A previously unknown hacking group, dubbed Clasiopa, has targeted materials research organizations in Asia using a distinctive set of tools, according to cybersecurity firm Symantec. The origins and affiliations of the group are currently unknown, but the use of Sanskrit references in custom backdoors and passwords suggest it may have ties to India. Symantec has said it is unclear how the group gained initial access, although brute-force attacks on internet-facing servers are suspected. The group's main motive appears to be achieving persistent access to victim machines without being detected and carrying out information theft.