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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.