South Korea's defense industry has begun rolling out technology and data security measures in response to China's tightening cyber surveillance.
Defense contractors have recently issued a series of notices to employees outlining data security rules and recommendations for overseas business travel, industry sources said on the 25th.
One company advised staff to use rented devices instead of personal smartphones when visiting countries with stringent immigration controls, including China. If employees must bring their own phones, the company asked them to delete work applications and key files beforehand. It also urged them to avoid public Wi-Fi and USB devices at airports and hotels, citing the risk of data theft and malware infection.
A second company recommended that employees avoid flights transiting through China. A third defense contractor has been running security training for overseas travelers since 2024, preparing them for scenarios such as the seizure of mobile phones by Chinese authorities.
The moves come as leaks of South Korean defense materials have been rising and as China began enforcing State Council regulations on exit and entry administration last month, strengthening data inspections of travelers. The rules allow Chinese authorities to demand electronic data as well as related documents when verifying the identity of people entering or leaving the country.
A total of 62 cases of South Korean defense-related data leaks were recorded from 2021 through the 1st of this month, according to data submitted by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to Rep. Yoo Yong-won of the People Power Party, a member of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee. Annual cases numbered eight in 2021, three in 2022 and five in 2023, before jumping to 17 in 2024 and 16 in 2025. Another 13 cases occurred through September this year.
In 15 additional cases, suspected leaks were reported but could not be confirmed. Industry officials believe a significant number of those involved suspected Chinese actors.