Chinese Ministry of State Security

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) on Tuesday warned of hidden risks of geographic data leaks in China’s surveying and mapping sector, citing four cases involving secret-related units and companies that posed threats to the state security. Those responsible were held legally accountable.

According to an article published on the ministry’s WeChat account, demand for basic surveying and mapping information among government agencies, secret-related entities and related enterprises is steadily increasing. Basic surveying and mapping data have become an important reference for economic development and national defense. Meanwhile, foreign anti-China forces are focusing on China’s surveying and mapping sector, using various means to collect and steal classified basic surveying results. The agency warned of growing risks of surveying and mapping data leaks. 

According to the MSS, classified basic surveying and mapping results involve sensitive data, yet for  convenience, data is often mishandled, with drawings and files stored on internet-connected computers or shared via cloud services and messaging apps, increasing the risk of leaks. 

One case involved a surveying industry employee in a certain city who copied classified mapping data from discs onto an internet-connected computer and kept them for long-term use for the sake of convenience, creating serious security risks. 

The MSS also warned that modern surveying and mapping operations often involve multiple entities and stages, and that “illegal subcontracting” in the confidentiality chain can weaken data security controls. 

Another case involved a unit which illegally outsourced a surveying and mapping task to a company, which then split and repackaged the project and assigned part of the work to an individual. 

Without completing approval and reporting procedures, the person conducted unauthorized drone surveying, captured high-definition images of sensitive sites and processed the data on a personal internet-connected computer, raising the risk of data leakage. 

The MSS also said that some units lack sufficient awareness of the classified nature of surveying and mapping results, treating them as ordinary materials and prioritizing use over management. 

One case involved a unit that, after obtaining confidential-level surveying and mapping results, failed to implement required measures. After the data was used by a subordinate unit, it effectively “went missing,” resulting in the classified results being improperly passed to multiple departments and individuals, and even accessed by external companies. 

The MSS warned that foreign hostile forces targeting China have consistently sought surveying and mapping geographic information for infiltration and espionage. They often use academic exchanges, business cooperation and cultural or tourism visits as cover to conduct illegal surveying activities in key sectors and critical targets in China, seeking geographic information on sensitive locations, resource distribution vital to the national economy, major energy facilities, and natural ecosystems, posing security threats across multiple domains. 

Another case involved a foreign company that, under the guise of commercial research, illegally collected geographic data in China through cooperating with a local Chinese partner with surveying qualifications and transferred it overseas. 

According to the MSS, confidentiality must be integrated throughout the management process for surveying and mapping geographic information to ensure proper protection of classified basic surveying results. Measures include determining data classifications , strictly controlling access and use, and strengthening protection for classified surveying outcomes. 

Global Times