China-linked group deployed new malware across Latin America
Security researchers report that the China-aligned group FamousSparrow has deployed a new backdoor, SparroWocky, to attack government entities across several Latin American countries since at least August 2025. The malware, distinct from the group's earlier SparrowDoor implant, allows remote control and data theft. ESET researchers attribute the campaign to FamousSparrow with high confidence and note the group has focused almost exclusively on this region since mid-2025.
- SparroWocky replaced older SparrowDoor malware
- Targets include governments in Argentina and Panama
- ESET researchers attribute attacks to FamousSparrow
- Malware enables remote access, data exfiltration
- Campaign began in August 2025, focus is rare among China-linked groups
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