Singapore Confirms Chinese State-Backed Hackers Targeting Critical Infrastructure
Singapore’s Coordinating Minister for National Security, K. Shanmugam, publicly confirmed that Chinese state-linked espionage group UNC3886 is actively targeting the nation’s critical infrastructure, including essential services. While specific technical details were withheld, the minister emphasized the severity and ongoing nature of the attacks, highlighting the group’s strategic focus on high-value targets that could undermine national security. The operation is considered serious enough to warrant potential future disclosures, as officials evaluate national interest and readiness.
Cybersecurity firm Mandiant has previously linked UNC3886 to stealthy, persistent intrusions in U.S. and Asian defense, tech, and telecom sectors, including exploitation of Juniper, Fortinet, and VMware devices. Singapore, already impacted by Volt Typhoon’s 2024 breach of its largest mobile carrier, faces increasing risk from these advanced persistent threats. Shanmugam warned that trust in vendors and supply chains may be reassessed if continued exposure to such cyber threats persists, signalling a potential shift in national procurement and digital defence policies.
