Key Points:
- Fraud enables cyber operations: Threat actors used compromised payment cards validated through Chinese-operated card-testing services to attempt unauthorized access to Anthropic’s AI platform during a reported state-sponsored espionage campaign.
- Card testing signals downstream attacks: The observed fraud followed a predictable kill chain—compromise, validation, resale, and attempted cashout—providing early warning indicators that preceded the final malicious transaction.
- Recorded Future’s take: Proactive fraud intelligence prevents broader threats. Tester merchant intelligence can identify compromised cards before they’re used for high-value fraud or to support advanced threat actor operations.
