--- title: "Trade Wars and Cyber Attacks: What Rising Tensions with China Mean for Your Business" description: How rising U.S.–China trade tensions could lead to increased cyber attacks on businesses and steps to safeguard your operations. image: https://bawn.com/hubfs/shutterstock_2501149785.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/trade-wars-and-cyber-attacks-what-rising-tensions-with-china-mean-for-your-business#main) [![Logo Transparency-1 (1)](https://bawn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo%20Transparency-1%20(1).png?width=230&height=66&name=Logo%20Transparency-1%20(1).png)](https://bawn.com) - Show submenu for Cyber Risk Engineering Cyber Risk Engineering - [What is Cyber Risk Engineering](https://bawn.com/what-is-cyber-risk-engineering) - [Cybersecurity vs Cyber Risk Engineering](https://bawn.com/cybersecurity-vs-cyber-risk-engineering) - [The Bawn Risk Engineering Framework](https://bawn.com/cyber-risk-engineering-framework) - [Cyber Risk Assessment](https://bawn.com/get-your-cyber-risk-score) - [Cyber Liability Exposure](https://bawn.com/understand-liability-exposure) - Show submenu for Services Services - Show submenu for Cyber Risk Services Cyber Risk Services - [Risk Assessment](https://bawn.com/cybersecurity-risk-assessment-service) - [Security Strategy Development](https://bawn.com/cyber-security-strategy-development-services) - [Cyber Risk Mitigation](https://bawn.com/risk-mitigation-services) - [vCISO](https://bawn.com/vciso-virtual-chief-information-security-officer) - [Incident Response Planning](https://bawn.com/incident-response-planning-services) - Show submenu for Managed Services Managed Services - [A Different Kind of MSP](https://bawn.com/bawn-is-a-different-msp) - [Full Service Secure IT](https://bawn.com/msp-services) - [Cyber Warranty](https://bawn.com/cyber-warranty) - Show submenu for Sectors Sectors - [Energy and Utilities](https://bawn.com/energy-and-utilities) - [Manufacturing](https://bawn.com/manufacturing) - [Startups](https://bawn.com/cyber-services-for-startups) - [SMBs](https://bawn.com/smb-cybersecurity) - [Financial Services](https://bawn.com/financial-services-cybersecurity) - [Blog](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Cyber Risk Engineering Cyber Risk Engineering - Cyber Risk Engineering - [What is Cyber Risk Engineering](https://bawn.com/what-is-cyber-risk-engineering) - [Cybersecurity vs Cyber Risk Engineering](https://bawn.com/cybersecurity-vs-cyber-risk-engineering) - [The Bawn Risk Engineering Framework](https://bawn.com/cyber-risk-engineering-framework) - [Cyber Risk Assessment](https://bawn.com/get-your-cyber-risk-score) - [Cyber Liability Exposure](https://bawn.com/understand-liability-exposure) - Show submenu for Services Services - Services - Show submenu for Cyber Risk Services Cyber Risk Services - Cyber Risk Services - [Risk Assessment](https://bawn.com/cybersecurity-risk-assessment-service) - [Security Strategy Development](https://bawn.com/cyber-security-strategy-development-services) - [Cyber Risk Mitigation](https://bawn.com/risk-mitigation-services) - [vCISO](https://bawn.com/vciso-virtual-chief-information-security-officer) - [Incident Response Planning](https://bawn.com/incident-response-planning-services) - Show submenu for Managed Services Managed Services - Managed Services - [A Different Kind of MSP](https://bawn.com/bawn-is-a-different-msp) - [Full Service Secure IT](https://bawn.com/msp-services) - [Cyber Warranty](https://bawn.com/cyber-warranty) - Show submenu for Sectors Sectors - Sectors - [Energy and Utilities](https://bawn.com/energy-and-utilities) - [Manufacturing](https://bawn.com/manufacturing) - [Startups](https://bawn.com/cyber-services-for-startups) - [SMBs](https://bawn.com/smb-cybersecurity) - [Financial Services](https://bawn.com/financial-services-cybersecurity) - [Blog](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond) - Search - [Get Started](https://bawn.com/contact-bawn) [Get Started](https://bawn.com/contact-bawn) Search # Trade Wars and Cyber Attacks: What Rising Tensions with China Mean for Your Business April 10, 2025 **Tags:** [Cyber Threats You Should Know](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/tag/cyber-threats-you-should-know) As U.S.–China trade tensions continue to escalate, most business leaders are focused on tariffs, supply chain disruption, and shifting economic forecasts. But there's another front in this conflict — one that's less visible, but potentially far more damaging: cyber attacks.At Bawn, we help businesses anticipate and withstand the ripple effects of geopolitical shifts. And right now, the risk of cyber attacks tied to a trade war with China is very real. --- ### Why Trade Wars Spill into Cyberspace Trade wars aren’t limited to import duties and export bans. When governments apply economic pressure, they also prepare for — or initiate — cyber operations to gain leverage, steal valuable information, or disrupt critical systems. Here’s how that plays out: **1. Covert Retaliation** Cyber attacks offer an easy way for state-backed actors to strike back without drawing headlines or triggering diplomatic consequences. It’s fast, quiet, and hard to attribute — making it a favorite tool in times of tension. **2. A Surge in Economic Espionage** When access to U.S. technology is restricted, Chinese-linked groups may escalate efforts to steal trade secrets, source code, or strategic data. Sectors like advanced manufacturing, energy, and finance are especially at risk. **3. Strategic Disruption** Cyber tools aren’t just used for spying. They’re used to slow down operations, damage reputations, or create chaos. We’ve seen attempts to compromise logistics platforms, energy providers, and even food supply chains — often at the worst possible moment. **4. The Rise of Proxies** Don’t expect a direct attack from a government IP address. These campaigns often come through criminal groups or obscure digital fronts, giving attackers plausible deniability while still delivering impact. ### We've Seen This Before History backs this up. Every time U.S.–China relations have entered a tense phase — think sanctions on Chinese tech giants or disputes over Taiwan — we’ve seen surges in cyber activity targeting U.S. companies. These aren’t theoretical threats. They’re real, documented, and growing. ### So What Can You Do? Most businesses don’t need a 300-page threat report. They need to know: *Are we vulnerable? What should we fix first? Who’s watching our back?* That’s exactly where we come in. ### **Get a Free 10-Minute Cyber Assessment Call** At Bawn, we were founded by former FBI cyber agents who’ve dealt with high-stakes operations firsthand. We know what threats are real and what’s just noise — and we can give you a fast, no-pressure snapshot of where you stand. **On your 10-minute call, we’ll help you:** - Identify potential risks based on your industry and operations - Highlight common vulnerabilities attackers exploit in times of tension - Recommend simple steps to immediately reduce your exposure **No jargon. No sales pitch. Just clear insight.** [**Schedule Your Free 10-Minute Assessment Now**](https://bawn.com/meetings/jonathan-trimble/10-minute-cyber-pulse-check) Trade wars won’t hit every company with a tariff. But in cyberspace, nobody’s off-limits. Let’s make sure your business isn’t the easiest target. ---   ### Related Articles ##### [![Why Churches Are Becoming a Growing Target for Cyberattacks](https://bawn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_359392739.jpg?width=520&height=294&name=shutterstock_359392739.jpg) Cyber Threats You Should Know • April 15, 2025 Why Churches Are Becoming a Growing Target for Cyberattacks 2 min read](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/why-churches-are-becoming-a-growing-target-for-cyberattacks) ##### [![🚨 Urgent IRS Warning: Hackers Are Targeting Accountants Right Now](https://bawn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1341701957.jpg?width=520&height=294&name=shutterstock_1341701957.jpg) Cyber Threats You Should Know • April 06, 2025 🚨 Urgent IRS Warning: Hackers Are Targeting Accountants Right Now 2 min read](https://bawn.com/risk-resilience-bawns-guide-to-cybersecurity-and-beyond/urgent-irs-warning-hackers-are-targeting-accountants-right-now) ### Comments ![ancient-scroll (1)](https://bawn.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ancient-scroll%20(1).png?width=110&height=110&name=ancient-scroll%20(1).png) ### Cyber Knowledge Awaits Stay ahead of cyber threats and gain valuable insights by subscribing to Bawn's blog today! 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