Cybersecurity experts have warned that hacker groups linked to China are exploiting newly disclosed software vulnerabilities within days of public release, raising concerns over the growing speed and sophistication of state-linked cyber operations.
According to recent findings, China-supported cyber activities increased by 38 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year. Logistics companies were particularly targeted, recording an 85 percent rise in attacks. Analysts believe the focus on strategically important industries is aimed at collecting sensitive data and maintaining long-term network access rather than conducting immediate disruption.
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CrowdStrike Report Reveals Rapid Weaponisation
The 2026 Global Threat Report released by CrowdStrike highlighted that China-nexus hacker groups are rapidly exploiting newly discovered security flaws. In several cases, exploit code was reportedly developed and operationalised within days after vulnerability information was made public.
The report said attackers are primarily targeting internet-facing “edge devices”, including VPN appliances, firewalls and network gateways that serve as entry points into corporate networks. Investigators found that approximately 40 percent of intrusion attempts involving vulnerability exploitation focused on such edge infrastructure.
Prolonged Network Access Poses Intelligence Risk
Security researchers warned that many organisations fail to adequately monitor these devices and often delay applying critical security patches. This vulnerability allows attackers to gain system access and maintain a presence without immediate detection.
In some documented cases, hackers were able to retain access to compromised networks for as long as 22 months. Analysts believe such prolonged access suggests intelligence-gathering objectives rather than quick data theft operations.
Strategic Sectors Face 34% Attack Surge
The report identified telecommunications, financial services, logistics, legal institutions, academic organisations and government networks as the primary targets of attacks. Year-on-year cyber activity against these sectors increased by roughly 34 percent, reflecting a strategic shift toward intelligence-focused intrusion campaigns.
Security experts recommended that organisations deploy patches for high-risk vulnerabilities within 72 hours of public disclosure to reduce exposure. In the rapidly evolving cyber threat environment, response time is increasingly considered a critical defence factor.
The study also noted that attackers are prioritising operational speed over secrecy. The shrinking time gap between vulnerability disclosure and exploitation has placed additional pressure on corporate and national cybersecurity teams.
Cybersecurity specialists in the United Kingdom and other Western countries have warned that digital infrastructure could become a primary battleground in future geopolitical conflicts. As global commerce, public services and governance systems rely more heavily on digital platforms, strengthening network defence mechanisms has become a strategic priority.
Experts emphasised the importance of continuous system monitoring, regular software updates and multi-layered security architecture to counter emerging cyber threats. International cooperation on cybersecurity intelligence sharing and defence preparedness was also highlighted as a key requirement in tackling state-linked cyber risks.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
