Czech cyber chief warns against reliance on Chinese technologies

Lukas Kintr, who heads the Czech National Cyber and Information Security Agency, warned on Sunday that Prague should exercise caution regarding growing reliance on Chinese technologies and prepare alternative arrangements should such systems fail, according to Czech Radio. Speaking during an online program, Kintr said the state should have a "plan B" in place in case such technologies stop functioning.

The security chief stressed that the government must carefully assess risks associated with deepening technological ties with Beijing, noting that dependence on foreign critical infrastructure creates strategic vulnerabilities. His remarks reflect broader European concerns over supply chain security and digital sovereignty in the face of geopolitical competition.

Espionage allegations

Kintr said China continues to engage in cyber-espionage against Czechia, according to the agency's annual report cited by local media. The document noted a decline last year in the number of recorded cyberattacks while warning that hostile operations have grown increasingly sophisticated.

The Czech government said last year that hackers from a group linked to China's security services had infiltrated the Foreign Ministry's systems. The breach prompted Prague to intensify screening of foreign technology vendors and expand domestic cybersecurity capabilities.