For Clues to Next Cyberthreat, EU Orgs Should Look East

Organizations in the European Union have increasing cause to pay attention to their neighbors to the East. As the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow in economic power and technological sophistication, it is becoming a formidable competitor to the West in business, manufacturing, and political might. In 2024, the battle between APAC and the West is increasingly taking place online. Cyberattacks against Western government agencies and private companies are on the rise, fueled by both political tensions, particularly between Chinese and North Korean governments and the West, and growing competition in business and industry. This alone is reason enough for EU organizations to keep a close watch on APAC-based threat actors. 

Another reason is that APAC is increasingly a flashpoint for novel cyberattack types. Advanced persistent threats, malicious code, and other cyberthreats are frequently hatched by cybercriminals in APAC before eventually spreading to the EU and the rest of the globe. This means that APAC is now a crucial area for Europe-based CISOs and security teams to monitor for a preview of coming dangers. Doing so will endow them with useful threat intelligence that they can use to comprehend the evolving threat landscape and plan proactive defense strategies.  In this article, we’ll look closer at APAC’s cybersecurity trends and why EU organizations should be paying attention to them. We observe changing threats and actual breaches, and also outline methods security teams can use to gain insight into APAC-based threats and safeguard themselves in the present and future. 

The Canary in the Coal Mine

The APAC region is home to a constant bustle of cyber activity. Many common computer security threats come from this area. In Taiwan especially, there has been an increase in Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) in recent years. The rate at which this country faces these attacks is more than double compared to other countries, making it an important focal point in the evolving field of cyber warfare. It is important to mention that a lot of these APTs are linked to state-supported actors in China and North Korea. Their main goal is to penetrate crucial infrastructure, government establishments, and businesses to steal delicate data, intellectual property, and trade secrets.

Taiwan’s very delicate geopolitical situation is what makes it more likely to face certain types of cybercrime. It is close to mainland China, where aggressive cyber operations from the state are common. The small country is experiencing millions of cyberattacks daily. Often, these attacks focus on important industries like technology and telecommunications, crucial sectors for Taiwan's economy and national safety. Taiwan's National Cybersecurity Center has reported that cybersecurity threats now center more on causing disturbances to crucial infrastructure, which could result in significant financial consequences.

APT41 (also called Double Dragon) is one of the well-known threat actors focused onTaiwan. This group, linked to attacks on various Taiwanese entities, uses advanced methods, like supply chain assault and custom malware, to achieve its purposes. APT41 has two main interests: cyber spying and financial gain, frequently exploiting software weak points to disrupt critical applications. They can be very effective; one APT campaign against a top Taiwanese technology firm used malware specially made to steal intellectual property and trade secrets.

The effects of such attacks are not confined to Taiwan; they can also impact worldwide supply chains and financial security. For example, if there is a cyber attack against Taiwanese companies that make semiconductors, results could ripple out across the technology industry. One major case in 2021 saw Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) hit by a cyberattack that affected worldwide chip supplies. Businesses such as Apple and NVIDIA, who need semiconductors from TSMC for their products, felt the impact. APAC-based attackers are increasingly exporting their wares in direct attacks on EU organizations. During the first half of 2024, cyberattacks in Europe have doubled, with a significant number coming from Russia and China, both state-sponsored and independent. For example, Chinese cyber spying is a looming danger to Western organizations. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has reported an uptick in high-profile data breaches in Europe tied to state-supported hackers in Asia. In one such incident in 2023, a Chinese advanced persistent threat group exploited a bug in Microsoft’s cloud email service to spy on two dozen organizations, including government agencies in the EU and US, as well as the consumer accounts of individuals within these organizations.

North Korean groups have been known to leverage cyber operations as a source of income, and to evade sanctions. For example, the Lazarus Group, which is thought to have connections with the government of North Korea, has carried out notorious cybersecurity attacks that have impacted organizations in the EU and globally. The United Nations has stated that cybercrime activities in North Korea make more than $1.5 billion every year, believed to support the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. In May of this year, the UK's electoral commission was attacked by what is believed to be a state-backed group of Chinese hackers. The hackers entered electoral registers, exposing  names, addresses, and other sensitive personal information of almost 40 million citizens. The puts affected individuals at risk for identity theft or fraud, and gave hackers data they could leverage in further cyberattacks. It also had a negative impact on public trust in the electoral system and raised fears about foreign meddling in democratic processes​. 

In yet one more example, in April of this year, a group of hackers believed to be located in Vietnam launched a ransomware attack on German database company, GBI Genios. The attack shut down company servers for some days, leading to lost business and recovery expenses, to say nothing of the ransom that may have been paid. The attack likely also tarnished the firm's image and lowered the trust of its clients.

EU cybersecurity professionals must pay close attention to the cyber threat situation in APAC to improve their own security strategies and those of Europe as a whole. Also, through collecting intelligence on groups like APT41 and what drives them, they can aid international cooperation against cybercrime. In the constantly shifting cybersecurity field, certain hubs of cyber threat activity in APAC, such as Taiwan, serve as a key indicator: they provide early alerts of new dangers which might affect organizations all over the world. EU leaders would be wise to read the signs as they head into a future marked by increasing cyber hostilities.

Understanding APAC’s Threat Landscape

Here is a rundown of some of the most prevalent and dangerous threat types common to the APAC region. Studying these threat types can give EU organizations an understanding of threats likely to spread out globally from this major center of cyber activity. 

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

APTs are cyber threats that invade, spread, and execute their mission in stealth. They are designed to spy on their victims for long periods, generally to exfiltrate important data over weeks, months, or even years. APT41 is a prime example; said to be tied to the Chinese government, it usually focuses on healthcare, the telecommunications sector, and high-tech industries. The group leverages clever methods like spear-phishing attacks, exploitation of supply-chain vulnerabilities, as well as customized malware such as ShadowPad.

APT10, AKI Stone Panda, a similarly notorious Chinese, state-sponsored group, has typically attacked managed IT service providers for access to client data worldwide. They usually use advanced malware and stealth techniques to remain unnoticed, and have caused damage to organizations globally.

Ransomware and DDoS Attacks

APAC also faces significant danger from ransomware attacks. The WannaCry ransomware attack, which impacted organizations worldwide, resulting in $4 billion worth of damages, is believed to have originated in North Korea. Also, recent ransomware attacks on major banks in Singapore caused considerable disruptions to operations and big financial losses. APAC-based public hospitals and polyclinics in the area have been seriously harmed by distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. All of these cases highlight how crucial it is to have plans in place for mitigating such incidents, should they occur. 

Supply Chain Attacks

Attackers may exploit weaknesses in the supply chain to gain entry into bigger networks. The SolarWinds attack, a severe incident that affected many renowned firms and government offices around the globe, demonstrates how vulnerabilities in third-party software can be leveraged by threat actors. The attackers leveraged a malicious software update for the SolarWinds Orion network management platform, then widely in use by government agencies and large businesses. Experts have speculated that the attackers may be based in Russia or China. 

Custom Malware

APAC-based APT groups usually employ their own custom malware, developed for specific targets. The "ShadowPad" malware, linked to APT41, and known for its high level of sophistication and customization, has been observed in many attacks on supply chain providers. 

QR Code Phishing

China is experiencing a rise in phishing attacks that use QR codes to steal personal and financial information. The increase is linked to the common use of QR codes for payments and identity verification, emphasizing the importance of user awareness and safe habits.

IoT Vulnerabilities

The rise in APAC's use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has also caused an increase in the exploitation of IoT vulnerabilities. When not secured, these devices can become entry points for attackers, highlighting the importance of strong cybersecurity measures and consistent updating.

APAC Insights in EU Cybersecurity

EU organizations can take advantage of threat intelligence and research from the Asia-Pacific region, which can provide them with crucial understanding about possible future dangers. Since APAC is a launchpad for new and rapidly evolving threat types, and advanced attacks are frequently spotted there first before moving towards Europe, knowing about developments there could help EU organizations stay ahead of the curve. 

EU organizations can garner the freshest insights into APAC threats from intelligence analysts and researchers who are actually based in these areas. This is because threat actors that work within APAC often use high-level strategies which might not be known to Western cybersecurity companies yet. Cyber threats are not just common but also growing more complex in this region—state-supported groups are creating novel attack methods for theft or political espionage, for example. Access to local expertise demystifies these nuances, allowing organizations to tailor defenses accordingly.

Additionally, threat intelligence platforms created in the West lack the capability to precisely observe and comprehend the cybersecurity situation in APAC. Western platforms could be missing vital context for assessing threats unique to APAC. Cultural, economic, and geopolitical aspects significantly influence the formation of cyber threats; platforms with Western assumptions built in, as it were, may not accurately gauge these elements. Moreover, local cybersecurity intelligence providers commonly have existing connections with law enforcement and governmental bodies, leading to deeper insights into developing threats.

It is also important to note that cyber incidents in APAC can set off a chain reaction that affects global supply networks and crucial systems. Naturally, this includes EU organizations, which is why they must keep an eye on these events. For example, the 2021 assault on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) had consequences experienced worldwide, impacting leading tech firms who depend upon TSMC's goods. EU organizations can draw on APAC threat intelligence sources to take preventive actions against possible disruptions.

Practical Steps for EU Organizations

Invest in Advanced Threat Intelligence Platforms

EU organizations should search for a threat intelligence platform that offers current information about new dangers coming from APAC. Such platforms help them recognize possible risks prior to their arrival at EU borders and allow for proactive actions. For instance, threat knowledge provided by APAC-based researchers includes deep analysis on Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) used by local threat actors; this is extremely important for customizing defense strategies​.

Leverage Automated and Expert Vulnerability Scanning

Automated vulnerability scanning tools help find and mitigate vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Continuous monitoring and fast response are crucial for maintaining a strong security posture. Additionally, cybersecurity consultants with expertise in vulnerability scanning can perform a deeper search to identify vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) frequently targeted by hackers, and recommend the best patching and remediation approaches.​.

Invest in Cybersecurity Training and Education 

Cybersecurity training and education ensure your workforce is knowledgeable about the latest security best practices. Online courses, as well as certifications from platforms such as Coursera or Google, can teach staffers skills in handling complicated cyber threats. Cybersecurity consultants can also offer specialized training related to an organization’s specific cybersecurity concerns. ​

Seeing Ahead with APAC-based Threat Intelligence 

APAC’s complex threat landscape, especially the highly sophisticated threats from China and North Korea such as APTs, can do massive damage. Regularly reviewing threat intelligence from APAC is key to forming a proactive defense; it can tip off CISOs and security teams to imminent threats about to hit the EU and the global scene, giving them time to prepare. 

Advanced threat intelligence platforms and research from analysts with knowledge of local environments are often preferable to security platforms or research from Western bases. Such  platforms should offer advanced capabilities that leverage AI and machine learning, but these features aren’t the be-all and end-all. Also vital are in-depth research and expert analysis to educate organizations and help them foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. The fight against cyber threats is global, and insight into APAC flashpoints helps EU organizations act proactively, reduce the burden on security teams, and focus on growth—not playing constant catchup with new threats. 

Safa’s award-winning threat intelligence platform, ThreatVision, ticks all the important boxes for an APAC-aware cybersecurity solution. TeamT5, Safa’s key partner, originally developed ThreatVision for Taiwanese organizations facing constant cyber threats from China and North Korea, including well-funded, state-sponsored APTs. The APAC-based research team has deep, comprehensive insights into APAC and its incubators for novel APTs, malicious code, and other threats. Their frequent, regular reports help ThreatVision users see threats take shape in time to plan their defense. Sophisticated AI and machine learning tools enable security teams to rapidly detect, analyze, and respond to suspicious activity, anomalies, and risks, while customizable dashboards and reports tailored for the C-suite, SOC leaders, and incident response teams, enable cross-team communication. Now available in the EU, ThreatVision’s wealth of intelligence resources enable organizations to build a resilient security posture against unseen enemies.