Over $10 Million Spent on Dangerous China Tech Makes Massachusetts Data Vulnerable

On May 24 Microsoft warned that Chinese state-sponsored hackers compromised critical cyber infrastructure in government and communications organizations. Similar threats are posed by restricted Chinese technology purchased by many U.S. states, including Massachusetts that spent over $10 million, making its data and infrastructure vulnerable to Chinese infiltration. 

China Tech Threat’s (CTT) recent research reveals between 2015 and 2023, Massachusetts spent $10,226,739 on dangerous technology by Lenovo, a manufacturer already restricted by the U.S. military and intelligence agencies due to its connection to the Chinese government and military. Yet, as detailed in our fact sheet, this technology is still being deployed by the Bay State’s Judiciary, State Ethics Commission, and Executive Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, among others. 

The confidential state and citizens’ data entrusted to these agencies for safeguarding are at risk of Chinese surveillance through the use of this dangerous technology. In CTT’s May briefing paper you can read about Lenovo, Lexmark, and three other dangerous Chinese government-owned tech manufacturers and the potential funneling of sensitive American information to Beijing. 

Working to protect Massachusetts’ data is crucial. CTT recommends that legislators in the state follow those in 17 other states who are taking action to ban state agencies from purchasing and deploying Chinese technology. These efforts include South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem who signed SB 189 into law in March, Idaho Governor Brad Little who signed HB 294 and Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders who signed HB 1789 in April, and, most recently, on May 1 Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb who signed SB 477. Mirroring these actions will help Massachusetts protect its sensitive data. 

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