Google's top hacker hunter explains why hacking groups get codenames

Google has recently updated its methodology for referring to and naming hacking groups. A senior security expert from the company has explained the rationale behind this practice in a media interview.

The adoption of codenames for hacking groups is a standard practice within the cybersecurity industry. It aids in differentiating between various threat actors and facilitates more precise monitoring of their activities. This is particularly crucial when addressing state-sponsored or organized criminal cyber threats.

An expert from Google's Project Zero unit has highlighted that systematically naming threat actors improves both internal and external communication regarding specific cyber threats. By using codenames, security researchers and organizations can more easily share information and analyze the groups' methods and motives.

Google's intention is to foster greater transparency and awareness regarding cyber threats. By standardizing the naming conventions, the company aims to enhance the global capacity to identify and counter these threats more effectively.