Ethical Hacking News
Google has thwarted an intricate plot by a China-linked crew known as UNC2814, which used Google Sheets API calls to spread espionage across four continents. The group's campaign was part of a larger scheme by the Chinese government to conduct espionage on governments and telcos.
Google thwarted an intricate plot by China-linked crew UNC2814. Crew wreaked havoc across four continents, leaving compromised networks and stolen data in its wake. UNC2814 used Google Sheets API calls as a command-and-control platform for communication with infected machines. Group's exploits evaded detection by multiple security systems, earning admiration from cyber-experts worldwide. Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) worked to terminate the group's operations, crippling their ability to carry out further attacks.
Google has once again proven its prowess as a guardian of the digital realm, this time by thwarting an intricate plot by a China-linked crew known as UNC2814. This group of skilled cyber operatives had been wreaking havoc across four continents - Asia, Africa, America, and Europe - leaving in its wake a trail of compromised networks, stolen data, and bewildered victims.
According to reports from the Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG), this campaign was part of a larger scheme by the Chinese government to conduct espionage on governments and telcos. The group used an array of tactics, including exploiting vulnerabilities in web servers and edge systems, to gain initial access into targeted environments. Once inside, they would laterally move across networks, deploying backdoors like Gridtide to maintain their grip.
One of the most ingenious features of this campaign was its use of Google Sheets API calls as a command-and-control (C2) platform for communication with infected machines. This allowed UNC2814 to send instructions and receive data from compromised endpoints, all while concealing its nefarious activities beneath a veneer of legitimate tool usage.
The impact of this campaign was far-reaching, with 53 victims identified in 42 countries across four continents. The group's exploits were so sophisticated that they managed to evade detection by multiple security systems, earning them the attention and admiration of cyber-experts worldwide.
In order to bring an end to UNC2814's reign of terror, GTIG worked closely with industry partners to terminate all Google Cloud Projects controlled by the group, disable known infrastructure and accounts, and revoke access to the Google Sheets API. This coordinated effort effectively crippled the group's ability to carry out further operations.
While the specifics of how UNC2814 gained initial access into targeted environments remain unclear, experts believe that the group's modus operandi involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web servers and edge systems. The use of a novel backdoor called Gridtide, which abuses legitimate Google Sheets API functionality, further underscores the sophistication of this campaign.
In addition to its technical prowess, UNC2814's activities also raise important questions about the role of China in global cybersecurity. The group's involvement in this campaign has been linked to the Chinese government, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between nations to combat the ever-evolving threat landscape.
As the digital world continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, the work of groups like GTIG serves as a vital reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. By staying vigilant and working together, we can mitigate the impact of threats like UNC2814 and build a safer, more secure future for all.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/A-Global-Web-of-Deceit-The-Uncanny-Tale-of-UNC2814s-Malicious-Campaign-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/02/25/google_and_friends_disrupt_unc2814/
https://www.theregister.com/2026/02/25/google_and_friends_disrupt_unc2814/
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/30/former-google-engineer-found-guilty-of-espionage-and-theft-of-ai-tech.html
https://thehackernews.com/2026/02/google-disrupts-unc2814-gridtide.html
https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-this-chinese-hacking-group-hit-42-countries-to-spy-on-specific-targets
https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/disrupting-gridtide-global-espionage-campaign
Published: Wed Feb 25 15:10:26 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
