● OVERVIEW OF 2024 THE RED DRAGON spreads its wings China’s ambition to become the world’s leading power by 2050 is backed by its state-sponsored cyber groups. Cyber threats linked to China generally fall into three categories: cyberattacks, technological dependence and data transfers to China. C hinese-affiliated groups are arguably the most capable and sophisticated anti-Western forces conducting cyber operations. For example, US Senator Mark Warner has remarked that compared to Chinese activities, Russian operations seem like child’s play. Unlike Russia, China often operates more covertly, focusing on cyber espionage and pre-positioning rather than service disruptions. 40 While there are many Chinese-linked cyber groups, three distinct ‘typhoons’ stand out. RIDING THE TYPHOON WAVES In the autumn of 2024, US authorities reported that the Chinese-affiliated group Salt Typhoon had infiltrated American telecommunications networks. This access enabled the group to obtain call logs and unencrypted text messages CYBER SECURITY IN ESTONIA 2025