Understanding the tactics and motivations of threat actors is crucial in the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity. Two notable groups, Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon, both are linked to the Chinese government and exemplify the complexities of modern cyber threats.
While they share some similarities, their methods and targets reveal distinct characteristics.
- State-Sponsored Origins: Both Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon are believed to be state-sponsored actors, operating under the auspices of the Chinese government. Their activities align with national interests, focusing on espionage and data theft.
- Targeting Critical Infrastructure: Each group has demonstrated a keen interest in critical infrastructure. Volt Typhoon focuses on operational technology (OT) environments, while Salt Typhoon has targeted internet service providers (ISPs) and communication networks.
- Advanced Techniques: Both groups employ sophisticated cyber tactics. They utilize living off-the-land techniques, leveraging existing system tools to evade detection. Additionally, they exploit vulnerabilities in widely used network equipment.
- Primary Objectives: Volt Typhoon primarily aims to maintain long-term access to networks for espionage, often focusing on operational technology sectors. In contrast, Salt Typhoon is more aggressive in its data theft efforts, particularly targeting sensitive information from ISPs and law enforcement systems.
- Methodologies: Volt Typhoon is known for its stealthy approach, using techniques that blend in with normal network traffic. Salt Typhoon, however, employs more disruptive methods, including the use of a kernel-mode rootkit called Demodex, which allows for deeper infiltration and control.
- Geographic Focus: While both groups operate globally, Salt Typhoon has been particularly active in North America and Southeast Asia, with recent high-profile breaches in U.S. broadband networks. Volt Typhoon's activities are more varied, targeting a broader range of critical infrastructure sectors.?
Given the threats posed by both groups, organizations should adopt comprehensive cybersecurity strategies:
- Regular Vulnerability Assessments: Conduct frequent assessments to identify and patch vulnerabilities in critical systems and network equipment.
- Enhanced Monitoring: Implement advanced monitoring solutions to detect unusual network activity, especially in OT environments.
- Employee Training: Educate staff on cybersecurity best practices, including recognizing phishing attempts and securing credentials.
- Incident Response Plans: Develop and regularly update incident response plans to ensure quick and effective action in the event of a breach.
- Ensure your cybersecurity teams have tailored IT and OT response plans and can sequester evidence of activities across both environments.
While Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon share common roots as state-sponsored cyber actors, their differing objectives and methodologies highlight the need for tailored cybersecurity measures.
- Apply patches for internet-facing systems. Prioritize patching critical vulnerabilities in appliances known to be frequently exploited by Volt or Salt Typhoon.
- Implement phishing-resistant MFA.
- Ensure logging is turned on for application, access, and security logs and store logs in a central system.
- Plan “end of life” for technology beyond the manufacturer’s supported lifecycle.
