The ministry’s investigation uncovered lax management of data-monitoring devices and servers, which it described as a significant security risk
China’s top intelligence agency has cautioned that foreign agents could exploit vulnerabilities in the country’s extensive surveillance camera network to access state secrets. The Ministry of State Security issued the warning via its official WeChat account, highlighting the potential risks posed by improperly managed surveillance systems.
The alert followed a report from a citizen in an unnamed city, who noted that cameras monitoring urban drainage and flood prevention were inadvertently capturing views of a coastguard pier. These cameras were intended to provide real-time water-flow data in older parts of the city. However, a subsequent investigation by the ministry revealed that they were inadvertently filming “multiple key sensitive sites involving classified information.”
The ministry’s investigation uncovered lax management of data-monitoring devices and servers, which it described as a significant security risk. “In the event of a cyberattack, such poor oversight could lead to the leakage of classified information,” the ministry stated. In response, the system has since been secured, and the cameras have been repositioned. The statement did not specify when the report was received or if any classified information had been compromised.
According to the ministry, video monitoring systems play a crucial role in maintaining public safety and enhancing social governance. “They are vital to protecting people and ensuring fairness and justice,” the ministry emphasised, while urging greater vigilance against potential security gaps.
The ministry also outlined several scenarios where surveillance cameras could pose risks, including transmitting unencrypted data, being installed in inappropriate locations, and lacking proper network segmentation. It called for more stringent oversight, warning that foreign spies could exploit these vulnerabilities to steal state secrets and undermine national security.
This heightened focus on surveillance security aligns with China’s broader national security priorities. Last year, Beijing expanded its anti-espionage law to include a broader definition of spying activities. The warning also comes amid escalating competition between China and the US-led West in areas such as technology, trade, and defence.
China’s surveillance infrastructure is extensive, with an estimated 200 million closed-circuit cameras installed nationwide—significantly more than the approximately 50 million in the United States, according to computer security firm Precise Security.
The ministry’s warning underscores China’s ongoing efforts to fortify its national security framework, particularly as technological competition and geopolitical tensions continue to intensify.
