Cyber Incident Victim: Cisco

Incident Report: Cisco Cyber Incident - December 17, 2020

Incident Date: December 17, 2020

Attacker: APT29

Motive: Espionage

Technique Used: Exfiltration from End Host; Exfiltration from Application Server

Online Article: [Cisco Latest Victim of Russian Cyber Attack Using SolarWinds](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-18/cisco-latest-victim-of-russian-cyber-attack-using-solarwinds)

On December 17, 2020, Cisco Systems, Inc. reported a significant cyber incident. The attack was attributed to the Advanced Persistent Threat group APT29, with the motive being espionage. The attack leveraged both the Exfiltration from End Host and Exfiltration from Application Server techniques. Cisco's compromise is part of the broader SolarWinds supply chain attack.

The Cisco cyber incident is a notable case of state-sponsored cyber-espionage associated with the SolarWinds supply chain attack. The incident unfolded as follows:
1. SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack: The incident is part of a major cyber campaign that began with the compromise of SolarWinds' software updates. Attackers, believed to be APT29 (a Russian state-sponsored group), injected a malicious backdoor into the software updates of SolarWinds. This gave them access to numerous organizations and agencies that relied on SolarWinds products.

2. Exfiltration Techniques: In the case of Cisco, the attackers employed two primary exfiltration techniques - Exfiltration from End Host and Exfiltration from Application Server. This implies that the attackers penetrated Cisco's internal networks, both client-side systems and application servers, to steal data.

3. Motive: Espionage: The motive behind this cyber-attack campaign is believed to be espionage. Espionage campaigns typically aim to gather sensitive information, intelligence, and potentially classified or proprietary data. These operations can have significant national security implications.

4. Detection and Response: Cisco, like other compromised organizations, detected and responded to the breach. In the wake of the SolarWinds supply chain compromise, organizations actively sought indicators of compromise and worked to mitigate the threat.

5. Connection to SolarWinds: Cisco's compromise is tied to the broader SolarWinds supply chain attack. The attackers exploited the trust that organizations placed in the SolarWinds software, particularly the widely used SolarWinds Orion platform. The attackers potentially used this as a launching point for their activities within Cisco's network.

6. Link to APT29: Attribution for the attack is assigned to APT29, a threat group with alleged ties to the Russian government. APT29, also known as Cozy Bear, has a history of involvement in various cyber-espionage campaigns.

7. Broader Implications: The compromise of a major technology company like Cisco highlights the extensive reach and sophistication of the attackers. This incident has implications for national security, privacy, and the protection of intellectual property.

8. Industry Impact: The incident reveals that the attackers not only targeted government agencies but also private sector companies. Cisco, as a leading networking and technology company, plays a crucial role in the global technology infrastructure. This attack has ramifications for the broader technology sector and its supply chain security.

The Cisco cyber incident has several far-reaching impacts and implications:
1. Espionage Threat: The primary motive behind this incident is cyber-espionage. The compromise of a major technology company like Cisco raises significant concerns regarding the type of data that could have been accessed. Espionage attacks are a threat to national security, privacy, and economic interests.

2. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The attack on Cisco, along with other organizations impacted by the SolarWinds supply chain breach, underlines the vulnerabilities in software supply chains. The attackers capitalized on trust in a widely used software provider to infiltrate their targets.

3. National Security Concerns: The compromise of Cisco's systems is a national security concern, given the potential access to critical infrastructure and classified information. This highlights the need for stringent cybersecurity measures across government and private sector organizations.

4. Complex Investigation: Investigations into supply chain attacks are complex and protracted. Organizations must assess the extent of the breach, understand what data was exfiltrated, and determine how the compromise occurred. This investigation may extend to customer data and proprietary information.

5. Mitigation and Response: Organizations like Cisco must take immediate action to mitigate the threat, bolster their security measures, and adopt enhanced monitoring of their networks. This response involves closely collaborating with government agencies and cybersecurity experts.

6. Crisis Communication: High-profile breaches like the Cisco incident demand transparency and crisis communication. Swift reporting of the breach is essential to maintaining trust and credibility, both among customers and the broader industry.

7. Elevated Threat Landscape: This incident signals a heightened threat landscape characterized by state-sponsored cyber-espionage campaigns. It underscores the need for robust threat intelligence, proactive defense measures, and comprehensive incident response plans.

The Cisco cyber incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats and the serious implications of cyber-espionage. As government and private sector organizations continue to rely on technology and software providers, defending against sophisticated supply chain attacks is a paramount challenge.

This case highlights the importance of trust and supply chain security, particularly for widely used technology platforms. Strengthening cybersecurity measures, enhancing threat intelligence sharing, and fostering collaborative efforts among organizations, government agencies, and cybersecurity experts are essential components of safeguarding against such complex and pervasive threats.