China has revealed a new cyber capability driven by artificial intelligence, enabling the automatic creation of images for influence operations. These operations seek to emulate US voters across the political spectrum, stoking controversy along racial, economic, and ideological lines.
The revelations stem from a recent report issued by the Microsoft Threat Analysis Centre (MTAC) on Thursday. Titled "Sophistication, scope, and scale: Digital threats from East Asia increase in breadth and effectiveness," the research highlights the growing threat of influence operations and cyber activities in the East Asia region.
In particular, China-linked actors are employing AI-generated media to target politically divisive subjects such as gun violence and derogatory US political figures and symbols. This technology surpasses previous campaigns with attention-grabbing content. The extent and timing of its widespread deployment remain uncertain.
Microsoft stressed the urgency of addressing the weaponisation of AI technology by cyber and influence threat actors.
Furthermore, China-based threat actors have been observed carrying out cyber operations centred on the South China Sea region, targeting regional governments and industries. The US defence industry and infrastructure are also under scrutiny. Notably, Storm-0558, a China-based threat actor, gained access to Microsoft customer email accounts from approximately 25 organisations, suggesting espionage motives.
For more information on Storm-0558, please read: Microsoft Accused of Negligence in Recent Email Compromise
China maintains a global presence with state-sponsored propaganda efforts aimed at enhancing its image abroad. More than 230 state media employees and affiliates pose as independent social media influencers, promoting CCP propaganda to a combined following of 103 million people across 40 languages on Western social media platforms.
However, unlike Iran and Russia, China has not yet combined cyber and influence operations, as noted by Microsoft. Meanwhile, North Korea focuses on intelligence gathering and cryptocurrency theft. The maritime and shipbuilding sectors are prime targets, with recent espionage activities directed at the Russian government and defence industry, along with support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
The report anticipates increasing threats from China and North Korea, particularly towards Taiwan and the United States, in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. Cross-industry collaboration is crucial to confronting these challenges as nation-state actors continue to exploit vulnerabilities and propagate damaging narratives on a global scale.
Read more on Storm-0558: Microsoft Accused of Negligence in Recent Email Compromise