Germany Points Finger at China for Significant Cyber Attack

Germany has officially accused China of orchestrating a “serious” cyber attack in 2021 against its Federal Office for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG), which has potentially compromised sensitive information essential for safeguarding critical infrastructure. This condemnation was articulated by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, who expressed her strong disapproval of the actions attributed to Chinese state actors.

In a formal response, the German foreign office summoned the Chinese ambassador in Berlin to deliver a complaint regarding the incident. This development follows a comprehensive three-year investigation by German security agencies aimed at identifying the perpetrators of the malware that infiltrated the BKG's systems.

Independent cybersecurity experts had pointed to Beijing's likely involvement as early as 2021, linking the attack to groups known as APT15 and APT31. These groups are recognized as sophisticated hacking collectives directly managed by the Chinese Ministry of State Security.

Following the findings, German intelligence services were assigned the task of producing a definitive attribution of responsibility for the attack. Faeser highlighted the serious implications of the cyber intrusion, stating, “This serious cyber attack on a federal authority shows how great the danger posed by Chinese cyber attacks and espionage is. These cyber attacks threaten the digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe.”

The BKG, which operates under the interior ministry, is responsible for collecting precise geographic data about the country. Its information systems are interlinked with various components of Germany’s critical national infrastructure. After discovering the attack, German security officials worked diligently to eliminate any Chinese intrusions within the BKG’s systems, asserting that its databases are now believed to be fully secure.

The accusations against China arise in the wake of Germany's government reaching an agreement with telecommunications companies to eliminate Chinese technology from the country’s 5G networks, citing serious security concerns. This decision reflects growing apprehension over potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. However, within Germany’s ruling coalition, there is ongoing debate about how best to confront China's aggressive espionage tactics without jeopardizing vital trade relations. Some members of the coalition advocate for a more stringent stance towards Beijing, highlighting urgent security risks, while others, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, favor a more measured approach that prioritizes economic ties with China. This internal conflict underscores the complexity of navigating national security and economic interests in an increasingly polarized global landscape.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has advocated for a more moderate approach towards China, the country’s largest trading partner, despite growing criticism from several ministers who argue that urgent security threats are not being sufficiently addressed. In its recent annual security report, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), warned that cyber attacks from China against German interests are expected to increase in intensity over the coming years.

The BfV described China's approach as an "offensive cyber strategy" designed to steal valuable corporate intellectual property. This strategy involves not only direct attacks but also a growing focus on IT and service providers that work closely with government agencies. By targeting these organizations, Beijing aims to exploit them as "gateways" for launching more advanced hacking operations. The report highlighted a notable qualitative and quantitative advancement in Chinese cyber espionage tactics, which has enabled the country to achieve an unprecedented level of reach and effectiveness in its cyber operations. This evolution underscores the increasing sophistication of China’s cyber capabilities and its intent to undermine foreign interests and gather critical information.