China cautions officials about malicious Wi-Fi networks

China's Ministry of State Security has issued a public warning about cyberespionage tactics involving malicious Wi-Fi hot spots deployed by foreign intelligence agencies.

In an article published Sunday on its official WeChat account, the ministry said these fake networks are strategically placed near government compounds and confidential facilities to target public officials and personnel with access to classified information.

Connecting to such networks can allow full device monitoring, exposing sensitive documents, communications, and contact details, and may result in serious breaches of state secrets, the ministry warned.

The ministry also outlined the broader risks of insecure public Wi-Fi, saying it can serve as a tool for foreign surveillance, a channel for implanting malware to remotely control devices, and a means to harvest personal data. This information can then be used to build detailed user profiles, analyze group behaviors, and spread targeted disinformation, potentially undermining social consensus and long-term ideological security.

To counter these threats, the public, especially those in sensitive positions, is urged to follow key security practices. These include disabling the "auto-connect to Wi-Fi" function on devices and verifying a network's authenticity with venue staff before connecting. Users should avoid logging into sensitive accounts, conducting financial transactions, or handling confidential matters on public Wi-Fi.

The ministry also recommends installing and regularly updating security software and using encryption tools such as Virtual Private Networks to safeguard data transmission.

Citizens are encouraged to report any suspected cyberespionage activities through multiple channels, including the national security hotline 12339, the official website www.12339.gov.cn, the ministry's WeChat account, or by contacting local state security authorities directly.