FBI cyber boss: China's hacker-for-hire ecosystem 'out of control'
Summary
The FBI's assistant director of cyber, Brett Leatherman, stated that China's "hacker-for-hire ecosystem has gotten out of control." This statement comes as one alleged cyber contractor has been extradited to the US.
IFF Assessment
FOE
This is bad news for defenders as it highlights a significant, uncontrolled threat from state-sponsored or state-tolerated malicious actors.
Defender Context
Defenders should be aware of the increased risk posed by sophisticated, potentially state-backed "hacker-for-hire" groups operating with impunity. This intelligence suggests a need for heightened vigilance against advanced persistent threats and potentially novel attack vectors emanating from this ecosystem.