The Download
In a new expose in the Washington Post, Chinese government-backed hackers, known by security researchers as Volt Typhoon, have successfully infiltrated U.S. internet service providers (ISPs), gaining access to sensitive communications and data. The hackers used zero-day exploits to bypass security measures and spy on various targets, potentially compromising national security. This breach highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and raises concerns about the effectiveness of cybersecurity defenses against state-sponsored cyberattacks. The U.S. government is responding with increased scrutiny and measures to mitigate the risks posed by such cyber espionage activities.
Security researchers from Lumen found a zero-day vulnerability in Versa Networks, which is used by Internet Service Providers to manage networks. Versa acknowledged the flaw and warned its customers. The hackers used the access to plant malicious software inside the ISPs' routers to capture accounts and passwords to spy on their customers.
What You Can Do
The nature of the adversary -- Chinese state sponsored hacking groups -- coupled with the target -- Internet Service Providers -- should give pause to an Managed Service Provider that zero-day exploits like the ones used by Volt Typhoon may be directed against themselves. It is important that MSPs protect themselves from attacks by continuously monitoring their attack surfaces. ThreatMate provides NFR licenses to MSPs to evaluate their attack surfaces for vulnerabilities to attack.
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