Recently, Microsoft issued an advisory calling upon critical infrastructure companies in the United States to enhance their cybersecurity defenses. The announcement comes in response to a significant conspiracy aimed at disrupting communication channels between the Biden administration and Asia. The focus has expanded to encompass wireless communication infrastructure, including towers and satellites.
Microsoft has identified Volt Typhoon, a threat group originating from China, as being responsible for these incidents. The group has been active since mid-2021 and has been exploiting vulnerabilities in the FortiGuard threat intelligence platform. In addition, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance has issued an alert regarding a stealth surveillance campaign backed by China, which exploits built-in Windows tools on compromised hosts.
It is important to note that while Western nations often attribute such incidents to countries like China and Russia, they remain relatively silent about their own surveillance campaigns. The Pentagon launched a surveillance campaign in 2012, which has received limited attention. Although concerns were raised in 2013, the then-president downplayed the allegations, citing national security as the primary objective.
In conclusion,
Key points:
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– Microsoft has called upon critical infrastructure companies in the US to enhance their cybersecurity defenses.
– The incidents have been attributed to a threat group originating from China.
– Western nations also engage in surveillance campaigns.
– Prioritizing cybersecurity is crucial to protecting against state-sponsored digital attacks.