Buckeye is a threat actor known for its execution of actions with malicious intent, targeting various categories of US organizations up until mid-2015. Notably, in 2009, Buckeye launched attacks against a US organization's network using a remote access Trojan (Backdoor.Pirpi), capable of reading, writing, and executing files and programs. The group often utilized spear-phishing emails embedded with a malicious .zip attachment as part of their attack strategy. Their traditional targets were primarily file and print servers, indicating an intent to steal documents.
However, there was a noticeable shift in Buckeye's focus around June 2015 when the group began compromising political entities in Hong Kong. This change, combined with the group's history of using zero-day exploits, customized tools, and specifically targeting certain types of organizations, suggests that Buckeye may be a state-sponsored cyberespionage group. The group's use of multiple hacking tools and malware further underscores their sophisticated and multi-faceted approach to cyberattacks.
Given Buckeye's track record and evolving tactics, it is crucial for organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity measures. Understanding the group's modus operandi can aid in developing effective defenses against such threats. It's also important to note that while Buckeye's current focus appears to be on political entities in Hong Kong, their past activities demonstrate a capability and willingness to target a broad range of organizations across different sectors and regions.