China Denounces U.S. Claims Regarding Volt Typhoon as a Deception to Obscure Its Own Cyber Operations
October 15, 2024
National Security / Cyber Threat Analysis
In a recent statement, China’s National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center (CVERC) has reiterated its assertion that the cyber threat actor dubbed “Volt Typhoon” is a construct designed by the United States and its allies. Partnering with the National Engineering Laboratory for Computer Virus Prevention Technology, CVERC alleged that the U.S. government, alongside its intelligence agencies and the Five Eyes alliance—comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States—are engaged in extensive cyber espionage against nations such as China, France, Germany, and Japan, as well as internet users worldwide.
CVERC claims to possess what they describe as “ironclad evidence” suggesting that the U.S. engages in false flag operations. This strategy, they argue, serves to divert attention from its own cyber offensive activities. The agency asserts that the U.S. is manufacturing the notion of a threat from Chinese cyber attacks, while simultaneously maintaining a “large-scale global internet surveillance network.” Moreover, they allege that the U.S. has employed supply chain attacks, implanted backdoors in technological products, and strategically “pre-positioned” resources for operational advantage.
The controversy surrounding Volt Typhoon raises significant concerns for cybersecurity experts, especially for business leaders whose organizations rely heavily on a secure technological infrastructure. The allegations of cyber espionage underscore the growing risks posed by sophisticated adversarial tactics in the realm of national security.
Given the nature of these attacks, it is crucial to consider the potential MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques that may be involved. Initial access techniques could include spear-phishing or exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party services, aiming to gain footholds within victim networks. Once inside, adversaries might utilize persistence strategies to maintain access, which could involve registry modifications or implanting malware designed to evade detection.
Privilege escalation could also play a pivotal role in these operations, granting attackers elevated access rights necessary to extract sensitive information or disrupt critical services. The alleged U.S. methodologies, such as supply chain compromises, align with tactics identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which highlights the complexity and coordinated nature of contemporary cyber threats.
As businesses navigate this evolving landscape, the implications of such allegations extend beyond geopolitical tensions. Companies must remain vigilant, implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect their operations from potential fallout stemming from these international disputes. Awareness of the tactics, techniques, and procedures outlined in frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK is essential for leaders to understand their vulnerabilities and strengthen their defenses against an increasingly adversarial cyber environment.
The discourse surrounding Volt Typhoon not only sheds light on the complexities of international cyber relations but also serves as a reminder of the pressing need for cybersecurity diligence in an era marked by rapid technological advancement and global interconnectivity.
