# T1553 Subvert Trust Controls > As of 2026-10-05, T1553 (Subvert Trust Controls) appears in 160 tracked threats, first reported 2026-01-14 and most recently 2026-09-13, with linked actors including TeamPCP, Sapphire Sleet, APT28; it most often appears alongside T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter). - **Tracked threats:** 160 (50 critical, 97 high, 13 medium) - **First seen:** 2026-01-14 - **Last seen:** 2026-09-13 - **Threat actors:** 39 - **Detection rules:** 62 (counts only; Blue tier and above) ## Key facts - **ID:** T1553 - **Framework:** MITRE ATT&CK - **Tactics:** Defense Impairment - **Matrix:** Enterprise - **Data as of:** 2026-10-05 - **MITRE:** https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/ ## Activity timeline T1553 first appeared in tracked threats on 2026-01-14 and was most recently reported on 2026-09-13. The busiest month was 2026-07 with 37 reports, and 160 of the 160 threats were reported in the twelve months to 2026-09. ## How adversaries use it T1553 Subvert Trust Controls is catalogued by MITRE ATT&CK under the Defense Impairment tactic in the Enterprise matrix. Threadlinqs maps 160 of 2623 tracked threats (6.1%) to it; by severity that is 50 critical, 97 high, 13 medium. Threats that use T1553 most often also use [T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1059) (108 threats), [T1005 Data from Local System](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1005) (104 threats), [T1071 Application Layer Protocol](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1071) (103 threats), [T1036 Masquerading](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1036) (101 threats), [T1027 Obfuscated Files or Information](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1027) (96 threats). These are the techniques an intrusion set tends to chain with it, so they are the natural next places to look when it is observed. 39 tracked threat actors appear in the threats that use T1553; the most frequent are [TeamPCP](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/TeamPCP) (9), [Sapphire Sleet](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Sapphire%20Sleet) (8), [APT28](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/APT28) (7), [APT38](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/APT38) (7), [Stardust Chollima](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Stardust%20Chollima) (7). ## Mitigations MITRE ATT&CK lists 5 mitigations for T1553. - [M1024 Restrict Registry Permissions](https://attack.mitre.org/mitigations/M1024/) - [M1026 Privileged Account Management](https://attack.mitre.org/mitigations/M1026/) - [M1028 Operating System Configuration](https://attack.mitre.org/mitigations/M1028/) - [M1038 Execution Prevention](https://attack.mitre.org/mitigations/M1038/) - [M1054 Software Configuration](https://attack.mitre.org/mitigations/M1054/) ## Data sources Telemetry that can reveal T1553, per MITRE ATT&CK. - Command — Command Execution - File — File Metadata, File Modification - Module — Module Load - Process — Process Creation - Windows Registry — Windows Registry Key Creation, Windows Registry Key Modification ## Threat actors using it - [TeamPCP](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/TeamPCP) — 9 - [Sapphire Sleet](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Sapphire%20Sleet) — 8 - [APT28](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/APT28) — 7 - [APT38](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/APT38) — 7 - [Stardust Chollima](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Stardust%20Chollima) — 7 - [Forest Blizzard](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Forest%20Blizzard) — 6 - [MuddyWater](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/MuddyWater) — 6 - [BlueDelta](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/BlueDelta) — 4 - [UNC1069](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/UNC1069) — 4 - [APT43](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/APT43) — 3 - [Kimsuky](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Kimsuky) — 3 - [Sandworm](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Sandworm) — 3 ## Tracked threats The 30 most recent of 160 tracked threats that use T1553. - [Multiple Vulnerabilities in Nozomi Guardian/CMC Before 25.4.0 on Siemens RUGGEDCOM APE1808 Devices…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2487) — high — 2026-09-13 - [Dutch NCSC Warns of Critical Check Point VPN Flaws (CVE-2026-85102, CVE-2026-85103) — Exploitation Expected…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2463) — critical — 2026-09-12 - [Access-Code-Gated Phishing Chain Delivers Vidar Infostealer via DocuSign Impersonation](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2456) — high — 2026-09-12 - [ClickFix Lures Deploy MacSync Stealer to Bypass macOS Security](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2434) — high — 2026-09-10 - [Coder Module Registry Supply-Chain Compromise Distributes Credential-Stealing Malware via Cloudflare Pool…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2373) — critical — 2026-09-07 - [ChainDrop/Mini Shai-Hulud npm Worm Compromises keyv, cacheable, and 400+ Downstream Packages via…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2285) — critical — 2026-09-01 - [Infostealer Malware (Vidar, LummaC2, StealC, RedLine, Acreed, Atomic Stealer) Hijacking Claude Login…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2255) — medium — 2026-08-31 - [Threat Actors Abuse claude.ai Shared Chat Feature for ClickFix Malvertising Campaign Delivering MacSync…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2241) — high — 2026-08-30 - [Critical WatchGuard Agent for Windows Flaws (CVE-2026-57910, CVE-2026-57909) Enable Unauthenticated…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2162) — critical — 2026-08-27 - [SDLC Supply Chain Attacks: ChainDrop npm Worm and Developer Pipeline Targeting](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2104) — high — 2026-08-21 - [Popular Rust Crates arrayref, internment, append-only-vec Compromised in Build-Time Supply Chain Attack via…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2085) — critical — 2026-08-20 - [FirewallFalcon Manager: Supply-Chain Backdoor in Underground VPN Server Infrastructure](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1947) — critical — 2026-08-07 - [GOLD ENCOUNTER / Payouts King Ransomware Campaign Targeting Business Managers: 351 Victims Across 334…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1917) — high — 2026-08-06 - [OWASP GenAI LLM Top 10 2026 — Community-Driven Security Guidance for AI Applications](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1913) — medium — 2026-08-06 - [Samsung Bixby Exploit Chain — System-Level RCE via Samsung Members, Samsung Account, and Capsule Bypass…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1901) — critical — 2026-08-05 - [npm Ecosystem Under Siege: Multi-Campaign Supply-Chain Attacks Using Blockchain Smart Contracts for…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1866) — critical — 2026-08-04 - [Shai-Hulud NPM Worm Compromises keyv, file-entry-cache, flat-cache and Hundreds of Popular npm Packages via…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1863) — critical — 2026-08-04 - [EU AI Act Article 50 Enforcement — Regulatory Transparency Obligations and Documented Cybersecurity Attack…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1850) — medium — 2026-08-03 - [CaptiveCrunch: Storm-2945 (Midnight Blizzard / APT29) compromises hotel WiFi gateways globally for…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1838) — critical — 2026-08-03 - [OctLurk and SilkLurk Backdoors: Unattributed Chinese-Speaking Actor Cyberespionage Campaign Targeting…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1783) — high — 2026-07-31 - [Tax Season Phishing and Malware Campaign Targets Indian Taxpayers via Fake Income Tax Department Notices](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1769) — high — 2026-07-30 - [CubePilot Drone Autopilot Vendor Hit by DNS Hijacking, Enabling Traffic Interception and Fraudulent TLS…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1749) — high — 2026-07-28 - [Sen. Wyden Urges Binding Federal Mandate to Purge Internet-Facing Legacy VPNs for Zero-Trust Remote Access](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1774) — medium — 2026-07-27 - [Operation BlueDash: Fake Microsoft Teams Update Deploys Dual RMM Backdoors (Level RMM + ScreenConnect)](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1732) — high — 2026-07-27 - [BlueNoroff Hijacks Trusted Telegram Accounts to Deliver ClickFix Malware via Deepfake Zoom/Teams Calls](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1720) — high — 2026-07-27 - [SleeperGem: RubyGems Supply Chain Attack Uses Hijacked Dormant Maintainer Accounts to Weaponize…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1703) — high — 2026-07-26 - [SourTrade Malvertising: ServiceWorker-Orchestrated In-Browser Assembly Builds a Unique Windows Executable…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1696) — high — 2026-07-25 - [BlueNoroff "ClickFake Interview" Zoom/Teams Phishing Kit: AI Deepfake Video Lures, ClickFix PowerShell…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1678) — high — 2026-07-24 - [Critical ASUS Router Flaw (CVE-2026-13385) Enables MITM Arbitrary Command Execution](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1617) — critical — 2026-07-22 - [Exposed Server Reveals AI-Assisted WebDAV Phishing Kit Targeting Mexican Users (CVE-2025-33053)](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1566) — high — 2026-07-20 ## Related CVEs CVEs referenced by the tracked threats that use T1553, most frequent first. - [CVE-2026-21509](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-21509) - [CVE-2026-21513](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-21513) - [CVE-2025-55182](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2025-55182) - [CVE-2026-45321](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-45321) - [CVE-2019-19781](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2019-19781) - [CVE-2020-28707](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2020-28707) - [CVE-2021-26855](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2021-26855) - [CVE-2025-59536](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2025-59536) - [CVE-2026-21510](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-21510) - [CVE-2026-21514](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-21514) - [CVE-2026-21519](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-21519) - [CVE-2026-21522](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-21522) - [CVE-2026-21525](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-21525) - [CVE-2026-21532](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-21532) - [CVE-2026-21533](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-21533) - [CVE-2026-21852](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-21852) - [CVE-2026-23655](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-23655) - [CVE-2026-24300](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-24300) - [CVE-2026-24302](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-24302) - [CVE-2026-43503](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-43503) - [CVE-2026-48027](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-48027) - [CVE-2026-56164](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-56164) - [CVE-2017-7921](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2017-7921) - [CVE-2019-11510](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2019-11510) - [CVE-2019-11539](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2019-11539) - [CVE-2020-10189](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2020-10189) - [CVE-2020-12641](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2020-12641) - [CVE-2020-35730](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2020-35730) - [CVE-2020-5902](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2020-5902) - [CVE-2020-8243](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2020-8243) ## Detection coverage Threadlinqs maintains 62 detection rules mapped to T1553 (SPL 18, KQL 21, Sigma 23). Rule content is available to Blue tier accounts and above; this page shows counts only. 62 detection rules (SPL/KQL/Sigma), Blue and above: https://threadlinqs.com/pricing ## Sub-techniques - [T1553.001 Gatekeeper Bypass](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1553.001) — 20 tracked threats - [T1553.002 Code Signing](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1553.002) — 82 tracked threats - T1553.003 SIP and Trust Provider Hijacking — 2 tracked threats - T1553.004 Install Root Certificate — 4 tracked threats - [T1553.005 Mark-of-the-Web Bypass](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1553.005) — 13 tracked threats - [T1553.006 Code Signing Policy Modification](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1553.006) — 14 tracked threats ## Links - Canonical page: https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1553 - All techniques: https://intel.threadlinqs.com/techniques - Full detection coverage and IOCs: https://intel.threadlinqs.com/mcp (Purple tier)