The Looming Conflict Regarding Chinese Cyber Threats

In a recent panel discussion, editors from the Information Security Media Group (ISMG) examined the rising geopolitical cyber threats anticipated for 2025. Among these concerns are sophisticated and ongoing threats attributed to Chinese cyber actors, escalating tensions around the globe. Furthermore, the editors paid homage to Amit Yoran, whose considerable influence in the cybersecurity realm has made a lasting impact.

Participating in the dialogue were Anna Delaney, director of productions; Tom Field, senior vice president of Editorial; Michael Novinson, managing editor at ISMG Business; and Chris Riotta, managing editor at GovInfoSecurity. The conversation touched upon several critical insights regarding the current landscape of cyber threats.

Key highlights included insights from an exclusive interview with Tom Kellermann, who outlined how Chinese threats are becoming increasingly aggressive. He remarked on the persistent attempts by these actors to infiltrate U.S. critical infrastructure as a means of preparing for potential conflicts. This aligns with known tactics from the MITRE ATT&CK framework, including initial access through supply chain compromises and exploitation of public-facing applications.

The panel underscored the growing complexity of Chinese cyber operations, which have recently targeted key U.S. infrastructures. This prompted a call for enhanced collaboration between public and private sectors, even as trust remains a significant hurdle amidst current political strife. Techniques such as privilege escalation and lateral movement appear frequently in such incidents, reflecting a pattern observed in modern cyber threats.

In honor of Amit Yoran, the discussion reiterated his far-reaching contributions to the cybersecurity space, especially in developing frameworks for vulnerability and exposure management. Yoran’s efforts in leading significant cybersecurity firms have been pivotal in shaping industry practices and addressing the continuous evolution of threats.

The ISMG Editors’ Panel, which convenes weekly, provides a platform for discussing critical cybersecurity issues. Earlier discussions included retrospectives on key interviews from the previous year and explorations into emerging technologies like agentic AI and their implications for cybersecurity in 2025. Business owners concerned about cybersecurity risks should continue monitoring these developments to safeguard against these evolving threats.