Taiwan’s National Security Bureau reported a sharp rise in Taiwan cyberattacks in 2025, citing millions of daily intrusions targeting hospitals, banks, and energy systems across the island.
The bureau said the average number of attacks reached 2.63 million per day last year, up 6 percent from 2024 and more than double the levels recorded in 2023 when public reporting began. The activity focused on sectors considered essential to daily operations, including healthcare, emergency services, telecommunications, and finance, raising concerns about resilience and continuity.
Infrastructure Faces Sustained Cyber Pressure
According to the National Security Bureau, hospitals, energy providers, and emergency response systems experienced the fastest growth in Taiwan cyberattacks. These sectors are considered highly sensitive because disruptions could directly affect public services and economic activity. Financial institutions and government networks were also frequent targets, reflecting a broad attack surface rather than isolated incidents.
The report described a mix of attack methods used in Taiwan cyberattacks. Distributed denial-of-service attacks were used to overwhelm systems and interrupt access to online services. Man-in-the-middle techniques were also observed, allowing attackers to intercept data and attempt deeper access into communications networks. These methods are commonly associated with efforts to degrade availability while collecting information.
Technology hubs were not spared. Science parks supporting Taiwan’s semiconductor industry saw repeated attempts to penetrate networks and access advanced technologies. These parks host major manufacturers and suppliers that play a critical role in global electronics supply chains. The bureau noted that attackers employed varied techniques, suggesting sustained reconnaissance rather than one-time intrusion attempts.
From a cybersecurity perspective, the report highlights the growing complexity of defending large, interconnected systems. As infrastructure becomes more digitized, attackers gain more potential entry points. For cybersecurity professionals and technology leaders, the findings underscore the need for layered defenses, continuous monitoring, and incident response planning across both public and private sectors.
Timing Patterns Raise Operational Risks
Beyond volume, the bureau pointed to timing patterns that increased operational risk. Taiwan cyberattacks often intensified during periods of heightened military or political activity near Taiwan. The report cited 40 instances of joint combat readiness patrols involving aircraft and naval vessels, noting that cyberattacks increased during 23 of those periods.
Spikes in malicious activity were also observed during high-profile public events, including major speeches and international engagements by senior officials. The bureau said these patterns indicate coordinated timing designed to stretch response capabilities and increase pressure on digital systems during critical moments.
The findings place emphasis on cyber readiness during peak risk windows. Organizations responsible for essential services may need to align cybersecurity operations more closely with broader risk assessments, ensuring staffing and monitoring are scaled during periods of elevated threat.
The report also noted that some attacks were aimed at disrupting daily life rather than stealing data, a distinction that affects defensive priorities. Service availability, system redundancy, and rapid recovery have become as important as traditional data protection.
China did not respond to requests for comment on the report and has routinely denied involvement in hacking activities. The bureau’s assessment focused on technical observations and traffic patterns rather than attribution details.
For cybersecurity leaders, the data illustrates a sustained and evolving threat environment. The scale and consistency of Taiwan cyberattacks in 2025 suggest that cyber defense is no longer a background function but a core operational requirement. Strengthening infrastructure security, improving coordination across sectors, and investing in skilled personnel remain central challenges as digital systems continue to underpin essential services.
