10 Biggest Data Breaches in Taiwan [2025]

Taiwan currently ranks as the second most targeted country for cyber threats in the Asia-Pacific region, trailing only South Korea. Alarmingly, Taiwan faces nearly 13,000 cyber threats per second, this is approximately 2.6 times the global average.

In 2024 alone, Taiwan’s government networks experienced an average of 2.4 million cyberattacks per day, doubling from the 1.2 million daily attacks recorded in 2023. Furthermore, the national intelligence community reported 906 significant cyberattack incidents in 2024, marking a rise of more than 20% compared to the previous year. Of these incidents, over 80% specifically targeted government agencies, indicating an aggressive focus on critical national infrastructure.

Taiwanese sectors facing heightened vulnerability include telecommunications, transportation, and defense, each experiencing significant surges in cyber incidents. For example, cyberattacks against the communications industry surged by a dramatic 650% in 2024, highlighting attackers’ increasing sophistication and the urgency for robust cybersecurity defenses.

In this blog, we’ll closely examine the largest and most impactful data breaches in Taiwan, exploring how they occurred, why they succeeded, and how Taiwanese businesses can fortify their defenses against future cyberattacks.

Taiwan’s unique geopolitical and economic position amplifies its appeal as a cyberattack target. Several specific national characteristics and circumstances make Taiwanese organizations particularly vulnerable, contributing significantly to the frequency and severity of data breaches. In this chapter, we’ll explore these Taiwan-specific factors in detail.

Taiwan’s complex and sensitive political relationship with China significantly elevates its exposure to cyber threats. Due to its geopolitical status, Taiwan frequently faces cyber espionage and targeted cyberattacks orchestrated or supported by state-affiliated groups from China. These attacks often aim to infiltrate government agencies, military operations, and essential public services, seeking intelligence, causing disruption, or undermining public confidence. Chinese cyber operations against Taiwan are sophisticated, persistent, and well-funded, leveraging advanced tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems and infrastructure.

Taiwan’s push toward comprehensive digitization has created large, centralized databases containing extensive personal and sensitive information. Government-led initiatives like digital citizen services, national healthcare systems, and integrated transportation networks rely heavily on centralized digital infrastructures. While this centralization improves operational efficiency, it also significantly amplifies risk, since attackers can compromise vast amounts of data with a single breach. Centralized systems, therefore, present highly attractive targets, often resulting in large-scale breaches and extensive collateral damage when compromised.

Taiwanese citizens and organizations heavily rely on digital communication platforms and mobile services for daily activities, business operations, and public services. Apps like LINE, integrated mobile payments, and widespread online services have become central to daily life. This deep dependence creates extensive entry points for cybercriminals, who exploit these channels through phishing scams, credential theft, and malicious software. Because a significant part of the population uses these platforms daily, attackers can effectively scale their operations and increase the potential impact of a single successful breach.

Taiwan plays a pivotal role in international supply chains, especially in technology and manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors and electronics. Companies like TSMC are crucial suppliers for global tech giants, making Taiwanese businesses strategic targets for cyberattacks. Attackers often focus on infiltrating Taiwanese organizations to steal proprietary technology, disrupt international production lines, or gain access to connected multinational corporations. The interconnected nature of these supply chains amplifies both the attractiveness and potential global impact of successful cyberattacks against Taiwanese firms.

With extensive international banking activities, fintech innovation, and high-value digital transactions, Taiwan’s financial sector represents a lucrative target for attackers aiming to steal funds or sensitive financial data. Cyberattacks targeting banks, payment providers, and digital financial platforms are frequent, capitalizing on the substantial economic value and sensitive nature of the data managed by these institutions.

In the following, you find a list of the largest data breaches in Taiwan. The data breaches are sorted by the number of impacted customer accounts in descending order.

In October 2022, attackers breached interconnected systems used by Taiwan’s Bureau of Labor Insurance and the Taiwan Stock Exchange, exposing roughly 50 million sensitive records. Cybercriminals infiltrated the agencies’ shared data management system, exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software components. The breach exposed extensive personal identification details, employment histories, insurance data, and sensitive financial transaction records, significantly heightening risks of identity theft and financial fraud.

Authorities quickly detected and disclosed the breach, initiating comprehensive security audits and containment measures. The incident underscored critical vulnerabilities stemming from interconnected governmental and financial data systems and emphasized the urgent need for updated security protocols.

Prevention methods:

• Regularly patch and update shared systems and applications to mitigate vulnerabilities.

• Implement strict data segmentation and robust access controls to minimize interconnected risks.

• Use real-time intrusion detection systems to quickly identify and contain unauthorized access attempts.

In May 2020, Taiwan faced one of its most significant cybersecurity incidents, impacting nearly every citizen (approximately 23 million individuals). Cyber attackers exploited an SQL injection vulnerability in an outdated web portal used by local government offices, enabling unauthorized access to the centralized household registration database. This security flaw allowed attackers to bypass authentication processes and systematically extract vast amounts of sensitive data, including full names, national ID numbers, residential addresses, detailed family relationships, and birthdates.

Due to inadequate monitoring and insufficient intrusion detection mechanisms, the breach went undetected for several weeks. Attackers had ample time to methodically extract sensitive personal information, amplifying the severity of the incident. Authorities discovered the breach during a routine security audit in June 2020, immediately initiating containment measures and public disclosure. The event led to significant cybersecurity reforms across Taiwanese government institutions, emphasizing enhanced monitoring, timely patching, and stronger data protections.

Prevention methods:

• Regularly patch and update public-facing systems to eliminate known security vulnerabilities.

• Implement robust real-time monitoring and intrusion detection to quickly identify breaches.

• Encrypt sensitive personal data at rest to minimize damage if unauthorized access occurs.

In July 2022, Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s largest telecommunications provider, experienced a cybersecurity incident, resulting in unauthorized access to approximately 1.7 terabytes of sensitive internal data. Attackers breached the telecom provider’s internal network by exploiting a misconfigured cloud storage server, allowing them to access and exfiltrate vast amounts of information, including internal corporate communications, detailed customer transaction records, sensitive network infrastructure documentation, and employee details.

Due to insufficient access controls and inadequate monitoring practices, the breach remained undetected for several weeks, significantly increasing the volume of data stolen. Chunghwa Telecom publicly disclosed the incident in August 2022, promptly cooperating with cybersecurity investigators and implementing stricter security measures to secure their networks.

Prevention methods:

• Regularly audit and secure cloud infrastructure configurations to prevent unauthorized access.

• Deploy robust access controls and limit internal permissions to essential personnel only.

• Implement comprehensive network monitoring solutions to detect unusual data transfer activities immediately.

In December 2021, Line Pay Taiwan, a widely-used digital payment service, accidentally exposed detailed transaction records of approximately 80,000 customers. The breach occurred due to a misconfiguration in an internal server, inadvertently making sensitive data publicly accessible online. Exposed data included detailed financial transaction records, customer identification numbers, and merchant transaction IDs, significantly elevating the risk of targeted scams and identity theft.

The exposure was promptly identified through external security research, after which Line Pay immediately secured the misconfigured server and notified affected customers. The incident showed the critical importance of rigorous internal controls and regular security audits in fintech operations, particularly for platforms managing sensitive financial transactions.

Prevention methods:

• Regularly audit and verify server configurations to prevent accidental data exposure.

• Establish strict access control protocols and automated security checks for sensitive transaction data.

• Utilize continuous monitoring tools to detect and respond swiftly to misconfigurations or data leaks.

In April 2021, Line’s authentication system suffered a data breach compromising personal data of more than 440,000 Taiwanese users. Attackers gained unauthorized external access by exploiting vulnerabilities in the authentication backend, obtaining user IDs, phone numbers, email addresses, and some authentication tokens. Although Line quickly identified and contained the breach, the incident raised significant concerns about user privacy and the potential misuse of leaked authentication data.

The breach showed security gaps in identity management and user authentication systems, prompting Line to reinforce cybersecurity protocols and improve backend security practices to prevent future attacks.

Prevention methods:

• Strengthen authentication systems by adopting robust, phishing-resistant methods like passkeys.

• Regularly conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments on authentication backends.

• Implement comprehensive real-time monitoring and intrusion detection to quickly identify unauthorized access.

In June 2023, CrazyHunter Hospital in Taiwan became a victim of a significant ransomware attack, resulting in the unauthorized extraction of roughly 800 gigabytes of sensitive data. Attackers infiltrated the hospital’s network by deploying ransomware that encrypted critical systems and exfiltrated extensive patient records, including medical histories, personal identification information, appointment schedules, billing details, and internal communications.

The incident disrupted hospital operations, forcing emergency responses and manual recovery processes. CrazyHunter Hospital publicly disclosed the breach in July 2023, working closely with cybersecurity authorities and external experts to restore services and strengthen defenses.

Prevention methods:

• Maintain secure offline backups of critical patient records to quickly recover from ransomware.

• Deploy advanced endpoint protection and intrusion detection solutions to promptly detect and prevent malware infiltration.

• Conduct regular staff training to recognize and respond to potential phishing or ransomware threats.

In June 2021, McDonald’s Taiwan experienced a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized third-party access to sensitive customer information. Attackers breached the company’s delivery and customer relationship systems, compromising customer contact data, including email addresses, phone numbers, and partial delivery addresses. The exact number of affected customers was not publicly disclosed, but the incident posed notable risks of phishing scams and targeted fraud.

Upon detecting the breach, McDonald’s Taiwan promptly notified authorities and impacted customers, while also initiating comprehensive internal security reviews. The breach highlighted significant risks related to third-party integrations and insufficient access controls within customer service systems.

Prevention methods:

• Conduct thorough security assessments of third-party vendors and integrations regularly.

• Enforce strict access controls and authentication methods for customer databases.

• Utilize real-time monitoring and detection solutions to promptly identify unauthorized access attempts.

In July 2007, Taiwan experienced a highly publicized data leak stemming from the Foxy peer-to-peer file-sharing software. Thousands of users shared confidential documents and sensitive personal files, including financial records and corporate data, due to a misconfiguration in the default settings of the Foxy software. The issue persisted undetected for an extended period, causing widespread exposure of sensitive information and significant reputational damage for affected individuals and companies.

The incident underlined the risks associated with improperly configured file-sharing applications, triggering heightened awareness and improved user education on digital security practices in Taiwan.

Prevention methods:

• Clearly communicate risks and proper configuration settings to users of file-sharing software.

• Establish strict policies regarding installation and use of P2P file-sharing applications on corporate networks.

• Regularly audit and monitor network traffic to identify unintended data exposure promptly.

In January 2023, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) suffered a significant data breach resulting from insider misuse. An NHIA employee improperly accessed and collected sensitive health records and personal details of roughly 168,000 individuals without authorization. The compromised data included comprehensive health insurance records, detailed medical treatment histories, and personal identification information.

The breach was identified through internal monitoring and publicly disclosed in February 2023. NHIA promptly initiated disciplinary actions against the responsible employee and reinforced internal controls to prevent similar incidents. The breach highlighted vulnerabilities associated with internal threats and underscored the importance of robust monitoring systems and stringent access controls.

Prevention methods:

• Enforce strict internal access controls and implement the principle of least privilege.

• Use behavioral analytics and real-time monitoring to identify unusual internal access patterns.

• Conduct regular employee training to emphasize data privacy obligations and consequences of misuse.

In June 2022, a massive data leak known as the “China Mega-Leak” exposed billions of personal records, including millions belonging to Taiwanese citizens. The incident occurred due to an unsecured and misconfigured public-facing database used by Chinese law enforcement agencies. This misconfiguration allowed global access and resulted in the unintended exposure of extensive personal details, national ID numbers, addresses, and even police records. While Taiwan was not the primary target, the breach caused significant collateral damage, placing Taiwanese citizens at risk of identity theft and targeted fraud.

The breach was discovered by external security researchers in July 2022, highlighting vulnerabilities in government-controlled data management systems and emphasizing the importance of secure international data handling practices.

Prevention methods:

• Enforce secure configurations for all publicly accessible databases and servers.

• Regularly audit public-facing infrastructure for potential misconfigurations and security flaws.

• Implement strict controls for sensitive data handling, especially when databases contain cross-border personal records.

Analyzing the largest data breaches in Taiwan reveals several recurring patterns. These common vulnerabilities and systemic issues highlight key areas Taiwanese organizations must prioritize to enhance cybersecurity and prevent future incidents.

Many significant data breaches in Taiwan occurred due to misconfigured or unsecured databases and servers. Organizations frequently exposed sensitive data through improperly set permissions or unintentionally public-facing systems. This negligence enabled attackers easy access to vast amounts of personal, financial, or proprietary information, amplifying the scale and severity of each breach. Addressing these issues requires diligent configuration management, regular security audits, and strict adherence to secure deployment practices.

Another frequent issue in Taiwann cybersecurity incidents is attackers maintaining undetected access within compromised systems for extended periods. This extended intrusion allows cybercriminals enough time to thoroughly extract sensitive data without triggering alarms. Such undetected intrusions typically stem from insufficient real-time monitoring, inadequate intrusion detection systems, and a lack of proactive threat-hunting capabilities. To address these vulnerabilities, organizations should invest in advanced monitoring solutions, improve internal alert systems, and regularly conduct proactive security audits and threat assessments.

Ransomware has become a prominent threat in Taiwan, impacting sensitive sectors such as healthcare and critical infrastructure. These attacks typically involve encrypting critical data and exfiltrating sensitive information, severely disrupting operations and causing prolonged downtime. High-profile ransomware incidents, such as the CrazyHunter Hospital breach, underline how devastating and costly these attacks can be. Taiwanese organizations need robust ransomware defenses, secure backups, and comprehensive incident response plans to reduce vulnerability and ensure swift recovery.

Data breaches in Taiwan frequently target sensitive sectors, notably government agencies and financial institutions. Attackers prioritize these sectors because of the highly valuable and confidential nature of the data involved, including national identification records, healthcare data, employment information, and financial transactions. Successful breaches in these areas carry severe consequences, including identity theft, financial fraud, and potential impacts on national security. This targeted pattern underscores the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, continuous threat monitoring, and rigorous security audits within these high-value sectors.

The largest data breaches in Taiwan clearly show critical vulnerabilities that Taiwanese organizations must urgently address. Misconfigured databases, heavy reliance on centralized storage, rising ransomware threats, and targeted attacks on sensitive sectors such as government and financial institutions represent the most pressing cybersecurity risks in the country.

These breaches highlight the necessity of implementing robust cybersecurity practices, including regular audits of infrastructure configurations, enhanced monitoring and detection capabilities, comprehensive ransomware protections, and stricter controls on sensitive data storage. As cyber threats continue to evolve and intensify, organizations in Taiwan must proactively strengthen their defenses and continuously adapt their strategies to safeguard critical data and maintain public trust.