China’s Ministry of State Security has warned office workers about the risks of using common online software platforms, stating that data leaks have “repeatedly occurred” in recent years. The ministry highlighted that instant communication, format conversion, file transfer, and group discussion tools pose significant espionage risks. The ministry stated in a WeChat post, “Many online platforms have gathered powerful ‘dark technology’ functions that combine both social and office work features.” They warned that uploading confidential files to such platforms increases the risk of “overseas spying and intelligence agencies” stealing sensitive data and that these practices should be “strictly prohibited.
The ministry specifically mentioned File Transfer Assistant, a service provided by Tencent’s WeChat that allows users to send files to themselves.
They cautioned that when employees upload classified documents from personal devices to cloud storage systems like File Transfer Assistant, it “greatly increases the risks” of espionage through the insertion of Trojan viruses or unauthorized access by the software company’s backend.
Office software poses security risks
The ministry added, “The back end of the transfer software company can quickly obtain confidential documents and cannot effectively control the scope of access, which easily causes leakage.
In response to these concerns, Tencent suspended all file uploads to its cloud service tool, WeCloud, a month after the warnings.
Tencent announced that it would cease operations of WeCloud by October, citing “business restructuring.” A notice on Tencent’s WeCloud website urged customers to back up their files and stated that it would refund subscribers. The ministry’s alert is part of China’s broader information protection campaign amid tech rivalry and geopolitical tensions with countries like the United States. The call also aligns with ongoing concerns about foreign cyber threats and the protection of state secrets.
This latest move underscores China’s efforts to strengthen its data security measures as it navigates the complex landscape of international technology and intelligence rivalry.
