According to the National Computer Network Emergency Response Coordination Center, in the first half of this year more than 127,000 overseas IP addresses were involved in maliciously controlling computers on the mainland.

Amid a rising number of hacking cases, Gu said the police will continue to step up their efforts to combat high-tech crime, focusing on the gangs that make and sell Trojan viruses and the illegal websites involved in organized hacking or providing training to hackers.

Qian Jun, a Beijing-based lawyer who specializes in Internet security, said it was important for netizens' awareness to be enhanced and for them to beware of clicking onto suspicious websites.

"It is also essential for China to work with international judicial organs in locating and arresting overseas hackers," said Hong Daode, a law professor at China University of Political Science and Law.