Crimson Sandstorm is an advanced persistent threat (APT) that has been active since at least 2015, targeting government and military organizations in various countries around the world. The group's activities include espionage, cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, and sabotaging computer systems to steal sensitive information or disrupt operations. Crimson Sandstorm is known for its sophisticated tactics, including using custom malware and exploiting vulnerabilities in software and hardware. The group has been linked to the Chinese government, although this connection remains unconfirmed by official sources.
Techniques, tactics and practices:
Crimson Sandstorm is a highly sophisticated group that employs various techniques to achieve its objectives. Some of their common tactics include:
1. Spear-phishing emails - sending targeted, personalized messages with malicious attachments or links designed to trick the recipient into downloading and installing malware on their device.
2. Watering hole attacks - compromising websites that are commonly visited by a particular group of individuals (e.g., government employees) in order to infect them with malware when they visit those sites.
3. Remote access Trojans (RATs) - installing software on the target's device that allows the attacker to gain unauthorized access and control over their system, enabling espionage or sabotage activities.
4. Targeted attacks against critical infrastructure - exploiting vulnerabilities in industrial control systems used for power generation, transportation, water treatment