Cybersecurity Institute Internal Hacking Case; Digital Development Ministry Admits Management Lapses, Review Due End of June

(CNA) - A case involving personnel at the Cybersecurity Institute allegedly accessing sensitive data through internal vulnerabilities has led to a proposal by Taiwan People's Party legislator Chen Ching-lung to cut NT$10 million from the institute's budget. The Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) today admitted to management oversights and is expected to present a management review report by the end of June.

During a review of MODA's budget for fiscal year 2026 by the Legislative Yuan's Transportation Committee today, Minister of Digital Affairs Lo Wen-tsung and officials were present for questioning.

Taiwan People's Party legislator Chen Ching-lung pointed out that the previous internal mole controversy at the National Institute of Cybersecurity (NIC) indicated problems with internal management. He requested MODA explain how it would strengthen internal data and privacy management and proposed cutting NT$10 million from the NIC's donation budget, while also freezing 10% of related funds.

Kuomintang legislator Lu Ming-che stated that such an internal mole case occurring at the most critical unit on the cybersecurity front line was highly inappropriate and represented serious dereliction of internal control.

Lo Wen-tsung stated that MODA proactively discovered and handled the situation, but acknowledged that there were indeed management oversights. In response, NIC President Lin Ying-ta has resigned, willing to take political responsibility.

NIC Vice President Hsu Chien-jung said that following the incident, the board of directors immediately formed an independent investigation team, which is preparing to submit a management review report by the end of June. Vulnerabilities have also been addressed since the incident.

Tsai Fu-lung, director-general of MODA's Cybersecurity Administration, said that a dedicated cybersecurity unit has been established to handle cybersecurity issues, strengthen internal controls, and improve incomplete regulations for personnel to follow. Additionally, as some technical personnel are unaware of legal provisions, educational outreach will be enhanced.

Furthermore, Kuomintang legislator Huang Chien-hao pointed out the large-scale account suspension incident on Meta's platform, which affected many prominent figures and advocates with verified accounts. He inquired about communication between MODA and Meta.

Lo Wen-tsung stated that MODA held a video conference with Meta's Asia-Pacific headquarters after the incident, and most issues have been resolved, though some isolated cases remain. Because public figures' accounts are prone to attacks and fraudulent impersonation, there is a public figure protection list with different handling procedures than for ordinary citizens. Following this incident, the Digital Industry Development Administration immediately addressed public figures' accounts without regard to party affiliation.

Lo Wen-tsung said that communication with Meta was very poor two years ago, but has improved through various efforts. Unfortunately, Meta's recent large-scale layoffs have also affected Taiwan, and the contact person for Taiwan has recently changed. Regarding similar incidents, MODA believes Meta should take responsibility, with initial requests for action based on legal grounds, and negotiations for cases without legal basis. MODA hopes for legislative support if future legislative improvements are needed. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 2024/06/29

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