According to the Annual Cyber Threat Report 2024–2025, the line between nation-state actors and financially motivated hackers is growing increasingly thin.
A key takeaway from the report is the complex relationship between hackers sponsored by powerful nation states and cyber criminals motivated by financial gain.
“APT40 regularly conducts malicious activities against Australian and regional networks that possess information of value to the PRC,”
The report highlights activity by a threat actor backed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), tracked as Kryptonite Panda, Gingham Typhoon, and Leviathan.
Author's summary: Nation-state hackers and cyber criminals are becoming increasingly intertwined.