Mysterious Elephant APT hackers target Asia-Pacific government entities to steal sensitive data.
A new advanced persistent threat (APT) group, dubbed Mysterious Elephant, has emerged as a significant threat targeting government and diplomatic entities across the Asia-Pacific region. Identified by Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team in 2023, the group has evolved its tactics, utilizing sophisticated spear-phishing schemes and custom malware, including a PowerShell loader known as BabShell. This loader enables it to execute complex attacks while minimizing forensic traces. The group’s adept use of open-source code and proprietary enhancements showcases its technical sophistication, necessitating equally advanced defensive measures for organizations tasked with protecting sensitive data. The implications of this development underscore the urgent need for robust cybersecurity strategies to counteract evolving cyber threats targeting critical institutions.