transporting $4.2 billion worth of methamphetamine. Authorities believe the internet device was used for navigation, prompting a legal request to Starlink for purchase details.
Starlink is currently seeking approval to operate in India and is working to resolve security concerns as part of the licensing process.
US authorities are weighing a potential ban on TP-Link Technology Co., a Chinese router manufacturer, over national security concerns, following reports linking its home internet routers to cyberattacks. According to the Wall Street Journal, the US government is investigating whether TP-Link routers could be used in cyber operations targeting the US, citing concerns raised by lawmakers and intelligence agencies.
In August, two US lawmakers urged the Biden administration to examine TP-Link and its affiliates for possible links to cyberattacks, highlighting fears that the company’s routers could be exploited in future cyber operations. The Commerce, Defence, and Justice departments have launched separate investigations into the company, with reports indicating that a ban on the sale of TP-Link routers in the US could come as early as next year. As part of the investigations, the Commerce Department has reportedly subpoenaed the company.
TP-Link has been under scrutiny since the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) flagged vulnerabilities in the company’s routers, that could potentially allow remote code execution. This comes amid heightened concerns that Chinese-made routers could be used by Beijing to infiltrate and spy on American networks. The US government, along with its allies and Microsoft, has also uncovered a Chinese government-linked hacking campaign, Volt Typhoon, which targeted critical US infrastructure by taking control of private routers.
The Commerce, Defence, and Justice departments, as well as TP-Link, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
