The China-backed cyber-espionage group, Silk Typhoon (formerly known as Hafnium), is targeting IT supply chains to gain initial access to corporate networks, according to a recent report by Microsoft Security. The threat actor has evolved its attack methods, exploiting remote monitoring tools, cloud applications, and IT management software to infiltrate high-value targets.
How Silk Typhoon Attacks IT Supply Chains
Silk Typhoon now focuses on compromising IT service providers, allowing them to pivot into their customers’ networks. Their tactics include:
🔹 Exploiting stolen API keys and credentials to gain unauthorized access.
🔹 Targeting managed service providers (MSPs) and cloud infrastructure for broader reach.
🔹 Abusing Microsoft and third-party cloud services to evade detection.
🔹 Leveraging web shells and stolen credentials for persistence and lateral movement.
Industries and Organizations Affected
According to Microsoft, Silk Typhoon is actively attacking organizations in multiple sectors, including:
✅ IT & Cloud Service Providers
✅ Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
✅ Government Agencies & Defense
✅ Higher Education & Research
✅ Energy & Critical Infrastructure
Recent Exploits and Vulnerabilities Used
Security researchers have observed Silk Typhoon exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities such as:
🔹 CVE-2025-0282 – A critical flaw in Ivanti Pulse Connect VPN, actively used for remote access.
🔹 Password Spraying Attacks – Using leaked enterprise credentials from public sources like GitHub.
🔹 Cloud Credential Theft – Targeting privileged access management (PAM) and cloud apps.
How to Protect Your Organization
Given the growing sophistication of Silk Typhoon’s supply chain attacks, organizations must adopt proactive cybersecurity measures:
✅ Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to prevent credential-based attacks.
✅ Regularly Audit API Keys and Credentials to detect unauthorized use.
✅ Update Security Patches Immediately to mitigate zero-day exploits.
✅ Monitor for Suspicious Activity in Cloud Services and endpoint devices.
Final Thoughts
The expansion of Silk Typhoon’s cyber-attacks into IT supply chains highlights the urgent need for enhanced security in enterprise networks. Organizations should stay vigilant, adopt a zero-trust approach, and regularly review security practices to mitigate risks.
For more updates on cybersecurity threats and solutions, subscribe to our newsletter 📩.