China Warns of Security Risks from Bad Actor ‘Back Doors’ in Imported Chips, Smart Devices

Alert from top intelligence agency includes call to use China-made chips and OS for ‘critical classified roles’

Key Points:

· Security Threat: China’s top anti-spying agency has warned that imported chips and smart devices may contain malicious technical back doors embedded during the design phase, posing serious national security risks.

· Potential Exploits: These back doors could allow foreign actors to:

o Bypass security systems

o Steal sensitive data

o Remotely activate cameras/microphones

o Use software updates or after-sales channels for intrusion

· Critical Sectors at Risk: The MSS emphasized that devices used in critical infrastructure or by individuals in classified roles are particularly vulnerable.

· Recommended Measures:

o Use domestically developed chips and homegrown operating systems

o Monitor device logs

o Regularly update software

o Check for abnormal network activity

· Backdrop: The warning comes amid escalating tech tensions with the U.S., where concerns about supply chain sabotage and surveillance risks dominate bilateral relations.

· Prior Action: A Chinese cybersecurity group previously criticized Intel chips for frequent vulnerabilities, prompting calls for a review.

· Broader Context: The semiconductor sector remains a major battleground in the U.S.-China rivalry, with Washington imposing tech export controls to restrain China's chip capabilities.

[ABS News Service/22.07.2025]

China’s top anti-spying agency has urged citizens to beware of data leakage through deliberately designed or maliciously embedded “technical back doors” in chips and smart gadgets produced overseas, warning of risks to national security.

The Ministry of State Security said on its official social media page on Monday that imported chips, software and smart devices for critical sectors might feature embedded “exploits” or access points at the initial design stage. These would allow malicious actors to bypass security controls and gain unauthorised access to systems, potentially causing severe data breaches, it cautioned.

“The security of hi-tech devices and information systems directly concerns national security. Citizens must remain vigilant,” the ministry said.

A technical back door is a software tool that allows developers to debug and patch vulnerabilities efficiently. However, it may also pose significant risks, including data theft and information leakage.

Malicious actors could exploit these covert access points to remotely activate cameras or microphones, or command background processes to collect and “exfiltrate” or steal specific data, the ministry said.

Manufacturers could also illegally invade devices through after-sales services, software update channels, by compromising open-source code repositories or tampering with code during supply chain operations, it added.

Beijing places a strong emphasis on national security in the intelligence and cyber domains, and the ministry’s warning underscores heightened vigilance over risks from foreign technology supply chains amid geopolitical tensions with the United States and state surveillance fears.

A Chinese state-linked cybersecurity group last year called for a review of Intel products sold in the country, alleging that the US semiconductor giant’s chips posed a threat because of its “frequent vulnerabilities and high failure rates”. Intel asserted that it had always prioritised product safety and quality, and pledged to address concerns.

Using chips with deliberate back doors not only risks theft of sensitive state data, but also potential long-term strategic exploitation of national weaknesses. The ministry’s post urged those engaged in “critical classified roles” to mitigate such risks by adopting domestically developed chips and home-grown operating systems.

Users should also update operating systems regularly, check device logs and keep an eye on abnormal online traffic, it said.

While China has rapidly sped up the development of its semiconductor industry, it is still mainly reliant on imports for high-end chips.

The semiconductor sector remains a critical front in the US-China technology rivalry. The US has imposed strict export controls and tech embargoes targeting China’s advanced chip industry as part of efforts to reshore production and curb growing Chinese capabilities in the strategically vital field.