# Hackers Are Exploiting Exposed Cisco Products - The Cybersecurity Threat You Need to Know About

A recent alert from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and its international partners has highlighted a significant cyber threat that is exploiting vulnerabilities in Cisco wide-area networking equipment. This threat poses an unacceptable risk to federal agencies, and organizations worldwide are urged to take immediate action to protect themselves.

The alert, issued on Wednesday, revealed that hackers are actively exploiting two previously unknown vulnerabilities, CVE-2026-20127 and CVE-2022-20775, which have been found on exposed Cisco devices. The attackers have been dubbed UAT-8616 by Cisco's cyber threat intelligence unit as a "highly sophisticated cyber threat actor." However, the nation-state affiliation of these hackers remains unknown.

According to CISA, the conditions pose an unacceptable risk to federal agencies and necessitate emergency action. The agency has urged organizations to search for signs that they've been compromised, preserve relevant logs and system data, apply available patches, and check their networks for signs of compromise.

The vulnerability in question can allow hackers to gain root privileges on the underlying operating system, giving them access to the affected device. This is particularly concerning, as Cisco devices are commonly deployed in enterprise and government networks, where they manage internet traffic and user authentication. If exploited, these devices can provide attackers with elevated access that allows them to potentially intercept sensitive data or disrupt network operations.

The issue is not new, however. A Chinese hacking group has notably used Cisco devices to help launch brazen intrusions into U.S. telecommunications systems in a campaign that has been in motion since at least 2019. This highlights the importance of staying vigilant and taking proactive measures to protect against such threats.

In response to this alert, CISA and its partners have issued technical guidance for organizations to follow. They advise individuals to immediately identify affected Cisco systems, apply available patches, and monitor their networks for signs of compromise.

The Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is in the "beginning stages of mitigation," but did not detail the scale or scope of specific federal networks impacted. Despite the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, CISA continues to sustain essential functions and provide guidance to stakeholders.

It is essential for organizations to take this threat seriously and implement immediate measures to protect themselves. By following the technical guidance provided by CISA and its partners, individuals can reduce their risk of being compromised by these highly sophisticated hackers.

In conclusion, the exploitation of exposed Cisco products poses a significant cyber threat that requires urgent attention from organizations worldwide. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, individuals can help prevent this threat from compromising their networks and sensitive data.