Trend Micro finds the Chinese APT group has compromised at least 70 government organizations over the last two years, in 23 different countries. But the group's logs indicate it has targeted over 110 organizations in 10 additional nations.
The US Secret Service is now pointing the finger at state-backed Chinese hackers, accusing a known advanced persistent threat group APT41 of stealing about $20 million of US Covid benefits during the pandemic.
The "OPERA1ER" APT group is known for targeted spear phishing emails, but is unique in targeting less economically developed nations in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Cybersecurity agencies in U.K. and U.S. warn of APT groups targeting cyberattacks at entities involved in COVID-19 response efforts to gather intelligence and commit espionage.