Representatives from the technology company Cisco stated that hackers have compromised some of its digital phones and other equipment to infiltrate government networks worldwide, according to Reuters.
The company emphasized that its adaptive security devices - phones that combine several different digital security functions into one - contained previously unknown vulnerabilities that were exploited by a hacker group called UAT4356.
The hacker group is described as an experienced, state-sponsored actor, and it is noted that an internal investigation by the company revealed victims involving government networks worldwide. Cisco added that the vulnerabilities have been fixed. The company also urged customers to take immediate action to update their software.
Security equipment has recently become an increasingly popular vector for experienced hackers, as it sits at the perimeter of the target network and can be difficult to trace.
In its statement, Cisco warned that the UAT4356 hackers were interested in hacking Microsoft networking devices.
What preceded it
Earlier, it was reported that hackers linked to the Chinese government had infiltrated critical infrastructure in the US. They are currently waiting for the right moment to deliver a devastating blow.
In February, the FBI stated that the US had successfully disrupted the hacking activity of a Chinese state group that had targeted key elements of the state's infrastructure, such as power grids and pipelines.
