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Symantec Discovers Highly Sophisticated Chinese Hacking Tool
In its research report, Symantec calls the tool Daxin and describes it as the most advanced piece of malware researchers have seen.
In August 2021, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) established the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC), a public-private cybersecurity information sharing partnership whose purpose is to unify defensive actions and drive down risk in advance of cyber incidents occurring. Now, one JCDC member, American cybersecurity software company Symantec, has discovered a never-before-seen hacking tool that has been successfully hiding for over a decade.
In its research report, Symantec calls the tool Daxin and describes it as the most advanced piece of malware Symantec researchers have seen.
Based on instances where components of the tool were combined with known Chinese hacking infrastructure, it’s almost certain that Daxin has originated from China. What’s more, the computers on which Daxin was discovered were also infected with other tools Chinese espionage actors are known to use.
“The malware appears to be used in a long-running espionage campaign against select governments and other critical infrastructure targets” explains Symantec’s Treat Hunter Team. “Most of the targets appear to be organizations and governments of strategic interest to China”.
Daxin allows attackers to perform various communications and data-gathering operations, and it appears to be optimized to perform especially well against hardened targets that can withstand less sophisticated attacks.
Also Read: How To Change Your Wi-Fi Password To Keep Intruders At Bay
“Daxin can be controlled from anywhere in the world once a computer is actually infected” said Vikram Thakur, a technical director with Symantec. “That’s what raises the bar from malware that we see coming out of groups operating from China”.
Since the initial discovery of Daxin, the U.S. government has shared the information with foreign partners to collectively stop the tool from spreading from country to country and from network to network.
So far, no organization in the United States has been infected by Daxin, but previous experience with malware like NotPetya, which was created by Russia to attack Ukrainian infrastructure, tells us that heightened caution is appropriate.
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Ericsson And e& Join Forces To Bring Superfast 5G To Egypt
The partnership aims to deliver fast, reliable connectivity to private users and enterprises while supporting cross-sector digital innovation.
At GITEX GLOBAL 2024, Ericsson and e& Egypt announced a groundbreaking partnership to roll out 5G technology across Egypt, promising users enhanced connectivity with faster speeds, reduced latency, and expanded bandwidth. The collaboration will cater to the growing demand for advanced mobile services for both consumers and enterprises alike.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver its energy-efficient 5G product suite to establish the new network. This comprehensive 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) portfolio, implemented through the Ericsson Radio System, is designed to support diverse traffic conditions and site types. It aims to provide reliable performance as networks grow across mobile generations, equipping Egypt with a stable, high-capacity infrastructure to foster digital innovation.
The adoption of 5G is expected to provide Egyptians with seamless connectivity and increased network resilience. The expanded bandwidth and lower latency brought by this new infrastructure will support not only faster internet for users but also enhance industry operations and contribute to society as a whole.
“We are thrilled to bring 5G to Egypt with our technology partner, Ericsson. Through this partnership, e& Egypt will be able to provide faster connectivity speeds, larger bandwidth, and lag-free user experience to our customers, unlocking many opportunities for consumers and enterprises,” said Amr Fathy, Chief Technology and Information Officer of e& Egypt. “With Ericsson’s cutting-edge 5G solutions, we are paving the way for a more connected and innovative future for Egypt”.
Also Read: Wi-Fi 7, The Next Generation Of Wireless Internet, Is Here
Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, also reflected on the longstanding collaboration: “Our storied partnership with e& Egypt dates back nearly two decades, with two generational shifts in mobile technology. Like previous generational shifts, our ambition with 5G is to extend e& Egypt’s technology position”.
Ericsson and e& Egypt have collaborated successfully for years, achieving notable milestones in network innovation, customer experience, and sustainable development.