Threat landscape
When looking at the threat landscape, there are different types adversaries and they pose different types of threats depending on their capabilities, intentions, and the assets they are targeting. For example, nation states might target research companies or military websites trying to steal confidential and proprietary data. In addition, companies react to the loss of assets differently. The level and types of mitigation strategies will vary among organizations depending on whether there is a loss of one asset or of an entire category of assets.
For your initial post, identify a recent cybersecurity incident (within the last two years). Briefly summarize the incident, and post a link to an article on the incident if possible. Try to identify the threat actor(s) and the goal or intent of the attack. If there is no "why" put on your adversarial thinking cap and hypothesize what you think is the "why".
Sample Solution
Recently, in March 2020, the National Security Agency (NSA) revealed that it had detected a significant cyber attack on Microsoft Exchange Server systems. The attack was attributed to a hacking group known as Hafnium and is believed to have been carried out by Chinese state-sponsored actors. The attackers used multiple zero-day vulnerabilities in order to gain access to sensitive data stored on vulnerable Exchange servers.
The goal of the attack appears to have been targeted espionage. It is suspected that the hackers were trying to steal confidential data from US companies and government entities for profit or geopolitical advancement. It has been reported that Hafnium likely compromised tens of thousands of organizations worldwide with this particular campaign, though an exact number has yet to be determined.
The incident highlights the importance of patching systems regularly and deploying security measures such as multi-factor authentication and intrusion detection systems in order to mitigate against future attacks like these. It also serves as a reminder that nation states are willing and able to exploit any vulnerability they can find in order further their own interests at the expense of others regardless of nationality or political leaning. Organizations must remain vigilant when it comes to cybersecurity threats—especially those posed by foreign actors—in order not fall victim too similar incidents in the future.