In a sobering reminder of the sophistication and patience of modern cyber threats, a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group known as Salt Typhoon penetrated the U.S. National Guard networks in every state over a period of nine months, according to a recent CSO Online report.
Their strategy wasn’t smash-and-grab. It was calculated. Persistent. Focused on maintaining long-term access to critical infrastructure.
And if that doesn’t concern every organization, public or private, it should.
How Did It Happen?
Salt Typhoon exploited vulnerabilities in public-facing web applications to steal credentials and gain a foothold inside National Guard systems. Their activity spanned networks across all 50 states.
They weren’t looking to destroy, they were studying, watching, positioning themselves. They relied on low-and-slow tactics, careful not to trigger alarms, and used legitimate credentials to blend in with normal network activity.
Why This Should Matter to Your Business
If a highly resourced, security-aware organization like the National Guard can be infiltrated for nearly a year… What about your business?
This wasn’t about flashy ransomware or splashy headlines. It was about quietly embedding, gathering intelligence, and waiting for the right moment.
“Most small businesses still believe they’re too small to be a target,” says Antwine Jackson, President of Enitech. “But today’s attackers don’t think in terms of size. They think in terms of access. If you serve clients, hold data, or process payments, you’re a potential entry point. That’s why layered security and ongoing threat detection are no longer optional, they’re mission-critical.”
What You Can Do
Assume breach: The new security mindset is not if you’ll be breached, but when and how quickly you’ll detect and respond.
Limit access controls: Follow the principle of least privilege. Don’t give users or vendors more access than absolutely necessary.
Invest in proactive monitoring: Endpoint detection and response (EDR), SIEM, and 24/7 threat intelligence are essential for catching “low-noise” attacks.
Patch public-facing systems: Web apps and VPNs are common initial access points. Keep them updated and monitored constantly.
Zero Trust is not a buzzword: It’s a framework that acknowledges users and devices can’t be inherently trusted even inside the network.
Protecting Your Organization Starts Now
At Enitech, we work with healthcare providers, law firms, non-profits, and growing businesses to build resilient IT infrastructures that detect threats early, reduce risk, and ensure continuity. From Zero Trust implementation to regular penetration testing, we’re here to guide you through the new era of cybersecurity.
Want to Know If Your Network is at Risk?
Get a FREE Cyber Risk Assessment from Enitech (valued at $4,999).
