TA455

Known Names 6 entries

Observed Target Countries 6

Based on ETDA data — countries highlighted in red

Description

A subgroup of {{Magic Hound, APT 35, Cobalt Illusion, Charming Kitten}}. (Microsoft) Smoke Sandstorm (formerly BOHRIUM/DEV-0056) compromised email accounts at a Bahrain-based IT integration company in September 2021. This company works on IT integration with Bahrain Government clients, who were likely Smoke Sandstorm’s ultimate target. Smoke Sandstorm also compromised various accounts at a partially government-owned organization in the Middle East that provides information and communications technology to the defense and transportation sectors, which are targets of interest to the Iranian regime. In May of 2022, Microsoft took legal action to disrupt spear phishing operations linked to Smoke Sandstorm. There seems to be overlap with {{Tortoiseshell, Imperial Kitten}}.

Tools Used 5

Operations 2

Reports & References 1