[![Logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PANW_Parent.png)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/)  
[![Unit42 Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/unit42-logo-white.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/)  
Menu

* [Tools](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tools/)
* [ATOMs](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/atoms/)
* [Security Consulting](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42)
* [About Us](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/about-unit-42/)
* [**Under Attack?**](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/contact-unit42.html)  
  English
* [English](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chinese-apt-linked-to-cambodia-government-attacks/)
* [Japanese](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/ja/chinese-apt-linked-to-cambodia-government-attacks/)
* [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research")
* [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/ "Threat Research")
* [Nation-State Cyberattacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/nation-state-cyberattacks/ "Nation-State Cyberattacks")  
  [Nation-State Cyberattacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/nation-state-cyberattacks/)

# Chinese APT Targeting Cambodian Government

![Clock Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-clock.svg) 5 min read  
Related Products  
[![Advanced DNS Security icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced DNS Security](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-dns-security/ "Advanced DNS Security")[![Advanced URL Filtering icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced URL Filtering](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-url-filtering/ "Advanced URL Filtering")[![Advanced WildFire icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Advanced WildFire](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/advanced-wildfire/ "Advanced WildFire")[![Cloud-Delivered Security Services icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Cloud-Delivered Security Services](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/cloud-delivered-security-services/ "Cloud-Delivered Security Services")[![Cortex XSIAM icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cortex_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Cortex XSIAM](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/cortex-xsiam/ "Cortex XSIAM")[![Cortex XSOAR icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/cortex_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Cortex XSOAR](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/cortex-xsoar/ "Cortex XSOAR")[![Next-Generation Firewall icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/strata_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Next-Generation Firewall](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/next-generation-firewall/ "Next-Generation Firewall")[![Prisma Cloud icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/prisma_RGB_logo_Icon_Color.png)Prisma Cloud](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/product-category/prisma-cloud/ "Prisma Cloud")

* ![Profile Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-profile-grey.svg)  
  By:
  
  * [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/author/unit42/)

* ![Published Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-calendar-grey.svg)  
  Published:November 7, 2023

* ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-category.svg)  
  Categories:
  
  * [Nation-State Cyberattacks](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/nation-state-cyberattacks/)
  * [Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/)

* ![Tags Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-tags-grey.svg)  
  Tags:
  
  * [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/)
  * [APAC](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/apac/)
  * [China](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/china/)

* [![Download Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-download.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chinese-apt-linked-to-cambodia-government-attacks/?pdf=download&lg=en&_wpnonce=279fa6c5e6 "Click here to download")

* [![Print Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-print.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chinese-apt-linked-to-cambodia-government-attacks/?pdf=print&lg=en&_wpnonce=279fa6c5e6 "Click here to print")

Share![Down arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/down-arrow.svg)

* ![Link Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-share-link.svg)
* [![Link Email](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-sms.svg)](mailto:?subject=Chinese%20APT%20Targeting%20Cambodian%20Government&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fchinese-apt-linked-to-cambodia-government-attacks%2F "Share in email")
* [![Facebook Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-fb-share.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fchinese-apt-linked-to-cambodia-government-attacks%2F "Share in Facebook")
* [![LinkedIn Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-linkedin-share.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fchinese-apt-linked-to-cambodia-government-attacks%2F&title=Chinese%20APT%20Targeting%20Cambodian%20Government "Share in LinkedIn")
* [![Twitter Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-twitter-share.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fchinese-apt-linked-to-cambodia-government-attacks%2F&text=Chinese%20APT%20Targeting%20Cambodian%20Government "Share in Twitter")
* [![Reddit Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-reddit-share.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com//www.reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fchinese-apt-linked-to-cambodia-government-attacks%2F&ts=markdown "Share in Reddit")
* [![Mastodon Icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-mastodon-share.svg)](https://mastodon.social/share?text=Chinese%20APT%20Targeting%20Cambodian%20Government%20https%3A%2F%2Funit42.paloaltonetworks.com%2Fchinese-apt-linked-to-cambodia-government-attacks%2F "Share in Mastodon")

## Executive Summary

Unit 42 has identified malicious Chinese APT infrastructure masquerading as cloud backup services. Monitoring telemetry associated with two prominent Chinese APT groups, we observed network connections predominately originating from the country of Cambodia, including inbound connections originating from at least 24 Cambodian government organizations.

We assess with high confidence that these Cambodian government entities were targeted and remain compromised by Chinese APT actors. This assessment is due to the malicious nature and ownership of the infrastructure combined with persistent connections over a period of several months.

Cambodia and China maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties. Since Cambodia [signed on to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013](https://greenfdc.org/countries-of-the-belt-and-road-initiative-bri/), the relationship between these two countries has grown steadily.

In recent years, China's most notable investment has been a [project to modernize Cambodia's Ream Naval Base](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/06/06/cambodia-china-navy-base-ream/). This project generated controversy and drew scrutiny from several Western nations due to initial attempts by both countries to conceal the project.

As the project nears completion this year, the naval base is on track to become China's first overseas outpost in Southeast Asia. As such, this project demonstrates how significant Cambodia is to China's ambitions of projecting power and expanding naval operations in the region.

Palo Alto Networks customers receive protection from this malicious infrastructure through our [Next-Generation Firewall](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall) with [Cloud-Delivered Security Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/security-subscriptions), including [DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/dns-security) and [Advanced URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering).

| **Related Unit 42 Topics** | [**China**](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/china/), **[APAC](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/apac/)** |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

## Infrastructure Overview

Unit 42 identified infrastructure associated with the following known malicious SSL certificate:

|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Subject Full Name** | C=US,ST=Some-State,O=Internet Widgits Pty Ltd,CN=10.200.206.100 |
| **Issuer Full Name**  | C=US,ST=Some-State,O=Internet Widgits Pty Ltd,CN=COM            |
| **Serial Number**     | 15007560845348164646                                            |
| **SHA1 Hash**         | B8CFF709950CFA86665363D9553532DB9922265C                        |
| **Valid From**        | 2017-11-23                                                      |
| **Valid To**          | 2027-11-21                                                      |

*Table 1. SSL Certificate Overview.*

Most recently, this certificate was used by servers on six target-facing IP addresses. Each of these servers host several subdomains associated with six domains.

Based on their names, a number of these domains appear to masquerade as cloud storage services. This disguise likely lends a sense of legitimacy to the unusual amount of traffic during times of high activity levels from the actor, such as data exfiltration from the victim network.

Figure 1 provides a visualization of the malicious infrastructure.
![Image 1 is a diagram of the target-facing infrastructure of the Cambodian victims. There are six domains in all with one to five websites listed for each. the addresses are 165.232.186.197, 167.71.226.171, 104.248.153.204, 172.105.34.34, 194.195.114.199 and 143.110.189.141.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/image2.png) Figure 1. Infrastructure overview.

## Suspected Cambodian Government Targets

We observed a total of 24 Cambodian government organizations regularly communicating with this infrastructure between September and October 2023. A number of these organizations provide critical services in the following industries:

* National defense
* Election oversight
* Human rights
* National treasury and finance
* Commerce
* Politics
* Natural resources
* Telecommunications

These targets all hold vast amounts of sensitive data, including the following:

* Financial data
* Personally identifiable information of citizens
* Classified government information

We assess that these organizations are likely the targets of long-term cyberespionage activities that have leveraged this infrastructure for persistent access to government networks of interest.

## Command and Control Infrastructure

We assess with high confidence that the target-facing IP addresses are being used as command and control (C2) infrastructure by the threat actor. We believe the infrastructure is running the [Cowrie honeypot](https://github.com/cowrie/cowrie) on port 2222. The attackers are likely using this honeypot as a cover to deceive network defenders and researchers investigating anomalous activity.

We have also observed IP filtering on this infrastructure. Specifically, we have observed the blocking of connections from the following:

* Known Palo Alto Networks IP ranges
* Some VPS and cloud hosting providers
* IP ranges from a number of Big Tech and other cybersecurity companies

We believe this threat actor is filtering connections to the malicious infrastructure to minimize the risk of the C2s being profiled by IP scanners or identified by cybersecurity researchers.

We have also observed C2 ports open during activity times for the threat actor and closed at all other times. Again, this is likely to minimize the risk of the infrastructure being profiled by IP scanners or identified by researchers.

Table 2 outlines the known actor and target-facing ports.

|---------------------|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **IP Address**      | **Target Port**                        | **Domain(s)**                                                                                                          |
| 165.232.186\[.\]197 | 80, 443, 4433                          | api.infinitycloud\[.\]info  connect.infinitycloud\[.\]info ns.infinitycloud\[.\]info                             |
| 167.71.226\[.\]171  | 80, 81, 82, 443, 769, 4433, 8086, 8089 | file.wonderbackup\[.\]com  connect.infinitybackup\[.\]net share.infinitybackup\[.\]net sync.wonderbackup\[.\]com |
| 104.248.153\[.\]204 | 82, 443                                | update.wonderbackup\[.\]com  login.wonderbackup\[.\]com ns1.infinitybackup\[.\]net                               |
| 143.110.189\[.\]141 | 443                                    | mfi.teleryanhart\[.\]com  ads.teleryanhart\[.\]com                                                               |
| 172.105.34\[.\]34   | 8081, 8087, 8443, 8888                 | jlp.ammopak\[.\]site  kwe.ammopak\[.\]site lxo.ammopak\[.\]site dfg.ammopak\[.\]site fwg.ammopak\[.\]site        |
| 194.195.114\[.\]199 | 8080, 8443, 9200                       | connect.clinkvl\[.\]com                                                                                                |

*Table 2. Target-facing infrastructure details.*

## Actor Pattern of Life

While investigating the cluster of infrastructure, we were able to determine the actor's pattern of life. We predominantly observed the actor's activity between 08:30 and 17:30 UTC +08:00 (China Standard Time) on weekdays (Monday to Friday). This pattern might indicate the actor is attempting to avoid detection by blending into regular Cambodian business hours which are UTC +07:00.

However, we also observed a significant change in actor activity that suggests the actor is based in China and working regular business hours in China.

This change in the actor's pattern of life occurred between Sep. 29 and Oct. 8, 2023. Actor activity ceased on Sep. 29, with low amounts of activity through the week of Oct. 2-8, including the weekend of Oct. 7-8. We saw actor activity return to regular levels and patterns starting Oct. 9.

The dates of the actor's activity changes align with China's Golden Week, held on Sep. 29 to Oct. 6, 2023, and "Special Working Days," designated as Oct. 7-8, 2023. Special Working Days are Chinese government-mandated working days to compensate for the extended holiday.

Figure 2 shows the regular activity pattern and deviation during Golden Week, before returning to normal.
![Image 2 is a graph of the actor pattern of life. The graph demonstrates a change in activity during China’s Golden Week. The graph tracks weeks from September to October 2023 as well as time — Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Golden Week and Special Working Days are noted.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/word-image-131141-2-1.png) Figure 2. Actor pattern of life.

## Conclusion

Unit 42 identified Chinese APT-associated activity targeting Cambodia, including over 20 Cambodian government organizations across a range of key industries. This activity is believed to be part of a long-term espionage campaign.

The observed activity aligns with geopolitical goals of the Chinese government as it seeks to leverage their strong relations with Cambodia to project their power and expand their naval operations in the region. We encourage all organizations to leverage our findings to inform the deployment of protective measures to defend against this activity.

### **Protection Recommendations**

To defend against the threats described in this blog, Palo Alto Networks recommends organizations employ the following capabilities:

* Network Security: Delivered through a [Next-Generation Firewall](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/ngfw) (NGFW) configured with machine learning enabled and cloud-delivered security services. This includes threat prevention, [URL filtering](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/advanced-url-filtering/administration), [DNS security](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/dns-security) and a malware prevention engine capable of identifying and blocking malicious samples and infrastructure.
* Security Automation: Delivered through a [Cortex XSOAR](https://docs-cortex.paloaltonetworks.com/p/XSOAR) or [XSIAM](https://docs-cortex.paloaltonetworks.com/p/XSIAM) solution capable of providing SOC analysts with a comprehensive understanding of the threat derived by stitching together data obtained from endpoints, network, cloud and identity systems.
* Container Security: Delivered through the Palo Alto Networks [Prisma Cloud](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/prisma-cloud) advanced container security features for container runtime environments to ensure detection and prevention of known malicious executables. Advanced URL Filtering blocks malicious IoCs related to this operation. [WildFire](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/wildfire) integration for cloud-delivered malware analysis service accurately identifies known samples as malicious.

### **Protections and Mitigations**

Palo Alto Networks customers receive protection from the threats discussed above through the following products:

* [Advanced URL Filtering](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/advanced-url-filtering/administration) blocks web requests to malicious URLs
* [DNS Security](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/dns-security) effectively prevents the resolution of C2 hostnames
* [Container Runtime Inspection](https://docs.prismacloud.io/en/compute-edition/30/admin-guide/welcome/welcome) prevents DNS requests from malicious processes

If you think you might have been compromised or have an urgent matter, get in touch with the[Unit 42 Incident Response team](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/contact-unit42.html) or call:

* North America Toll-Free: 866.486.4842 (866.4.UNIT42)
* EMEA: +31.20.299.3130
* APAC: +65.6983.8730
* Japan: +81.50.1790.0200

Palo Alto Networks has shared these findings with our fellow Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA) members. CTA members use this intelligence to rapidly deploy protections to their customers and to systematically disrupt malicious cyber actors. Learn more about the [Cyber Threat Alliance](https://www.cyberthreatalliance.org).

## Indicators of Compromise

### Domains

* api.infinitycloud\[.\]info
* connect.infinitycloud\[.\]info
* ns.infinitycloud\[.\]info
* connect.infinitybackup\[.\]net
* ns1.infinitybackup\[.\]net
* share.infinitybackup\[.\]net
* file.wonderbackup\[.\]com
* login.wonderbackup\[.\]com
* sync.wonderbackup\[.\]com
* update.wonderbackup\[.\]com
* ads.teleryanhart\[.\]com
* mfi.teleryanhart\[.\]com
* dfg.ammopak\[.\]site
* fwg.ammopak\[.\]site
* jlp.ammopak\[.\]site
* kwe.ammopak\[.\]site
* lxo.ammopak\[.\]site
* connect.clinkvl\[.\]com

### Infrastructure IP Addresses

* 165\.232.186\[.\]197
* 167\.71.226\[.\]171
* 104\.248.153\[.\]204
* 143\.110.189\[.\]141
* 172\.105.34\[.\]34
* 194\.195.114\[.\]199

### SSL Certificate SHA-1 Fingerprint

* B8CFF709950CFA86665363D9553532DB9922265C

Back to top

### Tags

* [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat")
* [APAC](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/apac/ "APAC")
* [China](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/china/ "China")  
  [Threat Research Center](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com "Threat Research") [Next: Agonizing Serpens (Aka Agrius) Targeting the Israeli Higher Education and Tech Sectors](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/agonizing-serpens-targets-israeli-tech-higher-ed-sectors/ "Agonizing Serpens (Aka Agrius) Targeting the Israeli Higher Education and Tech Sectors")

### Table of Contents

* 

### Related Articles

* [Tracking Iranian APT Screening Serpens' 2026 Espionage Campaigns](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tracking-iran-apt-screening-serpens/ "article - table of contents")
* [Boggy Serpens Threat Assessment](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/boggy-serpens-threat-assessment/ "article - table of contents")
* [Suspected China-Based Espionage Operation Against Military Targets in Southeast Asia](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/espionage-campaign-against-military-targets/ "article - table of contents")

## Related Nation-State Cyberattacks Resources

![Pictorial representation of the APT Boggy Serpens. An illustrated blue snake is highlighted by a red circle against a night sky. The constellation serpens.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Boggy-Serpens-1920x900-1-786x368.png)  
[![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) March 16, 2026 [#### Boggy Serpens Threat Assessment](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/boggy-serpens-threat-assessment/)

* [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat")

* [Boggy Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/boggy-serpens/ "Boggy Serpens")

* [C2](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/c2/ "C2")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/boggy-serpens-threat-assessment/ "Boggy Serpens Threat Assessment")  
  ![A pictorial representation of CL-STA-1087 state-sponsored espionage. An illustration of a glowing red warning icon centered on a detailed blue circuit board background, representing the detection of this persistent campaign targeting Southeast Asian military organizations.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/09_Nation-State-cyberattacks_1920x900-1-786x368.jpg)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) March 12, 2026 [#### Suspected China-Based Espionage Operation Against Military Targets in Southeast Asia](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/espionage-campaign-against-military-targets/)

* [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat")

* [AppleChris](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/applechris/ "AppleChris")

* [Backdoor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/backdoor/ "backdoor")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/espionage-campaign-against-military-targets/ "Suspected China-Based Espionage Operation Against Military Targets in Southeast Asia")  
  ![Pictorial representation of the shadow campaigns. Digital graphic showing a networked globe with various data points and connectivity lines, symbolizing global digital communication and information technology.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/03_Nation-State-cyberattacks_1920x900-786x368.jpg)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) February 5, 2026 [#### The Shadow Campaigns: Uncovering Global Espionage](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/shadow-campaigns-uncovering-global-espionage/)

* [Espionage](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/espionage/ "Espionage")

* [Government](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/government/ "Government")

* [Phishing](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/phishing/ "phishing")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/shadow-campaigns-uncovering-global-espionage/ "The Shadow Campaigns: Uncovering Global Espionage")  
  ![Constellation image representing the constellation schema used by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 to track nation-state and cybercrime threat actor groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Generic-B-1920x900-1-786x368.png)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) August 1, 2025 [#### Threat Actor Groups Tracked by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 (Updated Aug. 1, 2025)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-actor-groups-tracked-by-palo-alto-networks-unit-42/)

* [Academic Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/academic-serpens/ "Academic Serpens")

* [Agent Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agent-serpens/ "Agent Serpens")

* [Agonizing Serpens](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/agonizing-serpens/ "Agonizing Serpens")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-actor-groups-tracked-by-palo-alto-networks-unit-42/ "Threat Actor Groups Tracked by Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 (Updated Aug. 1, 2025)")  
  ![Pictorial representation of Unit 42 threat attribution system. Illustration featuring a white triangle centered within an abstract cosmic background of purple and blue swirls and stars.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Generic-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) July 31, 2025 [#### Introducing Unit 42's Attribution Framework](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/)

* [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat")

* [Bookworm](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/bookworm/ "Bookworm")

* [Nomenclature](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/nomenclature/ "nomenclature")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-attribution-framework/ "Introducing Unit 42’s Attribution Framework")  
  ![A representation of a threat group like Jumpy Pisces. Illustrative image featuring two fish and the Pisces constellation superimposed on a stylized, abstract background with flowing purple waves and a starry night sky.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Pisces-NK-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) October 30, 2024 [#### Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/)

* [North Korea](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/north-korea/ "North Korea")

* [Jumpy Pisces](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/jumpy-pisces/ "Jumpy Pisces")

* [Fiddling Scorpius](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/fiddling-scorpius/ "Fiddling Scorpius")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/ "Jumpy Pisces Engages in Play Ransomware")  
  ![Illustrative image featuring two fish and the Pisces constellation superimposed on a stylized, abstract background with flowing purple waves and a starry night sky.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Pisces-NK-A-1920x900-1-786x368.png)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/top-threats.svg)High Profile Threats](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/top-cyberthreats/) September 9, 2024 [#### Threat Assessment: North Korean Threat Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-north-korean-threat-groups-2024/)

* [North Korea](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/north-korea/ "North Korea")

* [Remote Access Trojan](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/remote-access-trojan/ "Remote Access Trojan")

* [Finance](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/finance/ "Finance")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-assessment-north-korean-threat-groups-2024/ "Threat Assessment: North Korean Threat Groups")  
  ![Pictorial representation of APT Fighting Ursa. The silhouette of a bear and the Ursa constellation inside an orange abstract planet. Abstract, stylized cosmic setting with vibrant blue and purple claw marks, representing space and distant planetary bodies.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Fighting-URSA-1920x900-1-786x368.png)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) August 2, 2024 [#### Fighting Ursa Luring Targets With Car for Sale](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/fighting-ursa-car-for-sale-phishing-lure/)

* [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat")

* [APT28](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/apt28/ "APT28")

* [Fancy Bear](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/fancy-bear/ "Fancy Bear")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/fighting-ursa-car-for-sale-phishing-lure/ "Fighting Ursa Luring Targets With Car for Sale")  
  ![A digital image depicting a skull formed by binary code, composed of ones and zeros, in shades of blue against a black background. The binary numbers appear to float and overlay each other, creating a visually striking and thematic technological motif.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/01_Malware_Category_1920x900-786x368.jpg)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/icon-threat-research.svg)Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-research/) May 23, 2024 [#### Operation Diplomatic Specter: An Active Chinese Cyberespionage Campaign Leverages Rare Tool Set to Target Governmental Entities in the Middle East, Africa and Asia](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/operation-diplomatic-specter/)

* [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat")

* [Backdoor](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/backdoor/ "backdoor")

* [China](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/china/ "China")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/operation-diplomatic-specter/ "Operation Diplomatic Specter: An Active Chinese Cyberespionage Campaign Leverages Rare Tool Set to Target Governmental Entities in the Middle East, Africa and Asia")  
  ![Digital security concept with a visual depiction of a lock icon and various cybersecurity-related words such as "password," "attack" and "danger" illuminated in a blue digital interface that includes a world map.](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/04_Nation-State-cyberattacks_1920x900-786x368.jpg)  
  [![category icon](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/threat-actor-groups.svg)Threat Actor Groups](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/category/threat-actor-groups/) March 26, 2024 [#### ASEAN Entities in the Spotlight: Chinese APT Group Targeting](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chinese-apts-target-asean-entities/)

* [Advanced Persistent Threat](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/advanced-persistent-threat/ "Advanced Persistent Threat")

* [Stately Taurus](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/stately-taurus/ "Stately Taurus")

* [APAC](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/tag/apac/ "APAC")  
  [Read now ![Right arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-right-arrow-withtail.svg)](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/chinese-apts-target-asean-entities/ "ASEAN Entities in the Spotlight: Chinese APT Group Targeting")

* ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg)

* ![Slider arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/slider-arrow-left.svg)  
  ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg) ![Enlarged Image]()  
  ![Newsletter](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/unit42-footer-subscribe-desktop.png)  
  ![UNIT 42 Small Logo](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/palo-alto-logo-small.svg) Get updates from Unit 42

## Peace of mind comes from staying ahead of threats. Subscribe today.

Your Email

Subscribe for email updates to all Unit 42 threat research.  
By submitting this form, you agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use "Terms of Use") and acknowledge our [Privacy Statement.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy "Privacy Statement")

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply.

Invalid captcha!
Subscribe ![Right Arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/right-arrow.svg) ![loader](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-loader.svg)  
{#footer} Products and Services

* [AI-Powered Network Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security)

* [Secure AI by Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-security)

* [Prisma AIRS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ai-security/prisma-airs)

* [AI Access Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security)

* [Cloud Delivered Security Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/security-subscriptions)

* [Advanced Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention)

* [Advanced URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering)

* [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire)

* [Advanced DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security)

* [Enterprise Data Loss Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention)

* [Enterprise IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/enterprise-device-security)

* [Medical IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security)

* [Industrial OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/ot-security-solution)

* [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security)

* [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall)

* [Hardware Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/hardware-firewall-innovations)

* [Software Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls)

* [Strata Cloud Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/strata-cloud-manager)

* [SD-WAN for NGFW](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/sd-wan-subscription)

* [PAN-OS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/pan-os)

* [Panorama](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/panorama)

* [Secure Access Service Edge](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase)

* [Prisma SASE](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase)

* [Application Acceleration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/app-acceleration)

* [Autonomous Digital Experience Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/adem)

* [Enterprise DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention)

* [Prisma Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/access)

* [Prisma Browser](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/prisma-browser)

* [Prisma SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/sd-wan)

* [Remote Browser Isolation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/remote-browser-isolation)

* [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security)

* [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex)

* [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud)

* [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud)

* [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security)

* [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security)

* [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security)

* [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud)

* [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex)

* [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam)

* [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr)

* [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar)

* [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse)

* [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response)

* [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam)

* [Next-Generation Identity Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira)

* [Privileged Access Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/privileged-access-management)

* [Identity and Access Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/identity-and-access-management)

* [Endpoint Privilege Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/endpoint-privilege-manager)

* [Identity Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/identity-governance)

* [Workforce Password Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/workforce-password-management)

* [Agentic Identities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/agentic)

* [Secrets Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/secrets-management)

* [Unified Secrets Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/unified-secrets-governance)

* [Application Credentials Delivery](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/machine/application-credentials-delivery)

* [Vendor Privileged Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/idira/human/vendor-privileged-access)

* [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42)

* [Prepare for Emerging Risks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/frontier-ai-defense)

* [Strengthen Your Defenses](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/strengthen-your-defenses)

* [Build Your Security Strategy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/build-your-security-strategy)

* [Understand the Adversary](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/threat-intelligence)

* [Respond to a Cyber Attack](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond)  
  Company

* [About Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us)

* [Careers](https://jobs.paloaltonetworks.com/en/)

* [Contact Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/contact-sales)

* [Corporate Responsibility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility)

* [Customers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/customers)

* [Investor Relations](https://investors.paloaltonetworks.com/)

* [Location](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/locations)

* [Newsroom](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/newsroom)  
  Popular Links

* [Blog](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/)

* [Communities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/communities)

* [Content Library](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources)

* [Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia)

* [Event Center](https://events.paloaltonetworks.com/)

* [Manage Email Preferences](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/preference-center)

* [Products A-Z](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/products-a-z)

* [Product Certifications](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center/certifications)

* [Report a Vulnerability](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/security-disclosure)

* [Sitemap](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sitemap)

* [Tech Docs](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/)

* [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/)

* [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://panwedd.exterro.net/portal/dsar.htm?target=panwedd)
  ![Palo Alto Networks Logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/pan-logo-dark.svg)

* [Privacy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy)

* [Trust Center](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center)

* [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use)

* [Documents](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal)

Copyright © 2026 Palo Alto Networks. All Rights Reserved

* [![Youtube](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/youtube-black.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/paloaltonetworks)
* [![Podcast](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/icons/podcast.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/threat-vector)
* [![Facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/facebook-black.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/PaloAltoNetworks/)
* [![LinkedIn](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/linkedin-black.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/palo-alto-networks)
* [![Twitter](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/twitter-x-black.svg)](https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks)
* EN  
  Select your language  
  ![Play](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-play-icon.svg) ![Pause](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-pause-icon1.svg) ![Minimize](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-minimize.svg) ![Close button](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/close-modal.svg)

### Default Heading

Read the article ![Right Arrow](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/right-arrow.svg)  
Seekbar

![Play](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-play-icon.svg) ![Pause](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/player-pause-icon1.svg)  
![Volume](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-volume.svg)  
Volume
![Minimize](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/wp-content/themes/unit42-v6/dist/images/icons/icon-minimize.svg)
