The Register: Typhoon-like gang slinging TLS certificate ‘signed’ by the Los Angeles Police Department

Jun 24, 2025

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Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/06/23/lapdog_orb_network_attack_campaign/
Source: The Register
Title: Typhoon-like gang slinging TLS certificate ‘signed’ by the Los Angeles Police Department

Feedly Summary: Chinese crew built 1,000+ device network that runs on home devices then targets critical infrastructure
A stealthy, ongoing campaign to gain long-term access to networks bears all the markings of intrusions conducted by China’s ‘Typhoon’ crews and has infected at least 1,000 devices, primarily in the US and South East, according to Security Scorecard’s Strike threat intel analysts. And it uses a phony certificate purportedly signed by the Los Angeles police department to try and gain access to critical infrastructure.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text details a concerning cybersecurity breach orchestrated by Chinese threat actors, highlighting a network of over 1,000 compromised devices targeting critical infrastructure in the U.S. and Southeast Asia. The campaign’s sophistication includes the use of a forged certificate, emphasizing the ongoing risks associated with nation-state actors in the realm of information security.

Detailed Description: This analysis focuses on a malicious campaign, attributed to China’s intrusion operations, involving the creation of a substantial device network that primarily affects critical infrastructure. It underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in the fields of information security and infrastructure security.

Key Points:
– **Threat Actor**: The operation is linked to China’s ‘Typhoon’ crews, indicating a state-sponsored initiative.
– **Scope of Infection**: More than 1,000 home devices have been compromised, which signifies a significant scale of the operation, raising alarms about the potential for widespread impact.
– **Target**: The primary focus is on critical infrastructure in the U.S. and Southeast Asia, areas crucial for national security and public safety.
– **Method of Access**: The attackers utilize a fake certificate allegedly issued by the Los Angeles Police Department to facilitate unauthorized access. This tactic highlights the evolving strategies employed by cyber adversaries to bypass security measures.
– **Implications**: This incident serves as a reminder of the mounting cybersecurity threats posed by nation-states and the essential need for enhanced defenses, such as:
– Continuous monitoring and anomaly detection within networks.
– Implementing robust device authentication protocols.
– Educating users and stakeholders about phishing and social engineering tactics used to exploit trust.

The ongoing developments in cybersecurity illustrate the critical intersection of national security, information security, and infrastructure resilience. Security professionals must remain alert and adapt strategies to counter emerging threats associated with sophisticated network intrusions.

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