In the cybersecurity landscape, clarity is critical—but currently, it’s lacking. A single hacking group may be referred to by multiple names depending on the security firm reporting the threat. For example, Microsoft might label a group as Salt Typhoon, while another firm refers to the same entity as GhostEmperor or Operator Panda. This inconsistency creates confusion and can delay response times during active cyberattacks.
To address this issue, Microsoft and CrowdStrike have announced a collaborative initiative to establish a standardized naming system for threat actors. The goal is to streamline communication across the cybersecurity community, enabling faster identification, analysis, and mitigation of threats.
How the System Will Work
The proposed framework will categorize hacking groups based on their origin and type using weather-themed terminology:
- “Typhoon” for Chinese state-sponsored groups
- “Blizzard” for Russian-backed actors
- “Tempest,” “Storm,” and “Tsunami” for ransomware gangs and commercial spyware developers
This approach simplifies threat intelligence and ensures that security teams, IT providers, and businesses are aligned when discussing and responding to cyber threats.
Why It Matters to Your Business
A unified naming system enhances situational awareness and reduces the risk of miscommunication. For small and mid-sized businesses, this means:
- Improved threat detection and response times
- More accurate security alerts and reporting
- Greater confidence in your cybersecurity provider’s ability to act swiftly
This initiative is a behind-the-scenes improvement that may not make headlines, but it represents a meaningful step toward a more organized and effective cybersecurity ecosystem.
If you’re looking to strengthen your business’s cyber defenses and stay ahead of emerging threats, we’re here to help.
Get in touch to learn more.
