A sophisticated cyber espionage campaign attributed to Chinese threat actors has been uncovered, targeting Asian diplomats through the hijacking of captive portals. These portals, commonly used in public Wi-Fi networks to authenticate users, were manipulated to intercept sensitive communications and gather intelligence. The attackers exploited vulnerabilities in network infrastructure to redirect diplomats' internet traffic through malicious servers, enabling extensive surveillance without detection. This operation highlights the increasing use of advanced persistent threats (APTs) by nation-states to conduct espionage in diplomatic circles. Security experts emphasize the need for enhanced network security measures, including robust captive portal configurations and vigilant monitoring of network traffic, to defend against such covert intrusions. The campaign underscores the geopolitical tensions driving cyber espionage activities and the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting diplomatic communications.
This Cyber News was published on www.darkreading.com. Publication date: Wed, 27 Aug 2025 19:55:08 +0000