Who’s Behind It?
APT30, a cyber espionage group attributed to China, has its sights set on the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Their reach is not just broad—it’s methodical and persistent, making them a formidable player in the cyber threat landscape.
What’s Their Mission?
APT30 isn’t just a flash in the pan—they’ve been active and evolving for nearly two decades. This group is distinguished by its ability to adapt and sustain long-term operations, modifying and refining their tools, tactics, and infrastructure since at least 2005. Their activities suggest a highly organized team, likely working in shifts within a collaborative environment, focused on gathering intelligence that serves China’s strategic interests in the ASEAN region. One of their most concerning capabilities? The ability to breach air-gapped networks, a feat they’ve been perfecting since the early days of their operations.
Their Arsenal
APT30’s toolkit is as sophisticated as it is reliable. They’ve developed and maintained a suite of malware that includes SHIPSHAPE, SPACESHIP, and FLASHFLOOD. These tools are designed not just to infiltrate networks but to move across air-gapped systems, allowing them to extract valuable data from even the most secure environments.
How They Get In
APT30 employs a suite of tools that goes beyond typical malware. They use downloaders, backdoors, and a central controller, alongside several components specifically designed to infect removable drives and cross air-gapped networks. Their operations are supported by a robust infrastructure, frequently registering their own DNS domains for command-and-control (CnC) activities. This level of sophistication and planning makes them a particularly resilient adversary.
Why This Matters to Us
At Hedgehog Security, we recognize that APT30’s long-term commitment to their mission, combined with their ability to adapt and evolve, poses a significant threat to organizations in the ASEAN region. Their ability to infiltrate even air-gapped networks highlights the advanced nature of their operations and the lengths they will go to achieve their objectives.
That’s why we’re here. With our advanced SOC365 service, we don’t just monitor for threats—we anticipate them, actively hunting for signs of compromise long before they become critical. Our deep understanding of APT30’s tactics allows us to fortify your defenses, ensuring that your most sensitive data stays protected.
In the battle against cyber threats, it’s not just about responding—it’s about staying ahead. At Hedgehog Security, we’re dedicated to making sure APT30’s persistence meets an impenetrable wall. Let’s keep the pricks on the outside and protect what you’ve built with the resilience and expertise of Hedgehog Security.
Other stories from our Insights blog
Your message has been received!