EternalBlue

NSA Revives Elite TAO Hacking Unit Behind Stuxnet and WannaCry to Accelerate Cyber Operations Against China and Adversaries

The U.S. National Security Agency has restored the original name Tailored Access Operations (TAO) to its premier cyber intrusion division as part of a major internal restructuring aimed at speeding up offensive operations against hostile nations, including China. The unit, which operated under the name Office of Computer Network Operations (CNO) following the 2016 NSA21 reforms, will once again function as a distinct entity with its own dedicated building at Fort Meade. The change reverses aspects of the earlier reorganization that had merged offensive operations and intelligence collection into larger directorates, a move former employees say hindered collaboration between developers and operators. Deputy NSA Director Tim Kosiba, a former TAO member, oversaw the revival, which was presented to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his visit to the agency’s headquarters. TAO has long been linked to some of the most sophisticated U.S. cyber tools, including those used in the Stuxnet operation against Iran’s nuclear program and the EternalBlue exploit later deployed in the global WannaCry ransomware attack. The unit develops custom malware, persistence mechanisms, and covert access tools for intelligence collection against foreign targets. Former personnel believe the restored structure will improve attack preparation and innovation, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.