Hackers use free tools in new APT campaign against industrial sector firms

Researchers have recently detected an advanced persistent threat (APT) campaign that targets critical infrastructure equipment manufacturers by using industry-sector-themed spear-phishing emails and a combination of free tools. This tactic fits into the “living off the land” trend of cyberespionage actors reducing their reliance on custom and unique malware programs that could be attributed to them in favor of dual-use tools that are publicly available.