China-Based APTs Exploit Fake Dalai Lama Apps to Target Tibetan Community

TL;DR

China-based APTs launched two cyberespionage campaigns targeting the Tibetan community ahead of the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. The attacks, named Operation GhostChat and Operation PhantomPrayers, involved compromising legitimate websites and redirecting users to malicious links. The cyberespionage group exploited the trust of the Tibetan community by using fake Dalai Lama apps to spy on their activities.

China-Based APTs Launch Cyberespionage Campaigns Against Tibetan Community

In a recent development, a China-based cyberespionage group targeted the Tibetan community through two sophisticated campaigns. These campaigns, conducted just before the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6, 2025, have been dubbed Operation GhostChat and Operation PhantomPrayers by Zscaler ThreatLabz. The multi-stage attacks involved compromising legitimate websites and redirecting users to malicious links, highlighting the evolving tactics used by cyber threat actors.

Operation GhostChat and Operation PhantomPrayers

The cyberespionage campaigns, Operation GhostChat and Operation PhantomPrayers, were meticulously planned and executed. The attackers compromised legitimate websites frequently visited by the Tibetan community. Users were redirected through malicious links, leading them to download fake Dalai Lama apps. These apps were designed to spy on the community, exploiting their trust and devotion to the Dalai Lama.

Modus Operandi of the Attacks

The attacks followed a multi-stage approach:

1. Website Compromise: Legitimate websites were compromised to insert malicious links.
2. Redirection: Users were redirected to these links, which prompted them to download fake Dalai Lama apps.
3. Spying: The fake apps were laced with spyware, allowing the attackers to monitor the activities of the Tibetan community.

Implications and Future Concerns

The use of fake Dalai Lama apps to spy on the Tibetan community underscores the growing threat of cyberespionage. As cyber threat actors continue to evolve their tactics, it is crucial for communities to remain vigilant and adopt robust cybersecurity measures. The Tibetan community, in particular, should be wary of downloading apps from unverified sources and ensure that their digital interactions are secure.

Conclusion

The recent cyberespionage campaigns targeting the Tibetan community serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing cyber threats faced by vulnerable communities. As we move forward, it is essential to strengthen cybersecurity protocols and educate users about the risks associated with downloading apps from untrusted sources. Only through collective effort and awareness can we mitigate the impact of such attacks and safeguard our digital landscape.

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Additional Resources

For further insights, check:

• Zscaler ThreatLabz
• The Hacker News