A group of French parliamentarians recently expressed their concerns over what they consider to be an inadequate government response to cyberattacks targeting their computers and attributed to China. The seven deputies and senators revealed that they had received virus-infected emails in 2021 sent by a hacker group known as APT31, which many countries, including the US and Britain, believe is connected to the Chinese government.
These concerns came to light just before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to France, aimed at strengthening political and economic ties in Europe. The parliamentarians are part of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), a global organization advocating for democratic values and expressing worries about China’s policies.
The French parliamentarians only became aware of the cyberattacks in March of this year, following the US Justice Department’s indictment of seven Chinese nationals associated with the Chinese government for sending malicious emails to critics of China, including IPAC members. Despite being alerted to the issue, the parliamentarians faced challenges in getting the relevant authorities, such as France’s National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI) and the anti-espionage agency DGSI, to investigate further.
Former senator Andre Gattolin, a former co-president of IPAC’s French branch, highlighted the lack of attention from French authorities regarding the cyberattacks. He emphasized the importance of addressing such incidents promptly to prevent further breaches of security.
The handling of the case by French authorities has been criticized by the parliamentarians, with concerns raised about the perceived lack of urgency and communication regarding the cyberattacks. Ex-senator Gattolin stressed the need for transparency and accountability in dealing with such cybersecurity threats, particularly when they may be linked to foreign interference.
Deputy Anne Genetet echoed these sentiments, expressing her dismay at the silence surrounding China’s actions and the potential implications for national security. The lack of awareness and proactive measures to address cyber threats from foreign entities was viewed as a cause for alarm by the parliamentarians.
In response to the parliamentarians’ concerns, government spokeswoman Prisca Thevenot stated that French services are closely monitoring APT31, including from a legal standpoint. However, some parliamentarians, such as Olivier Cadic, believe that more robust actions are needed to combat the cybersecurity threats posed by foreign actors.
Cadic emphasized the severity of the situation, referring to it as an “open official attack” that requires immediate and decisive action from the authorities. The parliamentarians stressed the importance of safeguarding national interests and democratic values in the face of cyber threats originating from foreign sources.
The French parliamentarians’ concerns regarding cyberattacks attributed to China underscore the need for heightened cybersecurity measures and swift responses to potential threats. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in addressing cybersecurity challenges in an increasingly connected and digital world.