The European Union is facing a subtle yet significant cybersecurity threat from Chinese state-backed hackers, who are hijacking small office devices across the continent. Unlike the high-profile cyberattacks often linked to Russia, these Chinese operations are quieter, focusing on long-term access and intelligence gathering. This makes them harder to detect and can have long-term consequences for Europe's security and technological independence.
Antonia Hmaidi, a senior analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies, warns that small office devices like routers, printers, and network systems are often less secure and can be easily compromised. These devices can then be used to gain access to larger networks, allowing Chinese actors to monitor activity and extract valuable information over time.
The threat is not just theoretical. European officials have raised concerns about cyberespionage linked to China, and recent precautionary measures taken by European institutions reflect the seriousness of the threat. In March, lawmakers from the European Parliament were instructed to carry burner phones and avoid taking personal devices when traveling to China, as part of broader efforts to reduce the risk of surveillance or hacking during foreign visits.
The use of burner phones and restricted devices is not limited to parliamentary visits. Other EU bodies have also strengthened their cybersecurity protocols in recent years. According to a Politico report, guidelines within the Council of the European Union advise officials not to carry electronic devices to certain countries, including China, or to wipe them completely upon return if carrying them is unavoidable. Similarly, European Commission staff traveling abroad have been issued basic laptops and temporary phones to reduce the risk of espionage.
What makes this threat particularly insidious is its persistence and stealth. Chinese cyber operations focus on quietly infiltrating systems, monitoring activity, and extracting valuable information over time. This approach makes detection more difficult and allows attackers to remain inside networks for extended periods. As a result, the threat may be more widespread than currently understood.
With digital infrastructure becoming increasingly central to governance and business, experts warn that underestimating such risks could have long-term consequences for Europe’s security and technological independence. This is a wake-up call for the EU to take a more proactive approach to cybersecurity, and to recognize the subtle yet significant threats posed by Chinese state-backed hackers.
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