Google Busts Chinese Hackers Who Used Google Sheets as a Weapon
Google dismantled a Chinese-linked hacking group that compromised 53+ organizations spanning 42 countries.
Google just took down a Chinese-linked hacking operation that was impressively brazen — and a little ironic. The group, tracked as UNC2814, breached at least 53 organizations across 42 countries. Their tool of choice for managing targets and stolen data? Google Sheets.
Yes, the hackers were literally using Google's own productivity software to coordinate their espionage campaign. Google disclosed the disruption on Wednesday, pulling the curtain back on a sprawling operation that spanned nearly every continent.
The scale here is notable. Fifty-three confirmed victims across 42 nations suggests a well-resourced, systematic operation — not some opportunistic smash-and-grab. UNC2814 had infrastructure, methodology, and apparently a fondness for spreadsheets.
Google hasn't detailed exactly how it shut things down, but finding hackers camped out in your own tools probably makes cleanup a bit more straightforward.