Why a Unified Naming System for Cyber Threats Is a Game-Changer for Business Security

Imagine trying to track a cyber threat where the same attacker is referred to by four different names depending on the source. Confusing? Absolutely. But that’s the current reality in cybersecurity.

Security vendors like Microsoft, Google, CrowdStrike, and others often use different labels for the same hacking group. This fragmented naming convention creates unnecessary complexity, slows down threat response, and makes it harder for businesses to stay protected.

To address this, Microsoft and CrowdStrike have announced a collaborative initiative to standardise how threat actors are named across the industry. The goal is simple: create a unified, consistent naming system that improves clarity and accelerates response times.

What’s Changing?

Under the new system, threat groups will be categorised by type and origin using weather-themed naming conventions. For example:

• Chinese state-sponsored groups will be tagged with “Typhoon”

• Russian-backed actors will use “Blizzard”

• Ransomware gangs and commercial spyware developers will be labelled with terms like “Tempest,” “Storm,” or “Tsunami”

This approach isn’t just about semantics—it’s about operational efficiency. When everyone speaks the same language, security teams can more easily identify patterns, share intelligence, and act quickly.

Why It Matters to Your Business

If your organisation is targeted by a threat actor, knowing that Microsoft calls them “Salt Typhoon” while another vendor refers to them as “GhostEmperor” or “OPERATOR PANDA” can lead to confusion and missed signals. A unified naming system eliminates this ambiguity, helping your IT team or cybersecurity provider respond faster and more effectively.

Clearer threat identification means:

• Improved threat intelligence

• Faster incident response

• Fewer missed alerts

• Stronger overall security posture

This initiative also levels the playing field for smaller businesses. You don’t need a dedicated security operations centre to benefit—just knowing that your providers are aligned in how they talk about threats can make a significant difference.

A Quiet but Powerful Shift

While this change may not make headlines, it represents a meaningful step toward a more organised and effective cybersecurity ecosystem. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes improvement that helps businesses stay safer without adding complexity.

At Connected Systems, we’re committed to helping organisations navigate the evolving threat landscape with clarity and confidence. If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your cybersecurity strategy, get in touch.