2 Chinese Hackers Trained in Cisco Program Now Leading Sophisticated Attacks on Cisco Devices

The cybersecurity world faces an ironic threat as two Chinese hackers who once excelled in Cisco’s training program are now leading sophisticated attacks against the company’s devices.

Yuyang and Qiu Daibing were identified as key operators behind the notorious Salt Typhoon campaign.

Have leveraged their Cisco Network Academy education to orchestrate one of the most expansive intelligence operations in recent history.

In 2012, both Yuyang and Qiu Daibing participated in the Cisco Network Academy Cup while studying at Southwest Petroleum University in China.

Despite attending a poorly regarded cybersecurity education institution, they excelled in the competition.

With Qiu’s team winning third place nationally and Yu’s team securing second place in Sichuan province.

Their education through Cisco’s program covered many of the products they would later exploit, including Cisco IOS and ASA…