In recent months, a highly sophisticated cyber espionage campaign known as Salt Typhoon has targeted major U.S. telecommunications providers. Linked to Chinese state-sponsored threat actors, this campaign has exposed critical infrastructure and sensitive data through a combination of stolen credentials, advanced malware, and unpatched vulnerabilities. Let’s break down what happened, how it unfolded, and what can be done to prevent such attacks in the future. How Did the Attack Happen? The Salt Typhoon campaign relied on a mix of clever tactics and known vulnerabilities to infiltrate telecom networks. Here’s a closer look at the methods used: 1. Credential Theft & Lateral Movement Attackers gained initial access by stealing employee credentials. Once inside, they used compromised Cisco devices as pivot points to move across the network. 2. Exploited Cisco Vulnerabilities CVE-2018-0171 (Smart Install Remote Code Execution): Allowed attacke...
Hello, readers! Let’s dive into a topic that’s both fascinating and a little unsettling. Have you ever paused to consider your printer? Yes, that humble device sitting in your home office or workplace. For most of us, printers are just there to churn out documents, assignments, or last-minute tickets. But what if I told you that these seemingly innocent machines have been at the heart of some astonishing hacking stories? Welcome to the unexpected world of printer hacking! The Connection Between Printers and IoT It all begins with the "Internet of Things" (IoT)—a term you might recognize if you’re into tech. IoT encompasses all those smart devices connected to the internet, like security cameras, smart fridges, and yes, printers. While these devices are undeniably convenient, they’re not always designed with robust security in mind. Manufacturers often prioritize functionality and speed-to-market over protection, leaving vulnerabilities in their wake. The Notorious Stackoverfl...