logo
Risk highlighted as Chinese hackers hit Microsoft

Risk highlighted as Chinese hackers hit Microsoft

The Hindu3 days ago
Software giant Microsoft is at the centre of cybersecurity storm after China-linked hackers exploited flaws in SharePoint servers to target hundreds of organisations.
While such cyberattacks are not new, the scale of the onslaught and the speed with which the hackers took advantage of freshly discovered vulnerabilities is fuelling concern.
Dutch startup Eye Security warned Saturday of online attacks targeting SharePoint file-sharing servers, with Microsoft quick to confirm the report and release patches to protect systems.
The vulnerability allowed hackers to retrieve credentials and then access SharePoint servers kept at users' facilities, according to Microsoft.
Cloud-based SharePoint software was safe from the problem, the company said.
Eye Security determined that more than 400 computer systems were compromised by hackers during waves of attacks.
Targets included government organisations in Europe, the Middle East and the United States, among them the U.S. nuclear weapons agency, media reports indicated.
"On-premises SharePoint deployments - particularly within government, schools, healthcare and large enterprise companies - are at immediate risk," cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks warned in a note.
Microsoft has not disclosed the number of victims in the attacks.
SharePoint had more than 200 million active users as of 2020, according to the most recent figures available from Microsoft.
Microsoft has attributed the cyberattacks to groups backed by China.
The culprits are believed to include Chinese state actors known as Linen Typhoon and Violet Typhoon along with a group called Storm-2603 which "is considered with moderate confidence to be a threat actor based in China."
The Typhoon groups have been active for a decade or more, and are known for intellectual property theft as well as espionage, according to Microsoft.
Less was known about Storm-2603 and its motives.
"Investigations into other actors also using these exploits are ongoing," Microsoft said, urging users to patch SharePoint servers to avoid becoming hacking victims.
Cybersecurity specialist Damien Bancal noted in a recent blog post that he found "ready-to-use exploit code" for the vulnerability at a popular website.
The assault on SharePoint servers is the latest in a series of sophisticated attacks carried out by state-sponsored groups against "the Microsoft ecosystem," according to Bancal.
In 2021, attacks by a Chinese hacker group known as Silk Typhoon compromised tens of thousands of email servers using Microsft Exchange software.
Microsoft's success at making its software commonplace in offices and homes also makes it a prime target for hackers out to steal money or information.
Microsoft software can hold sensitive and valuable information.
"It's not Microsoft that is being targeted, it's its customers," said Shane Barney, head of information security at US-based Keeper.
Targeting Microsoft programmes is a means to an end, and tomorrow it could be software from another company, said Rodrigue Le Bayon, head of Orange Cyberdefense computer emergency response team.
China is not the only nation backing hacker operations as countries around the world hone cyber capabilities, according to Le Bayon.
Nevertheless, China is repeatedly singled out by companies and governments hit by hacks.
Western countries have accused hacker groups allegedly supported by China of conducting a global cyber espionage campaign against figures critical of Beijing, democratic institutions, and companies in various sensitive sectors.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

China Triggers Alarm With 1,000 KM Range Air-To-Air Hypersonic Missile; Who Should Be Worried?
China Triggers Alarm With 1,000 KM Range Air-To-Air Hypersonic Missile; Who Should Be Worried?

India.com

time14 minutes ago

  • India.com

China Triggers Alarm With 1,000 KM Range Air-To-Air Hypersonic Missile; Who Should Be Worried?

Beijing: China has reportedly tested an air-to-air missile capable of striking aerial targets at a distance of up to 1,000 kilometres. It has sent ripples across the global defense community. If accurate, the test could signal a fundamental shift in modern air combat strategy. It will potentially allow fighter jets to neutralise enemy aircraft long before they even come into radar range. The development was first reported by South China Morning Post, citing Chinese military sources. According to the report, the missile reaches speeds beyond Mach 5. It has placed it in the hypersonic category. It is designed to intercept high-value aerial targets, including stealth fighters and surveillance aircraft. Chinese engineers are said to be working on this new system with the aim of providing long-range superiority across contested airspaces. Still unnamed publicly, the project may allow China to target aircraft such as the U.S. F-22 Raptor, F-35 stealth fighters and the B-21 Raider well before they enter engagement range. Missiles of this class are typically referred to as Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles. They form a critical part of next-generation aerial warfare. Until now, the longest-range BVR missiles in service globally include Russia's R-37M and the U.S. AIM-174B. Both are capable of reaching distances around 350-400 kilometres. Presently under development, India's Astra Mk-3 is expected to match that range once deployed. However, a 1,000-kilometre air-to-air missile would outclass all existing systems. Experts say that if China's claims are validated, the development could force countries like India, Japan, Taiwan and even the United States to re-evaluate their air combat doctrines. No matter how stealthy, no fighter jet could escape a missile launched from that distance. The implications are serious, assuming tracking and targeting systems remain precise. Historically, air-to-air missiles have evolved from short-range weapons introduced in the 1950s, such as the U.S. AIM-9 Sidewinder and the Soviet K-series, to the BVR missiles of today. The modern battlefield increasingly depends on aerial platforms like AWACS and AEW&CS for surveillance and coordination. A missile capable of striking these assets from such vast ranges could potentially change the outcome of future conflicts before they even escalate. India, which currently fields the Astra Mk-1 and is working on Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3, faces a widening gap in this segment. While the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made consistent progress, there are calls within India's strategic community to accelerate indigenous hypersonic missile development. In addition, India may need to invest more heavily in advanced radar systems and tracking sensors, potentially through ISRO-DRDO collaboration, to detect and respond to threats launched from long distances at high speeds. As per the latest assessments, India's current missile capabilities are limited to around 400 kilometres in range. While the Chinese claim has not yet been independently verified, military analysts suggest it would be prudent for India to consider the scenario as credible and prepare accordingly. The development comes at a time when tensions remain high in East Asia, particularly around Taiwan and the South China Sea. If China's new missile enters operational service, it could give the country significant leverage across the region, including air dominance over key hotspots. Though the precise operational status of the missile remains unclear, the signal from Beijing is loud enough. Nations dependent on legacy BVR systems now face pressure to catch up, both in terms of range and speed, before the skies become inaccessible.

Lokesh urges NRIs to be partner in AP's development
Lokesh urges NRIs to be partner in AP's development

Time of India

time28 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Lokesh urges NRIs to be partner in AP's development

1 2 Vijayawada: HRD and IT minister Nara Lokesh called upon the Singapore-based Telugu diaspora to promote investment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh. He described Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) as Most-Reliable Indians (MRIs) as their role in the development of the homeland is significant. Speaking at the Telugu diaspora meeting organised by APNRT in Singapore on Sunday, Minister Lokesh emphasised that foreign investments are crucial to India's economy. He said that India received a total of Rs 6.73 lakh crore in foreign direct investments during the 2024-25 fiscal year, with approximately Rs 1.24 lakh crore coming from Singapore. He said that this accounts for 19% of the total FDI. "The global trust in Chandrababu Naidu is our investment. CBN (Chandrababu Naidu) is our brand. Let's promote the opportunities in our state to attract investments," Lokesh urged. Lokesh lauded the Telugu community's influence abroad, stating that NRIs are India's brand ambassadors. He urged all NRIs to partner in the state's development. "If a significant portion of the investments come to Andhra Pradesh, our state will become another Singapore," said Lokesh. He also praised the Telugu people for their resilience and support during challenging times, including the recent Pahalgam attack where a state soldier was martyred. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Esperanza Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Reflecting on the legacy of Lee Kuan Yew, Lokesh remarked, "One of my favourite and inspiring leaders is Lee Kuan Yew, who transformed a small fishing village into a global economic powerhouse during his 31 years as Prime Minister." He encouraged NRIs to leverage their expertise and invest in Andhra Pradesh's burgeoning sectors, highlighting the state's extensive coastline, infrastructure, and emerging Quantum Valley as key attractions. Lokesh outlined the state's commitment to creating 20 lakh jobs through new industrial policies and skill development programmes aimed at harnessing global opportunities. "We are implementing new industrial policies, taking Singapore as a role model for the speed of doing business. Our Andhra Pradesh state has immense resources," he added. The minister also announced the launch of APNRT 2.0, aimed at providing enhanced support to NRIs. He called for collective efforts to achieve a healthy, prosperous, and happy Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing the vision of a double-engine govt working under the leadership of Narendra Modi at the centre and Chandrababu Naidu in the state.

Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei accused of sleeping, getting high all day in shocking Mossad report
Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei accused of sleeping, getting high all day in shocking Mossad report

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei accused of sleeping, getting high all day in shocking Mossad report

A shocking social media post linked to Israel's Mossad sparked international attention after making bold claims about Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A social media account connected to Israel's national intelligence agency accused Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, of sleeping and using drugs, causing global outrage. These explosive allegations come amid growing frustration within Iran over deteriorating living conditions and government secrecy. The contentious post, written in Farsi, mocks Khamenei while highlighting Iran's escalating domestic issues, which range from a lack of electricity to water shortages and civil unrest, as per a report by Fox News. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category CXO Leadership healthcare MCA Operations Management Project Management MBA Digital Marketing Management Others Healthcare Data Analytics Degree Product Management PGDM Artificial Intelligence Technology Data Science Public Policy others Finance Design Thinking Cybersecurity Data Science Skills you'll gain: Digital Strategy Development Expertise Emerging Technologies & Digital Trends Data-driven Decision Making Leadership in the Digital Age Duration: 40 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Digital Officer Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Technology Strategy & Innovation Emerging Technologies & Digital Transformation Leadership in Technology Management Cybersecurity & Risk Management Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business ISB Chief Technology Officer Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Customer-Centricity & Brand Strategy Product Marketing, Distribution, & Analytics Digital Strategies & Innovation Skills Leadership Insights & AI Integration Expertise Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode IIMK Chief Marketing and Growth Officer Starts on Apr 7, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Operations Strategy for Business Excellence Organizational Transformation Corporate Communication & Crisis Management Capstone Project Presentation Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow Chief Operations Officer Programme Starts on Jun 30, 2024 Get Details What exactly did the Mossad-linked account claim? by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo The Mossad's Farsi account posted on X on Friday, asking, "How can a leader lead when they sleep half the day and spend the other half high on substances?" the Mossad's Farsi account wrote Friday on X. "Water, electricity, life!" "Consuming drugs and conversing with spirits are not desirable traits for someone leading a country,' the account stated. Live Events Although the Israeli intelligence agency has not formally verified the account's affiliation, the post was made by a new X account with a premium subscription that was created last month and purported to be the official Mossad spokesperson in Farsi, Iran's official language, as per a report by Fox News. Why is this causing a stir inside and outside Iran? Over the past month, the account has posted multiple times regarding Khamenei's health and the situation in Iran, including the lack of electricity, clean water, and education. "To everyone contacting us through private messages, for your own security, please ensure you are using a VPN," the bio for the account reads. The designation of the recently appointed, albeit unnamed, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the command center of the Iranian Armed Forces, was covered in a post on the account. The account linked to Mossad claimed to already know the name and invited Iranians to submit their guesses after Iran refused to disclose the commander's identity for his protection, according to a report by Iran's semi-official news agency, Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as per a report by Fox News. In response, the account advised the "lucky winner" who correctly identified Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi to "contact us privately to receive your prize." Is there credibility to these explosive accusations? While the account's tone is unconventional, even sarcastic, analysts say the information it shares carries weight. Beny Sabti, a former IDF Persian-language officer and Iran researcher at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, said, 'Some of the details this account has posted could only have come from Mossad.' If proven credible, the claims could further tarnish Khamenei's image in a country already shaken by unrest, economic strain, and a widening generational divide. ALSO READ: National chicken finger day: Here's how to get a free chicken finger this July 27 The account's aggressive claims and humorous jabs are not typical of the Mossad's public relations style, but two intelligence analysts informed Israeli news outlet JFeed that the odd Mossad-affiliated account seems genuine. It has previously been suggested that Khamenei is a drug user; in 2022, an Iranian scholar claimed that the Iranian Supreme Leader frequently takes drugs. At the time, Nour Mohamed Omara stated on a Turkish TV station connected to the Muslim Brotherhood, "Many viewers do not know this, but Khamenei himself uses drugs." "He has a special village in Balochistan, where the drugs used by the leader are produced," the scholar continued. "This village is run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and no one is allowed in." Drug use was openly deemed "un-Islamic" by the Ayatollah following the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Death is a possible punishment for drug-related offenses. Currently, Tehran has not released a formal statement regarding the allegations; however, Iranian state media has increased its criticism of Israel's online influence operations. In the meantime, the conversation surrounding Khamenei's alleged private behavior continues to trend. FAQs What allegations did Mossad's Farsi account make about Khamenei? According to the account, Khamenei spends the majority of his time sleeping or using drugs, while Iranians struggle to meet their basic needs. Is the Mossad-linked account verified as official? The Israeli government has not confirmed it, but experts believe the information provided indicates authenticity.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store