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Critical Flaws in SiderAI and MaxAI Chrome Extensions Expose Millions to Browser Hijacking

  Over ten million people might face major online threats following the discovery of severe weaknesses in two common AI-based Chrome add-ons...

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Technology
AI CISO Cyber Threats Cybersecurity ISSA Technology

Cybersecurity Leaders Face Growing Workloads as AI Changes the Job

 



The responsibilities placed on cybersecurity leaders are becoming increasingly difficult to manage as organizations face a growing number of cyber threats, rapid adoption of artificial intelligence technologies, and increasing demands for security oversight across the business.

A recent survey conducted by the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) International and research firm Omdia found that 68% of cybersecurity and IT professionals believe their jobs are more difficult today than they were two years ago. More than half of respondents reported heavier workloads and greater operational complexity (55%), while 52% said the volume and intensity of cyber threats have become more overwhelming.

Security teams are being asked to protect increasingly complex digital environments while also helping organizations adopt new technologies such as generative AI. At the same time, many security leaders say they are struggling to secure sufficient support from other parts of the business.

According to Shawn Murray, former president of ISSA and a fractional Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), many security executives regularly work long hours while attempting to address security concerns that are often introduced without their involvement. In some organizations, new technologies are adopted before security teams are included in planning discussions, creating additional challenges for risk management and governance.

As a result, some experienced CISOs are leaving traditional full-time leadership positions and choosing consulting or fractional roles instead. These arrangements allow security professionals to work with multiple organizations while focusing on businesses that are willing to involve cybersecurity leaders in strategic decision-making.

While legal accountability was once considered one of the largest concerns facing CISOs, the survey suggests that anxiety around personal liability has become less prominent than in previous years. Instead, many respondents identified the security implications of artificial intelligence as one of the most significant new sources of pressure.

AI has created both opportunities and challenges for cybersecurity teams. One growing concern is the rise of "shadow AI," where employees begin using AI tools and services without notifying security teams or obtaining formal approval. Similar issues emerged during the early stages of cloud adoption, when departments could deploy new services independently without providing visibility to cybersecurity staff.

This lack of visibility can create greater security gaps. When security teams do not know which AI applications, models, or processes are being used across an organization, it becomes more difficult to identify risks, monitor suspicious activity, and respond effectively to potential incidents.

Despite these concerns, cybersecurity professionals are increasingly interested in using AI to improve their own operations. The survey found that 37% of respondents are already using AI-powered tools to address cybersecurity challenges, while another 46% plan to adopt such technologies in the future.

Among the most common use cases identified by respondents were automated cybersecurity assessments, software testing, predictive risk analysis, and threat detection. These capabilities could help security teams reduce manual workloads and process large volumes of security data more efficiently.

Alex Hutton, CISO at Atlantic Union Bank, noted that the cybersecurity environment has changed significantly in recent years. Whether organizations fully embrace advanced AI systems or not, security professionals must continuously learn about new technologies, understand emerging risks, and adapt their security strategies accordingly.

The survey also highlighted a notable shift in how organizations obtain cybersecurity leadership. The percentage of companies employing full-time CISOs declined from 76% in 2024 to 63%, while the use of fractional CISOs increased from 6% to 15% over the same period.

Industry observers believe this trend reflects growing demand for cybersecurity expertise rather than a reduction in the importance of the CISO role. Many small and mid-sized organizations face the same security, compliance, and governance challenges as larger enterprises but often lack the budget required to hire a full-time executive.

Cyber insurance requirements are also contributing to demand for experienced security leadership. Organizations are increasingly expected to demonstrate strong cybersecurity practices and effective risk management controls before obtaining coverage or meeting insurer requirements. CISOs frequently play a central role in helping businesses assess risks, improve security programs, and document compliance efforts.

According to Hutton, the rise of fractional and virtual CISOs provides organizations with access to executive-level security guidance without requiring a full-time appointment. Rather than signaling the decline of cybersecurity leadership positions, the change may represent an expansion of cybersecurity services to organizations that previously could not afford dedicated executive expertise.

As cyber threats continue to grow and AI reshapes business operations, cybersecurity leaders are expected to remain critical decision-makers. However, the role itself is changing, requiring security professionals to balance technical oversight, business strategy, regulatory expectations, and emerging technologies in an increasingly demanding environment.

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European Union
Cyber Networks cyber resilience Cyber Security Cyberattacks Cybersecurity Precautions EU European Union

Ukraine Joins EU Cybersecurity Reserve to Strengthen Cyber Resilience and Emergency Response

 

Now able to tap into the EU’s emergency cyber network, Ukraine joins a support framework cleared by the Council of the European Union. When overwhelming cyberattacks strike, help may come faster because Kyiv can formally seek aid beyond what it handles alone. Specialized teams and resources from across the bloc stand ready, activated through shared crisis procedures. 

This link strengthens real-time defense options amid severe digital threats. Help arrives via the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, run by ENISA - the European Union’s cybersecurity agency. Born from the Cyber Solidarity Act, it lets member nations turn to vetted private experts if local teams cannot keep up. As attacks grow more complex, ties in tech defense strengthen between the bloc and Ukraine. Their collaboration now includes shared readiness against online risks. 

If a cyberattack overwhelms Ukraine’s internal resources, it can officially trigger emergency support through the framework. When that happens, digital security specialists from various European nations might step in to help control, examine, and recover systems. Officials view this measure as one piece of wider work aimed at boosting readiness, speeding up reactions, and building stronger collaboration amid rising complexity in online attacks. 

Though cyber threats grow more frequent, unity among nations strengthens defenses. Because attacks target government systems, companies, and vital services, joint efforts matter more now. The European Commission views this move as a step toward stronger cooperation. When one country acts alone, risks rise - yet shared knowledge reduces vulnerability. As digital dangers spread, responses must shift from isolated attempts to unified strategies. Now ranking as the second non-EU nation within the reserve, Ukraine follows Moldova’s inclusion during 2024. 

That year, rising cyber threats tied to Russian activity prompted Moldova’s entry. Seen by European authorities as pivotal for regional collaboration on digital security, its involvement highlights ongoing efforts. Resilience in cyberspace continues shaping how the EU engages nearby states. Progress here reflects broader aims, yet depends heavily on real-time readiness. Besides tackling cyber threats, the European Union now works more closely with Moldova on various digital fronts. 

Recently, an accord was reached politically, paving the way for Moldova’s entry into the EU Roaming Zone - pending official approval. Should it pass, people from both regions could make calls, send messages, or access data while traveling, free of extra fees. Now operating within the EU Third Countries’ Trusted List, Moldova streamlines how electronic signatures and digital seals are recognized across entities and individuals. 

Backed by EU funding, a fresh node of the European Digital Media Observatory - named FACT - emerges to counter disinformation and external manipulation efforts. Now comes news on cyber defense, right after fresh progress in how the EU engages Ukraine and Moldova. Talks to join the bloc officially started, backed unanimously by national leaders lately. 

Marking the moment, Commission head Ursula von der Leyen called it a turning point - not just symbolic, but rooted in real changes made amid hardship. Her view: this step shows lasting support for peace, resilience, and shared effort where it matters most. 

Now more shielded, Ukraine taps into the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, linking efforts with European allies when large-scale digital threats emerge. This cooperation builds lasting strength in facing future attacks, not just immediate fixes. Through shared response channels, new stability takes root beyond borders. Long-term readiness grows quietly but steadily from such joint undertakings.
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Telegram Ban
Mobile Security NEET UG NTA Paper Leak Telegram Ban

India Temporarily Bans Telegram Ahead of NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam to Curb Fraud

 

India has temporarily restricted Telegram ahead of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination, as authorities move to curb exam fraud and protect the integrity of one of the country’s most important medical entrance tests. The decision has drawn attention because Telegram is widely used for communication, study groups, and information sharing, making the restriction both significant and controversial. 

The action was taken after the National Testing Agency recommended stronger controls amid concerns that organized cheating groups were exploiting the app to circulate question papers and misleading claims. Officials said the temporary ban is intended to stop candidates from being targeted by fraud networks that can spread manipulated content quickly during a high-stakes exam period. 

Under the order, access to Telegram in India is restricted until June 22, 2026, covering the exam day and the immediate aftermath. Authorities also directed the company to disable its message-editing feature in India until June 30, 2026, saying that feature had allegedly been misused to make old posts look like proof of a paper leak. 

The measure has sparked debate because Telegram is used not only for illicit activity but also for legitimate education, work, and community communication. Telegram has reportedly challenged the decision in court, while the Delhi High Court upheld the government’s temporary block on June 19, citing emergency grounds and compliance with the law. 

The broader issue goes beyond one app: exam leaks and digital fraud are becoming harder to control as messaging platforms, edited content, and anonymous groups make false claims easier to spread. For students, the immediate focus is on the re-exam schedule, but for policymakers, the case is a reminder that future exam security may require faster monitoring, tighter platform cooperation, and clearer digital enforcement rules.
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spear phishing
BYOVD Attack Inc ransomware LockBit malware Ransomware spear phishing

INC Ransomware Climbs Into Top Tier of Cybercrime Operations, Surpasses 830 Victims

 



The ransomware operation known as INC has grown into one of the most active cybercrime groups of 2026, with security researchers linking it to more than 830 victims since it first appeared in August 2023.

According to researchers at Acronis, the group's rise coincided with disruptions affecting major ransomware brands such as LockBit and BlackCat. As affiliates sought alternative platforms, INC appears to have benefited from that shift. More than 65% of the victims listed by the group are based in the United States, with legal firms, healthcare providers, manufacturers, construction companies, and technology organizations among the most frequently targeted sectors.

Researchers also observed major changes to the ransomware itself. INC's malware for Windows and Linux/VMware ESXi systems has been rewritten in Rust, a programming language increasingly adopted by malware developers because it supports multiple operating systems and can complicate reverse-engineering efforts.

The group's toolkit has expanded as well. Recent attacks have involved a credential-stealing utility capable of extracting authentication data from newer Veeam backup deployments that use salted DPAPI encryption. Access to backup infrastructure can give attackers valuable credentials while also making recovery efforts more difficult for victims.

Acronis noted that the sale of INC's Windows and Linux ransomware variants on underground cybercrime forums in May 2024 contributed to the appearance of related ransomware families, including Lynx and Sinobi. Researchers identified significant code similarities between the groups.

Investigators found that INC affiliates rely on several entry points to compromise networks, including spear-phishing campaigns, credentials purchased from Initial Access Brokers (IABs), and the exploitation of publicly exposed systems running vulnerable versions of Citrix NetScaler, Fortinet EMS, and SimpleHelp software.

Once inside a network, attackers harvest credentials, move between systems using legitimate administrative tools such as RDP and PsExec, and attempt to weaken security controls through a technique known as Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD). Researchers observed the use of vulnerable drivers including filwfp.sys, filnk.sys, and fildds.sys. The group also deploys tools such as Cobalt Strike, AnyDesk, ScreenConnect, and TeamViewer to maintain access and control compromised environments.

Before encryption begins, stolen files are collected and transferred using Rclone, often after being packaged into password-protected archives. The ransomware then encrypts systems using multithreading and partial-encryption techniques to speed up the process. When launched against VMware ESXi environments, the malware can also attempt to shut down virtual machines.

Data from ZeroFox ranked INC as the fourth most active ransomware operation during the first quarter of 2026, recording more than 120 incidents. Researchers said the group's growth demonstrates how ransomware operators can build large-scale campaigns using widely available tools, stolen credentials, and unpatched systems rather than relying on highly specialized malware.

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TinyPulse breach
Data Breach employee data leak Nintendo Nintendo of America ransomware attack Shadowbyt3$ TinyPulse breach

Nintendo Confirms Third-Party Survey Data Breach, Says Customer Information Remains Secure

 


 Nintendo of America has acknowledged that employee survey data was exposed through a security incident involving TinyPulse, a third-party platform used for internal feedback and engagement surveys. The company emphasized that its own systems were not compromised and that no customer or financial information was affected.

The confirmation follows claims made by the Shadowbyt3$ cybercrime group, which alleged that it had obtained sensitive information linked to Nintendo of America employees.

“We are aware of an issue involving TinyPulse, a third-party service used for internal employee surveys at Nintendo of America,” stated Nintendo.

“Nintendo’s systems have not been compromised, and no personal customer or financial data has been accessed. Nintendo’s systems have not been compromised, and no personal customer or financial data has been accessed."

"The data involved is limited to internal survey content comprising a small subset of our employees, and most of the information dates back several years,” the company told BleepingComputer.

Nintendo of America, which oversees operations across the United States, Canada, and parts of Latin America, explained that the affected information was restricted to internal survey content collected through TinyPulse.

TinyPulse is a workplace engagement platform that enables organizations to conduct anonymous employee surveys, gather feedback, analyze workforce sentiment, and assess company culture.

Nintendo added that it is “working with the service provider to address the issue.”

Meanwhile, BleepingComputer reached out to WebMD Health Services, the owner of TinyPulse, seeking additional details about the incident and its potential impact. However, no response had been received at the time of publication.

Despite Nintendo’s statement that only survey-related information was exposed, the Shadowbyt3$ group claims the stolen data includes more extensive employee records.

The threat actor initially alleged that nearly 1GB of data had been taken from Nintendo and gave the company 48 hours to begin negotiations before the information would be released publicly.

According to the group, the dataset contains employee names, email addresses, survey and analytics information, bank statements, W-9 forms, employee identification details, progress plans, and reports spanning from 2016 to 2026.

"If you contact us we give you an extra day to think this through. We are demanding a ransom payment of 2 million dollars," reads the Shadowbyt3$ post.

In a follow-up statement, the group claimed that the incident did not impact Nintendo’s gaming operations and instead affected “a small amount of employees that work for nintendo and have used tinypulse.”

The attackers later published another message suggesting additional organizations could be targeted and shared a link to what they claimed was leaked employee communications. The post implied that Nintendo declined to meet the ransom demand.

BleepingComputer stated that it did not download or verify the authenticity of the allegedly leaked files. Regardless of the claims, Nintendo has maintained that customer information was not involved in the incident and that users do not need to take any action.

Shadowbyt3$ is a relatively new cybercriminal operation that describes itself as an “extortion as a service” group and claims to have been active since October 2025. The group says it publishes stolen information from organizations that refuse to pay ransom demands and promises that data “will be Deleted Permanently and you will not hear from us again” if a payment agreement is reached.

Cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies continue to advise organizations against paying ransom demands, noting that doing so can encourage future attacks. They also warn that there is no assurance stolen information will not be retained or sold even after a payment is made.

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Windows Clipper Malware
Clipboard hijacking cryptocurrency theft malware Microsoft security Remote Code Execution Tor-Based C2 USB LNK Worm Windows Clipper Malware

Microsoft Exposes Malware Operation Combining USB LNK Worms and Tor-Based C2 Servers

 


A threat actor will benefit from combining cryptocurrency theft, covert communications, and remote access into a single malware framework in order to increase stealth and persistence. Microsoft has revealed the existence of a Windows-based clipper campaign active since February 2026. The clipper campaign uses a portable Tor client, Windows Script Host, and ActiveX components to communicate with a hidden command-and-control server. 

Besides intercepting and replacing cryptocurrency wallet addresses, the malware also performs continuous clipboard monitoring, captures screenshots, exfiltrates stolen data, and executes remote commands. 

A key characteristic of the operation is that it does not utilize traditional installer mechanisms or publicly exposed C2 servers and instead utilizes Tor-routed traffic as a means of concealing its activity and extends its capabilities to lightweight backdoor functions as well as financial theft. USB-Borne Infection Chain Drives Initial Compromise Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the operation is characterized by a multi-stage infection chain combining removable media propagation with credential and asset theft. 

In Microsoft's opinion, the campaign originated through malicious Windows shortcut (.LNK) files distributed through USB storage devices, enabling the malware to spread without relying on online delivery mechanisms. An infection after being executed deploys two components: a worm that propagates throughout additional removable drives, and a clipper module designed to obtain information about cryptocurrency seed phrases, private keys, and wallets. 

Obfuscation and Persistence Mechanisms Enhance Stealth As part of its propagation mechanism, the worm exploits the trust of users in familiar file formats. When it scans USB devices for commonly accessed document formats like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF, it conceals the original filenames and replaces them with malicious shortcuts named identically. 

In addition to increasing user interaction, this strategy masks the infection process by enabling additional payloads to be unpacked into randomly generated directories within the Public Documents path upon execution, and thereafter persistence can be established by scheduling tasks. In order to minimize the possibility of detection, the malware attempts to modify local defenses by creating antivirus exclusions for its staging locations and executable components in order to avoid detection. 

According to Microsoft, extensive efforts have been made to obstruct the process of forensic analysis, such as packaging the installer with PyInstaller and obfuscation with PyArmor, and using JavaScript-based modules with layered encryption as well as runtime decryption. This malware performs an anti-analysis check by searching for Windows Task Manager processes and terminating execution if monitoring is detected, underscoring the operator's emphasis on long-term stealth and evasion. 

Tor-Based Communications Power Clipboard Hijacking Operations Upon clearing the anti-analysis checks and activating the stealer module, the malware enters into a highly automated surveillance phase designed to detect and intercept cryptocurrency-related activity in near real-time. Microsoft observed that a Tor executable named ugate.exe is used by the component to communicate with its hidden command and control infrastructure, enabling all traffic to be routed through anonymized channels as well.

Once the malware has been installed, it periodically checks the system clipboard for a specific set of highly valuable cryptocurrency artifacts, searching for these artifacts every 500 milliseconds. Among these include 12-word and 24-word recovery phrases for Bitcoin, Ethereum private keys, Bitcoin wallet import format keys (WIF), as well as wallet addresses for Tron and Monero in addition to Bitcoin legacy, P2SH, Bech32, and Taproot formats. 

Upon detection of an identical entry, the malware silently replaces it with the address of an attacker's wallet. By carefully selecting substituted addresses to share similar leading characters or numeric patterns with the original destination, the likelihood of detection during visual verification is reduced. During the final stage of the infection, the malware emphasizes the importance of operating concealment and attacker control. 

By launching a renamed Tor executable in the background, the malware is able to identify the compromised host and register it with an external infrastructure without exposing direct network communications to the outside world. 

Upon enrollment, the infected system begins a continuous operational cycle, polling the command-and-control environment for instructions while simultaneously inspecting the clipboard contents at approximately half-second intervals to identify cryptocurrency seed phrases, private keys, and wallets. 

Also, command responses containing the EVAL directive enable the operators to execute attacker-supplied code in real-time, allowing them to expand functionality or take subsequent actions after a compromise. 

The mixture of scripting abuse, removable media propagation, and Tor-based communications indicates Microsoft's recommendation that behavioral detection strategies should be prioritized. These strategies include monitoring PowerShell-driven screen capture activity, suspicious use of WScript and CScript, and script-engine processes spawning unexpected executables, including curl, cmd.exe, PowerShell, or other unexpected executables.

Besides disabling AutoRun and AutoPlay for removable media, Group Policy controls can also be used to restrict the execution of LNK from USB devices, limiting unnecessary access to scripting engines, and monitoring clipboard monitoring and screen capture behavior on systems involving cryptocurrency or other sensitive financial transactions closely. 

Remote Code Execution Expands Malware Capabilities Researchers discovered that the campaign's data collection capabilities go beyond clipboard manipulation. A number of screenshots were taken and transferred to the command-and-control server through the native curl utility, providing operators with continuous insight into the activity of the victims. 

Furthermore, it integrates remote code execution functionality, thereby extending the framework's operational scope beyond a conventional cryptocurrency clipper. By using the EVAL command, operators can instruct the malware to retrieve additional JavaScript payloads, save them locally as cfile files, and execute them directly on the compromised host by instructing the malware to do so. 

Essentially, this capability allows the infection to become an on-demand access platform that is capable of deploying new functionality after initial compromise. Because the malware is highly obfuscated and continuously evolving, Microsoft noted that behavioral indicators offer a more reliable detection opportunity than static signatures. There are several indications that security teams should monitor suspicious activity associated with wscript.exe and cscript.exe, unexpected executions of curl, PowerShell, and cmd.exe, as well as anomalous child process chains. 

Additionally, connections directed to localhost:9050 and other indications of Tor proxy usage may provide valuable indications that this campaign was compromised. Microsoft's campaign illustrates how traditional malware techniques can be combined with anonymous infrastructure and scripting-based execution to create threats that are not only difficult to detect but also highly adaptable as cybercriminal operations continue to evolve. 

In environments characterized by removable media and digital asset transactions, the findings underscore the importance of monitoring behavioral indicators in conjunction with conventional security controls. In order to identify attacks that prioritize stealth over scale, defenders must continue to have access to unusual script activity, Tor-related communications, and clipboard manipulation.
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