China’s Ministry of State Security issued a warning about foreign intelligence infiltration targeting professional online groups nationwide. The ministry said foreign operatives increasingly exploit digital platforms to obtain sensitive information.
Officials reported that foreign intelligence agents posed as industry experts or investment advisers. They joined professional chat groups under labels such as academic seminars or industry exchanges.
These groups recruited members from sensitive sectors in violation of confidentiality rules. Operatives used anonymity features and temporary chats to reduce traceability.
According to the ministry, discussions began with legitimate professional exchanges. However, participants gradually steered conversations toward restricted policy or technical topics.
Individuals with hidden motives introduced hypothetical scenarios or global benchmarking comparisons. These tactics encouraged members to disclose non-public information to demonstrate expertise.
The ministry warned that such practices reflect foreign intelligence infiltration based on trust manipulation. Unlike cyberattacks, these efforts rely on social engineering and gradual persuasion.
Authorities also raised concerns about long-term document storage on cloud-based group platforms. While single files may appear harmless, aggregated data can reveal sensitive sector-wide insights.
If attackers compromise administrator accounts, they could access large volumes of stored materials. Officials said such exposure could threaten national security and economic stability.
In response, the ministry urged professionals to follow strict confidentiality requirements online. It reiterated that classified or internal information must never appear on commercial platforms.
The ministry also called on group creators to establish clear participation rules. Administrators should immediately halt discussions involving non-public data or draft policies.
Individual users were advised to remain alert to unusual information requests. Officials urged them to avoid sharing work files, workplace images, or location details.
Security analysts said the warning reflects rising concern over foreign intelligence infiltration amid global competition. They noted that informal digital networks present growing security vulnerabilities.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to expand awareness campaigns and strengthen oversight. Officials emphasized disciplined online behavior as essential for protecting sensitive information
