Chinese Hackers Outnumber US Cyber Agents ‘By at Least 50 to 1’: FBI Director Wray

The cyber threat from China is real and growing, according to FBI Director Christopher Wray. In a recent appearance before the House Appropriations Committee, Wray warned that Chinese hackers outnumber U.S. cyber specialists by a staggering 50 to 1.

A Clear Advantage

While China may lag behind the United States in many areas, the communist state has made cyber warfare a top priority. And in that domain, Wray says, China has a clear advantage.

“Today’s cyber threats carry more risks, threaten more victims, and are more pervasive than ever before,” Wray said. “A key strategy of China is to lie, cheat, and steal their way to surpassing us as the global superpower in cyber.”

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Wray told the panel that China’s hacking program is bigger than that of every other nation combined. “To give you a sense of what we’re up against, if each one of the FBI’s cyber agents and intel analysts focused exclusively on the China threat … Chinese hackers would still outnumber FBI cyber personnel by at least 50 to 1,” he said.

The Greatest Threat to Our Country

Wray called China “the greatest threat to our country,” and said that FBI investigations into the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and their actors had increased by 1,300 percent. A proposed 22 percent cut in funding, he argued, “would mean scores of threats from China go unaddressed, and I can assure you the Chinese government is not cutting back.”

Take Action Now

The cyber threat from China is real and growing. It’s time for action. Let’s support our cyber specialists and give them the resources they need to protect our country from this clear and present danger.

• Call your representatives and urge them to support increased funding for the FBI’s cyber program.
• Stay informed about the latest cyber threats and how to protect yourself and your business.
• Spread the word about the cyber threat from China and the urgent need for action.