The report delves into the modus operandi of Volt Typhoon, shedding light on its tactics post-infiltration of critical infrastructure targets. International partners in this endeavour include the Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD’s) Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), United Kingdom National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-UK), and New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC-NZ).

While Volt Typhoon primarily sets its sights on American targets, the report raises alarms by suggesting vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure of Australia and New Zealand to similar state-sponsored activities, particularly originating from the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Mandiant chief analyst John Hultquist underscores the gravity of the report's findings, emphasising Volt Typhoon's penchant for disruptive attacks. Hultquist notes that the actor's targeting of crucial sectors such as water, power, and transportation aligns with a strategy geared towards disruption, akin to activities observed in conflicts like Ukraine.

The most alarming revelation from the report is the infiltration and reconnaissance efforts directed at operational technology (OT) systems within critical infrastructure networks. These systems, responsible for controlling the physical processes vital to infrastructure operations, are being actively probed and breached by Volt Typhoon. Such incursions raise the spectre of potential major service disruptions or hazardous conditions if manipulated under the right circumstances.

Hultquist stresses that evidence of Volt Typhoon's forays into OT systems underscores the severity of the threat posed by the actor. Any lingering doubts regarding the motives behind these intrusions should be dispelled in light of these revelations.

The implications of this report are far-reaching. They underscore the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to thwart threats to critical infrastructure. Governments, businesses, and cybersecurity professionals must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding essential services from malicious actors like Volt Typhoon. Failure to do so could have dire consequences for public safety, national security, and economic stability.

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and proliferate, collaboration, information sharing, and concerted action are paramount. The Volt Typhoon report serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers lurking in cyberspace and the imperative of collective defence against them.