Hackers subverted security devices to spy on governments, says Cisco

Technology firm Cisco Systems said that hackers have subverted some of its digital security devices to break in to government networks globally.

In a blog post published on Wednesday, the company said its Adaptive Security Appliances – pieces of equipment that roll several different digital defense functions into one – had previously unknown vulnerabilities that had been exploited by a group of hackers they called “UAT4356.”

The blog post described the group as a “sophisticated state-sponsored actor” and said that the company’s investigation found victims that “involved government networks globally.” Cisco said the vulnerabilities have been patched.