Cyber Expert Highlights Risks of Chinese Medical Equipment and Offers Solutions to Prevent Data Breaches

Concerns are rising in Israel and globally about Chinese-made devices, including medical equipment and mobile phones, being used to collect sensitive information. Dr. Harel Menasheri, a co-founder of the Shin Bet cyber division, discussed on 103FM how these risks can be mitigated. He clarified that the Shin Bet has long restricted Chinese equipment access, and the Israeli military has recently begun removing Chinese-made systems after recognizing the security threat.

Aral Segal, who raised alarms about Chinese vehicles in Israel six years ago, criticized the military and Shin Bet for previously allowing Chinese phones and vehicles, but Dr. Menasheri corrected this, stating that Chinese devices were not permitted in Shin Bet and that the military has only recently acknowledged the dangers. Regarding concerns about data leakage to Iran via TikTok, Menasheri explained that the data transfer was deliberate, not accidental, and noted that TikTok consistently leaks information to China. He also pointed out that Israeli politicians and even the IDF spokesperson use TikTok, which hinders regulatory progress on these security issues.

The discussion underscores the ongoing cybersecurity challenges posed by Chinese technology in critical sectors like healthcare and the complexities of balancing political use of such platforms with national security needs. Dr. Menasheri emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and regulatory measures to prevent exploitation of Chinese devices in Israeli institutions.