Technology companies in the United States faced an increasing wave of cyber espionage attempts linked to China over the past year, with artificial intelligence assets emerging as a primary target, according to a new threat assessment.
The report found that China-linked actors were responsible for more than 58% of state-sponsored targeted cyber intrusions against technology organizations during the 12 months ended March 31. They were largely aimed at obtaining AI-related intellectual property, research, and capabilities that have become central to the global race for advanced computing and machine learning technologies.
“China-nexus adversaries are escalating espionage against technology organizations to steal the AI capabilities and intellectual property they cannot build fast enough on their own,” cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said in its 2026 Technology Threat Landscape Report.
The findings come as Washington and Beijing remain locked in a broader technology rivalry that extends beyond trade disputes into semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and military-linked technologies. The United States has imposed restrictions on exports of advanced AI chips to China, while Chinese companies have accelerated efforts to develop domestic alternatives.
According to CNBC, CrowdStrike said Chinese-affiliated cyber groups targeted technology companies and government communications networks in Southeast Asia while maintaining persistent access to North American technology organizations through exploited vulnerabilities. The company said the activity was part of an effort to obtain strategic technology and narrow the AI gap with the United States.
The technology sector remained the most heavily targeted industry by both nation-state actors and cybercriminals, Reuters noted.. The report focused on companies involved in computer hardware, software, semiconductors, IT services, and other technology-related fields. CrowdStrike did not publicly identify any of the organizations targeted by the campaigns.
The Five Eyes intelligence alliance, comprising the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, recently issued a joint alert about what it described as an expanding Chinese espionage threat. The alliance warned that Chinese intelligence services have increasingly used online recruitment platforms and professional networking sites to approach individuals with access to sensitive government, military, and technology-related information.
The latest report also follows accusations from U.S. officials that Chinese entities have sought to extract information from leading American artificial intelligence developers. Earlier this year, AI companies Anthropic and OpenAI raised concerns about attempts by Chinese firms to obtain competitive intelligence from their systems, according to CNBC.
China has consistently denied allegations that it supports or directs cyber espionage operations against foreign companies. Following publication of CrowdStrike’s report, the Chinese Embassy in Washington rejected the claims and reiterated Beijing’s opposition to hacking activities, according to Reuters.
The cybersecurity report also highlighted activity linked to North Korea. CrowdStrike said North Korean-affiliated operatives continued efforts to secure employment inside technology companies using false identities and AI-enhanced personas. The firm said the activity was designed to generate revenue for the North Korean government while also providing opportunities for intelligence collection.
In addition to state-backed threats, CrowdStrike reported an increase in financially motivated cybercrime targeting technology companies. The company said advertisements offering unauthorized access to technology organizations increased by nearly 30% over the reporting period, underscoring the sector’s continued appeal to both espionage groups and criminal actors.
Click Here For The Original Source.
