Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan (LY), the country’s highest legislative body, is under constant cyberattack, with an average of 900,000 attacks originating from China every month. This alarming statistic, revealed by Cheng Hui-pin, the head of the legislature’s information technology (IT) department, underscores the challenges Taiwan faces in safeguarding its digital infrastructure. The Legislative Yuan plays a critical role in representing the people and exercising legislative power, making it a significant target for cyber threats. These attacks not only threaten national security but also highlight vulnerabilities in the LY’s network and operational systems, which were scrutinized during a recent budget review by the Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee.
Cybersecurity challenges for the legislative Yuan
The Legislative Yuan’s network connects to devices containing highly sensitive information, making it an attractive target for cyberattacks. According to Cheng Hui-pin, these attacks are primarily of Chinese origin and pose severe risks to Taiwan’s national security. Cheng assured lawmakers that cybersecurity is a top priority for the IT department, which routinely reviews the LY’s defenses in compliance with the Cyber Security Management Act.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chung Chia-pin raised concerns during a budget review meeting, questioning the security of the legislature’s network and the quality of its infrastructure. He emphasized the potential consequences of a compromised system, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
Operational and infrastructure concerns
In addition to cybersecurity vulnerabilities, several operational issues were discussed during the budget review. Legislator Chung pointed out that the legislature’s wifi network is frequently slow and experiences outages, hampering the productivity of lawmakers and staff. He also criticized the poor state of audio equipment in committee rooms, stating that excessively loud microphones could cause hearing damage and disrupt proceedings in adjoining rooms.
Chung urged the IT department to address these issues promptly, recommending that a comprehensive report be submitted within three months. He warned that failure to comply could lead to the suspension of the department’s budget.
Resolution and action plan
After negotiations between members of the DPP and the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), lawmakers passed a resolution requiring the IT department to address the identified issues without freezing its budget. The department has been tasked with testing all devices connected to the LY’s network to ensure they meet security standards. Additionally, lawmakers recommended inspecting and improving the audio equipment and installing soundproofing in legislative chambers to reduce noise disruptions.
Cheng Hui-pin assured the committee that the IT department would compile and submit a detailed report addressing both cybersecurity and operational issues. The department also plans to implement regular testing of devices and strengthen cyber defenses to mitigate future risks.
Significance of cybersecurity in Taiwan’s legislative Yuan
Taiwan’s position as a democratic nation makes it a frequent target of cyberattacks from China, which seeks to undermine its governance and infrastructure. The high frequency of attacks on the Legislative Yuan underscores the importance of implementing advanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information.
The Legislative Yuan’s response to these challenges reflects a broader commitment to enhancing the resilience of Taiwan’s governmental institutions. By addressing both cybersecurity and infrastructure concerns, Taiwan aims to safeguard its legislative processes and maintain the integrity of its democratic system.
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