The Hidden Dangers of Chinese-Made Devices in the United States
### Risks of Chinese-Made Devices in the US
#### Cybersecurity Concerns
For over a decade, the US government and private sectors have sounded the alarm about the increasing risks posed by technology products manufactured in China. #### Preinstalled Malware on Consumer Devices
China’s ruling communist regime has repeatedly exploited these risks by preinstalling malware on consumer devices, such as mobile phones and surveillance cameras. The United States’ dependence on Chinese-made devices has been repeatedly exploited as part of a state-backed effort to undermine US national security, including:
* Preinstalled malware on consumer devices
* Sabotage operations in critical infrastructure
* Collection of granular location data, contact lists, logs for calls and texts, and the full contents of texts from Americans’ phones
* Remote access to devices and screenshots or control of devices
#### The Adups Malware
The Shanghai Adups Technology Company, an opaque IT services company established in China in 2012, was found to have preloaded malicious software on budget Android phones manufactured by American company BLU in China. The Adups malware operated at the most foundational level of the phones, including in the wireless update and settings apps, making it difficult to remove without rendering the phones unusable. #### Investigation and Settlement
In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement with BLU, finding that the company had knowingly misled its customers about the extent of data that could be collected by Adups. The investigation revealed that giant ship-to-shore cranes, which are used to unload cargo throughout the United States’ largest ports, had been equipped with Chinese-manufactured modems with no known function. #### White-Labeling and the Role of China
The process of white-labeling, where products are imported after being packaged and sold by a different company, allows malware to be devised to launch destructive cyber-attacks that would jeopardize the physical safety of Americans and impede military readiness. Many of these devices continue to pour into the United States despite their known risks due to white-labeling. #### Threats to US National Security
The increasing reliance on Chinese-manufactured components in public and private systems is a major threat to US national security that will likely only be overcome by increasing domestic development of critical technologies and related infrastructure. ### What’s Being Done to Address the Issue
#### Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has warned that Chinese-manufactured devices are especially likely to be exploited in cyber attacks. #### Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security has distributed a bulletin warning that innumerable Chinese-manufactured security cameras were still being used throughout US infrastructure sites. #### American Oil and Gas Firm
An American oil and gas firm had begun communicating with a server in China believed to be linked to the CCP, using a Chinese-manufactured security camera. ### What You Can Do
#### Be Aware of the Risks
Be aware of the risks associated with Chinese-made devices and take steps to protect yourself and your organization. #### Use Secure Devices
Use devices from reputable manufacturers and take steps to secure your devices with strong passwords and up-to-date software. #### Report Suspected Malware
Report any suspected malware to the relevant authorities and take steps to prevent further exploitation. #### Support Domestic Development
Support domestic development of critical technologies and related infrastructure to reduce the reliance on Chinese-made devices. ### Conclusion
The increasing reliance on Chinese-manufactured components in public and private systems is a major threat to US national security that requires immediate attention. By taking steps to protect ourselves and our organizations, we can reduce the risks associated with Chinese-made devices and promote a safer and more secure future for the United States.