UK NCSC releases advisory on China linked covert cyber networks

International cyber agencies, including the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), in cooperation with 15 global partners, have released a new advisory to help organizations defend against cyber threats from covert networks linked to China. These networks utilize compromised internet-connected devices to obscure the origins of cyber attacks.

The advisory, issued during the CYBERUK 2026 conference, provides comprehensive protection strategies, emphasizing the need for adaptive, intelligence-driven measures due to rapidly changing indicators of compromise. Organizations are encouraged to use resources such as the Cyber Action Toolkit for smaller entities, and the Cyber Essentials certification for larger ones. The advisory addresses the serious risks posed by these covert networks and urges immediate action for stronger defenses.