A new cyber threat has emerged as a hacker, known as “Sukob,” claims to be selling root access to a telecom company in China or Taiwan.
The sale, advertised on a dark web forum, includes SSH keys and access to a firewall server of a company generating $7 billion in revenue in 2024.
This alarming development raises significant concerns about the security of critical telecommunications infrastructure in the region.
Details of the Sale
According to reports from ThreatMon, The hacker “Sukob” is reportedly offering root access to the telecom company’s server at a price of $4,000.

This access would allow potential buyers to control and manipulate the company’s network infrastructure, posing severe risks to both corporate data and customer privacy.
Root access provides the highest level of administrative control over a system, meaning that an attacker could potentially disable security measures, steal sensitive data, or disrupt services.
While the exact identity of the telecom company remains undisclosed, it is speculated that the target could be one of the major players in China or Taiwan’s telecommunications sectors.
Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom, for instance, has been a recent victim of cyberattacks where sensitive data was stolen and sold on dark web forums
However, no direct link between Chunghwa Telecom and this specific incident has been confirmed.
Potential Implications
The sale of root access to such a critical entity could have far-reaching consequences.
If exploited by malicious actors, this vulnerability could lead to:
- Data Breaches: Sensitive customer information, government communications, or corporate secrets could be exposed.
- Service Disruptions: Telecommunications services are vital for both civilian and military operations. Any disruption could affect millions of users.
- Espionage: Given the geopolitical tensions in East Asia, particularly between China and Taiwan, such access could be leveraged for cyber espionage or sabotage.
This incident also highlights the growing trend of hackers targeting telecommunications companies worldwide.
In recent months, U.S. telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon have also been targeted by state-sponsored hackers from China
These attacks aim to exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure for espionage purposes.
Response and Security Measures
As of now, there is no official response from authorities or companies in China or Taiwan regarding this specific breach.
However, cybersecurity experts are urging telecom companies in the region to strengthen their defenses.
Implementing advanced threat detection systems and conducting regular security audits could help mitigate such risks.
This case underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for critical infrastructure providers. With hackers increasingly targeting telecommunications firms globally
Governments and corporations must collaborate to safeguard sensitive networks from future attacks.
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