Cisco, the U.S. networking equipment maker, announced on Monday its plans to establish a cybersecurity center in Taiwan. The initiative is part of Cisco's Taiwan Digital Acceleration Plan 3.0, aimed at addressing the increasing cyber threats faced by the island and bridging the global talent gap in cybersecurity.
Taiwan, a democratically governed region that Beijing claims as its own, has frequently reported cyberattacks originating from China. These attacks target government officials, departments, and tech firms, forming part of China's broader pressure campaign against Taiwan. Despite these allegations, China denies any involvement in such hacking activities.
Cisco's new cybersecurity center will focus on enhancing threat intelligence and cyber readiness. The company plans to collaborate with Taiwan's government and relevant tech associations to train more cybersecurity professionals and bolster the region's defenses against cyber threats.
Guy Diedrich, Cisco's global innovation officer, emphasized the company's commitment to security during a press briefing. "We will be doing a great deal of work around security, including the new security innovation center in Taiwan," he said, although he did not disclose specific investment figures. Diedrich highlighted the flexible nature of the digital acceleration program, stating, "The nice thing about the digital acceleration programme is that there is no ceiling on investments. We continue to make them."
In addition to cybersecurity, Cisco's Taiwan Digital Acceleration Plan 3.0 will also cover advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in transportation and sustainability operations at Kaohsiung port in southern Taiwan. Speaking at the launch event, which was attended by Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Diedrich expressed optimism about future investments, hoping for a fourth round of funding for the program.
