APT2, also known as “Temporary 2” or “APT-C-06,” is a Chinese state-sponsored advanced persistent threat (APT) group that has been active since at least 2010. APT2 has been known to target a variety of organizations, including government agencies, defense contractors, and media companies. The group is known for its use of advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to compromise and maintain access to target networks. Some of the indicators of compromise (IOCs) associated with APT2 include:
- Malicious DNS requests
- Use of command and control (C2) infrastructure hosted on compromised websites
- Use of custom malware, such as the “Dragonfly” malware family
- Use of stolen digital certificates to sign malware
- Use of spearphishing campaigns to deliver malware
If you have reason to believe that your organization may have been targeted by APT2, it is important to conduct a thorough investigation to identify any IOCs and take appropriate steps to secure your systems.
There is no single “IOC” (Indicator of Compromise) that can be used to identify all APT2 activity, as the group is known to constantly update its TTPs and tools. To protect against APT2 and other similar threats, it is important to implement a robust cybersecurity program that includes measures such as regular security awareness training for employees, strong password policies, and the use of up-to-date antivirus and intrusion detection/prevention systems.