# Sandman APT: threat group profile

> Sandman APT is an espionage group thought to operate from China, with suspected state backing. Public reporting about it is still limited. This free profile brings together what is known about it, so you can judge the risk to you.

Canonical page: https://www.precursorintelligence.com/threat-actors/sandman-apt
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## At a glance

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Attack techniques | 0 |
| Countries and victims named | 19 |
| Thought to operate from | China |
| Suspected backing | China |
| Motive | Espionage |
| Other names | 0 |
| Public reports | 0 |

## Who is Sandman APT?

Sandman APT is an espionage group thought to operate from China, with suspected state backing. Public reporting about it is still limited.

### What public reporting says

> First disclosed in 2023, the Sandman APT is likely associated with suspected China-based threat clusters known for using the KEYPLUG backdoor, specifically STORM-0866/Red Dev 40. Sandman is tracked as a distinct cluster, pending additional conclusive information. A notable characteristic is its use of the LuaDream backdoor. LuaDream is based on the Lua platform, a relatively rare occurrence in the cyberespionage domain, historically associated with APTs considered Western or Western-aligned.

## Who does Sandman APT go after?

**Sectors:** Government, Telecommunications

**Countries and victims named:** Middle East, Southeast Asian, France, Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Libya, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, United Arab Emirates

See threats by industry: https://www.precursorintelligence.com/industries

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is Sandman APT?

Sandman APT is an espionage group thought to operate from China, with suspected state backing. Public reporting about it is still limited.

### Where is Sandman APT thought to be based?

Public reporting places Sandman APT as operating from China, with suspected state backing. Attribution is never certain: it rests on the tools, infrastructure and targets researchers have seen.

### Who does Sandman APT target?

In public reporting, sectors named include government and telecommunications, and 19 countries and victims are named, including Middle East, Southeast Asian, France and Egypt.

### How do I know if Sandman APT is a risk to my business?

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