Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/11/13/china_volt_typhoon_back/
Source: The Register
Title: China’s Volt Typhoon crew and its botnet surge back with a vengeance
Feedly Summary: Ohm, for flux sake
China’s Volt Typhoon crew and its botnet are back, compromising old Cisco routers once again to break into critical infrastructure networks and kick off cyberattacks, according to security researchers.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
**Summary:** The Volt Typhoon crew, linked to China, has resumed operations targeting critical infrastructure networks in the U.S. by exploiting outdated Cisco and Netgear routers. Despite previous interventions by the FBI, their botnet has become more sophisticated, indicating a continued threat to cybersecurity within critical sectors. This resurgence sheds light on the persistent cyber espionage activities by state-sponsored actors, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure security and the implications for compliance and threat mitigation strategies.
**Detailed Description:**
– **Background on Volt Typhoon’s Activities:**
– The Volt Typhoon crew has been linked to cyber espionage targeting critical infrastructure in the U.S. since at least 2021.
– Historically exploited outdated Cisco and Netgear routers, which have become crucial entry points for attacks due to their end-of-life status and lack of security updates from vendors.
– **Recent Developments:**
– After a period of dormancy, Volt Typhoon has re-emerged, compromising approximately 30% of visible Cisco RV320/325 routers in just over a month.
– Reports indicate no clear Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) are being exploited in current Cisco devices, highlighting the threat from devices no longer supported with updates.
– **Cyberattack Infrastructure and Techniques:**
– Volt Typhoon employs sophisticated command-and-control (C2) infrastructure, masking malicious activities through varied global nodes. This includes using compromised VPNs to maintain a covert operational framework.
– After being disrupted, the group quickly established new C2 servers on platforms like Digital Ocean, demonstrating agility in their operational tactics.
– **Broader Implications:**
– The renewed activity of Volt Typhoon coincides with reports of increased cyber threats from Chinese government-linked entities targeting U.S. telecommunications and critical infrastructure providers, signaling a proactive espionage strategy.
– This situation calls for heightened vigilance and updated security measures among organizations to safeguard against such state-sponsored cyber threats, particularly in sectors that manage essential services.
– **Key Takeaways for Security Professionals:**
– The significance of maintaining up-to-date security protocols for network devices, specifically those nearing end-of-life.
– The necessity for enterprises to adopt a Zero Trust security framework to mitigate risks associated with compromised infrastructure.
– Continuous monitoring and intelligence sharing regarding vulnerabilities and emerging threats are critical for maintaining compliance and resilience against sophisticated cyber threats.
In conclusion, the resurgence of the Volt Typhoon crew underscores the persistent challenges in cybersecurity within critical infrastructure, necessitating a strong focus on proactive security measures and compliance frameworks.