Chinese-backed advanced persistent threat (APT) groups have found a new way to breach the defenses of critical infrastructure in the U.S. and other countries. By exploiting visibility gaps in endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, these groups are managing to remain undetected for long periods, conducting cyber espionage and cyberattacks without triggering alarms. This article dives into the techniques employed by these sophisticated attackers and offers solutions for organizations to shore up their defenses.
Recent intelligence shows that Chinese hacker groups such as FishMonger, MirrorFace, Volt Typhoon, and Salt Typhoon are increasingly targeting the U.S.’s most critical networks, including utilities and telecommunications. The U.S. government has confirmed that these attacks are a direct response to geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Taiwan. However, experts are concerned about the growing success of these attacks, thanks in part to the limitations of current EDR systems.
Sandra Joyce, Vice President of Google’s Threat Intelligence Group, highlighted at Google Cloud Next 2025 that these Chinese APT groups have become so adept at exploiting security gaps that they are now regarded as “cyber superpowers.” One key vulnerability is the visibility gap in EDR systems, which typically don’t monitor firewalls, IoT devices, and other edge devices that are crucial entry points for cyber attackers. This oversight allows APT groups to infiltrate networks, gather sensitive data, and remain undetected for months.
The effectiveness of these attacks is compounded by the broadening of the attack surface, which now includes not only traditional IT networks but also devices like smart appliances and cloud services. Aaron Shelmire, Chief Threat Research Officer at Abstract Security, warns that the traditional focus on EDR tools is no longer sufficient. With so many new devices now connected to the internet, it’s essential to extend visibility beyond conventional endpoints.
To tackle this issue, experts recommend a multi-layered approach. This includes combining network analysis with EDR, implementing robust identity and access controls, and leveraging AI-powered threat detection. Additionally, monitoring unusual traffic patterns and conducting integrity checks on devices can help identify potential breaches before they cause damage.
What Undercode Says:
The rise of China as a “cyber superpower” signals a shift in how nation-state actors are leveraging technology for espionage and influence operations. The visibility gap in EDR systems is a critical vulnerability that enables these APT groups to bypass traditional cybersecurity defenses. Organizations, especially those involved in critical infrastructure, must recognize that relying solely on EDR systems is no longer adequate.
The cyber threat landscape has evolved. Attack surfaces are now wider than ever, extending to IoT devices, edge devices, and cloud infrastructures that were once considered outside the scope of traditional endpoint protection. These devices may not fall under the radar of conventional EDR solutions, making them prime targets for advanced threat actors.
The solution is not only to improve EDR but to rethink cybersecurity strategies entirely. Incorporating network analysis and identity access controls into the defense strategy is essential. These measures provide visibility into areas that EDR may miss, such as IoT and edge devices, and can help organizations detect anomalies early. The importance of collecting data from across the entire network and performing integrity checks cannot be overstated.
Artificial intelligence is also becoming a game-changer in cybersecurity. Both attackers and defenders are now using AI to enhance their operations. Chinese APT groups are incorporating AI into their cyber-espionage campaigns, making them even more difficult to detect. However, the good news is that businesses can use AI in their defense strategies as well. By implementing AI-powered threat detection, organizations can stay one step ahead of attackers, identifying potential breaches at an early stage.
The key takeaway here is that cybersecurity needs to evolve. Threat hunting, proactive threat intelligence, and AI-driven defenses will be crucial for organizations to protect themselves against sophisticated state-backed cyber actors. Organizations that fail to adapt to these evolving threats will not only face financial losses but also risk becoming collateral damage in a broader digital conflict.
Fact Checker Results:
- Chinese APT groups, including Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon, are indeed responsible for recent cyberattacks on U.S. critical infrastructure, particularly in response to political tensions over Taiwan.
- EDR systems are limited in their ability to monitor devices like firewalls and IoT devices, which are increasingly exploited by attackers.
- AI is becoming a significant tool for both attackers and defenders in the cybersecurity space, enabling faster detection and response to threats.
References:
Reported By: www.darkreading.com
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