When Networking Turns Rogue: Cisco Alumni Allegedly Behind China’s Infamous Salt Typhoon Hackers
A security researcher linked two alleged members of China’s Salt Typhoon hacking group to the 2012 Cisco Networking Academy Cup. Despite the cup training many in cybersecurity skills, it seems the duo took “capture the flag” a bit too literally, as they are now reportedly playing an entirely different game.
Hot Take:
Who knew that a seemingly innocent Cisco training event could be the Hogwarts of hacking for future cyber wizards of mischief? While Cisco was busy handing out participation ribbons, little did they know they were grooming the next gen of digital spies. Forget about “The Apprentice,” this is “The Cyber-apprentice” — where the final challenge is not a boardroom showdown, but a global espionage plot twist!
Key Points:
- Two alleged Salt Typhoon hackers were linked to the 2012 Cisco Networking Academy Cup.
- Yu Yang and Qiu Daibing, now co-owners of a Beijing company, participated in the event.
- They represented Southwest Petroleum University, achieving notable success in the competition.
- Salt Typhoon’s exploits include compromising 80 global telecom companies for espionage.
- The link between their Cisco training and later cyber activities raises ethical training concerns.
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