BRONZE MOHAWK

Bronze Mohawk is a notable threat actor in the cybersecurity landscape, often associated with state-sponsored cyber activities. It is believed to be part of a larger network of Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups, including APT40, also known as Kryptonite Panda, GINGHAM TYPHOON, Leviathan, and others. These groups are known for their persistent and sophisticated cyber attacks, with techniques that significantly overlap, suggesting shared resources or a common origin. The naming conventions for these groups vary across the industry, reflecting the complex and evolving nature of cybersecurity threats. In a recent incident, Google's Threat Analysis Group (TAG) linked a fourth WinRAR attack to the China-backed group IslandDreams, which is also tracked as Bronze Mohawk among other names. This attack was part of a phishing campaign launched in late August, targeting users in Papua New Guinea. Such tactics mirror those used by other China-affiliated threat actors, further reinforcing the connection between these groups and indicating a broader strategic approach to cyber warfare. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has issued an advisory based on ongoing investigations into these incidents, identifying the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the likely sponsor of the APT40 group, and by extension, Bronze Mohawk. The advisory highlights similarities in the group's activity with other China-backed threat groups like Kryptonite Panda, Gingham Typhoon, and Leviathan. This information underscores the global challenge posed by state-sponsored cyber threats and the need for continued vigilance and robust cybersecurity defenses.