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Showing posts with label Cybersecurity Threats. Show all posts
State-sponsored hacking
Chinese cyber espionage Cyber Security Cybersecurity Threats Email server vulnerability Government email breach State-sponsored hacking

State-Backed Hackers Escalate Attacks on Government Email Servers

 

Cyberattacks targeting government email servers have intensified in recent years, a trend that experts warn is expected to continue. This concern follows a recent breach involving a cyber-espionage group linked to China, which infiltrated the email servers of Belgium’s intelligence agency.

On February 26, the Belgian federal prosecutor confirmed an investigation into the cyberattack targeting the country’s State Security Service (VSSE). According to a report by Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the attackers accessed approximately 10% of the VSSE’s incoming and outgoing emails between 2021 and May 2023. While classified data remained secure due to external hosting, the breach may have compromised personally identifiable information (PII) of nearly half of the agency’s personnel.

The hackers reportedly gained access to VSSE’s email systems by exploiting a critical remote command injection vulnerability, CVE-2023-2868, found in Barracuda Networks’ Email Security Gateway (ESG) appliance. Following the discovery of this security flaw, Barracuda enlisted Google security subsidiary Mandiant to investigate.

Mandiant tracked the espionage campaign to October 2022, identifying the threat actor as UNC4841. The firm established with "high confidence" that the group was connected to the Chinese government. UNC4841 reportedly distributed emails embedded with malicious attachments designed to exploit CVE-2023-2868, targeting various global organizations, including Belgian VSSE.

In response to the incident, VSSE ceased using Barracuda’s ESG appliance in 2023. Addressing concerns about the timeline of the breach, a Barracuda spokesperson clarified:

“Exploitation of the vulnerability impacting less than five percent of Email Security Gateway appliances took place in 2023 – not 2021. Our investigation data confirms that the vulnerability was not exploited in 2021. Barracuda promptly remediated the issue, which was fixed as part of the BNSF-36456 patch and applied to all customer appliances.”

Email Servers: A Prime Target for Cyber Threats

Email systems remain a preferred target for cybercriminals due to their role in communication, credential storage, and document exchange. High-profile cyber incidents, such as the Hafnium attack in 2020 and multiple government email breaches in 2023, underscore the risks associated with these platforms.

Vito Alfano, head of digital forensic and incident response at Group-IB, emphasized the long-standing threat posed by advanced persistent threats (APTs):

“APTs regularly target publicly exposed services, such as email systems, used by their victims and it has always been a long-standing tactic. Since 2006, nation-state-linked threat actors have targeted mail systems to gain access to confidential information.”

He referenced past attacks, including the APT28 breach of the US Democratic National Committee (DNC) in 2016, highlighting how state-sponsored hackers have historically leveraged email vulnerabilities for intelligence gathering and further infiltration. Alfano further explained the strategic importance of email servers for cyber-espionage campaigns:

“Email servers cover a central role in communication, credential management, document exchange, and they often represent a link between the external world and the internal protected perimeter of a targeted company. For this reason, APT groups consider them a high-value target.”

Once inside an email system, attackers can exploit login credentials to move laterally within an organization’s infrastructure. Additionally, compromised email servers can serve as a launchpad for supply chain attacks, particularly when third-party vendors and contractors use government email services.

Long-Term Infiltration and Espionage

Cyber-espionage groups often aim to maintain access for extended periods, allowing them to monitor assets and execute more sophisticated attacks. Alfano warned:

“Email servers also grant access to highly sensitive information and communications making them perfect for a long-term silent espionage campaign, allowing the access to sensitive mails or to be used to forge crafted phishing and impersonation attacks.”

The attack on Belgian VSSE exemplifies this strategy, with hackers likely seeking to exploit confidential data for further infiltration or intelligence operations.
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Vidar infostealer
Cybersecurity Threats malware Safety Steam game malware Vidar infostealer

Steam Removes Malware-Infested Game PirateFi

 

Valve recently removed a game from its online platform, Steam, after it was discovered to contain malware. The game, PirateFi, was analyzed by cybersecurity researchers who found that it had been modified to deceive players into installing the Vidar info-stealer.

Marius Genheimer, a researcher from SECUINFRA Falcon Team, told TechCrunch that based on the malware’s command and control servers and configuration, “we suspect that PirateFi was just one of multiple tactics used to distribute Vidar payloads en masse.”

“It is highly likely that it never was a legitimate, running game that was altered after first publication,” Genheimer added.

Investigations revealed that PirateFi was created by modifying an existing game template called Easy Survival RPG. This tool, designed for game development, costs between $399 and $1,099 for licensing. By leveraging this template, hackers were able to distribute a fully functional game embedded with malicious software with minimal effort.

Vidar, the malware found in PirateFi, is an infostealer designed to extract sensitive data from infected computers. According to Genheimer, the malware can steal passwords saved in web browsers, session cookies, browsing history, cryptocurrency wallet credentials, screenshots, two-factor authentication codes, and various other personal files.

Vidar has been linked to multiple cybercriminal campaigns, including attempts to steal Booking.com credentials, deploy ransomware, and insert malicious advertisements into Google search results. The Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3) reported that since its discovery in 2018, Vidar has become one of the most prolific infostealers in circulation.

Infostealers are commonly distributed through a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) model, making them accessible to even low-skilled hackers. This model complicates efforts to trace the origins of attacks. Genheimer noted that identifying those behind PirateFi is particularly challenging because Vidar “is widely adopted by many cybercriminals.”

Researchers analyzed multiple samples of the malware, including one uploaded to VirusTotal by a Russian gamer and another identified through SteamDB, a database tracking Steam-hosted games. A third sample was found in a threat intelligence repository, and all three exhibited the same malicious functionality. Valve has not issued a response regarding the incident.

The supposed developer of PirateFi, Seaworth Interactive, has no online presence. Until recently, the game had an X (formerly Twitter) account linking to its Steam page, but the account has since been deleted. Attempts to contact the owners via direct messages went unanswered before the account was removed.
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multifactor authentication password security
Android phishing apps Cybersecurity Threats Malware Detection Mobile Security multifactor authentication password security

Android Phishing Apps: A Growing Cybersecurity Threat in 2024

 

Cybercriminals are evolving their tactics, shifting from traditional email-based phishing scams to more sophisticated Android phishing apps. According to the 2025 State of Malware report by Malwarebytes, over 22,800 phishing apps were detected on Android devices in 2024 alone. Among them, 5,200 apps exploited text messages to bypass multifactor authentication (MFA), while 4,800 leveraged Android’s notification bar to steal sensitive data.

Despite their high-tech capabilities, Android phishing apps operate on a classic phishing principle. These malicious apps disguise themselves as legitimate services like TikTok, Spotify, and WhatsApp. Once installed, they trick users into entering their real credentials on fake login screens controlled by cybercriminals. Stolen credentials are often bundled and sold on the dark web, enabling fraudsters to attempt unauthorized access to banking, email, and other critical accounts.

For years, phishing was primarily an email-based threat. Fraudsters impersonated well-known brands like Netflix, Uber, and Google, urging users to click on fraudulent links that led to counterfeit websites. These sites mimicked official platforms, deceiving users into sharing their login details.

As email providers strengthened spam filters, cybercriminals adapted by developing Android phishing apps. Some of these apps masquerade as mobile games or utilities, luring users into linking social media accounts under false pretenses. Others imitate popular apps and appear on lesser-known app stores, bypassing Google Play’s security protocols.

How Android Phishing Apps Evade Detection

Cybercriminals continue to find ways to avoid detection. Some malicious apps contain no direct code for stealing passwords but instead serve deceptive ads that redirect users to external phishing websites. These seemingly harmless apps have a better chance of being approved on app stores, increasing their reach and effectiveness.

One of the most concerning developments is the ability of these apps to compromise multifactor authentication. Malwarebytes identified thousands of apps capable of intercepting authentication codes via text messages or notification access, undermining one of the strongest security measures available today.

Protecting Against Android Phishing Apps
  1. To safeguard personal and financial information, users should adopt a multi-layered security approach:
  2. Install mobile security software that detects and prevents phishing apps from infiltrating devices.
  3. Check app reviews before downloading; a low number of reviews may indicate a fraudulent app.
  4. Stick to official app stores like Google Play to minimize the risk of installing malicious software.
  5. Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each account.
  6. Enable multifactor authentication for sensitive accounts, including banking, email, and social media, despite the evolving threats.

As Android phishing scams become more sophisticated, staying informed and implementing strong cybersecurity measures are crucial in protecting personal data from cybercriminals.
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Sandworm cyberattacks
Advanced persistent threat (APT) Cyber Security Cybersecurity Threats Russian cyber espionage Sandworm cyberattacks

Sandworm’s Evolving Cyber Threat: BadPilot Expands Global Reach

 

Sandworm, also known as Russia's Military Unit 74455 within the GRU, has established itself as one of the most notorious advanced persistent threats (APT). Its cyber operations have included NotPetya, the attack on the 2018 Winter Olympics, and two successful assaults on Ukraine’s power grid. More recent campaigns have targeted Denmark’s energy sector and attempted—both unsuccessfully and successfully—to disrupt Ukraine’s grid once again.

Recent developments indicate a shift in Sandworm’s tactics, moving toward quieter, more extensive intrusions. Microsoft, tracking the group under the name "Seashell Blizzard," has identified a specific subgroup within Unit 74455 that focuses exclusively on breaching high-value organizations. Dubbed "BadPilot," this subgroup has been executing opportunistic cyberattacks on Internet-facing infrastructure since at least late 2021, leveraging known vulnerabilities in widely used email and collaboration platforms.

Among the critical vulnerabilities exploited by BadPilot are Zimbra's CVE-2022-41352, Microsoft Exchange's CVE-2021-34473, and Microsoft Outlook's CVE-2023-23397. All three have received a severity score of 9.8 out of 10 under the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), indicating their high impact.

BadPilot’s primary targets include telecommunications, oil and gas, shipping, arms manufacturing, and foreign government entities, spanning Ukraine, Europe, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. Since early 2024, operations have expanded to the United States and the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on vulnerabilities in remote monitoring and management (RMM) software. Exploited vulnerabilities include CVE-2023-48788 in Fortinet Forticlient Enterprise Management Server (EMS) and CVE-2024-1709, a critical authentication bypass flaw in ScreenConnect by ConnectWise, rated a perfect 10 on the CVSS scale.

Upon breaching a system, BadPilot follows a systematic approach to maintain persistence and escalate its control. It deploys the custom "LocalOlive" Web shell and uses legitimate RMM tools under the name "ShadowLink" to configure compromised systems as Tor hidden services. The group collects credentials, moves laterally across networks, exfiltrates data, and engages in post-compromise activities.

“There is not a lack of sophistication here, but a focus on agility and obtaining goals,” says Sherrod DeGrippo, director of threat intelligence strategy at Microsoft. “These TTPs work because this threat actor is persistent and continues pursuing its objectives.”

BadPilot’s operations serve as a crucial enabler for Sandworm’s broader cyberattacks, aligning with Russia’s strategic objectives. Microsoft notes that "its compromises cumulatively offer Seashell Blizzard options when responding to Russia's evolving strategic objectives."

The subgroup emerged just months before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, actively contributing to cyberattacks aimed at organizations providing political or military support to Ukraine. Since 2023, BadPilot has facilitated at least three destructive attacks in the country.

Throughout the war, Sandworm has persistently targeted Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, including telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, energy, water, and military organizations, as well as civilian support systems. Intelligence-gathering operations have also extended to military communities.

“These threat actors are persistent, creative, organized, and well-resourced,” DeGrippo emphasizes. To mitigate risks, "critical sectors need to ensure that they sustain above-average security practices, patch their software, monitor Internet-facing assets, and enhance their overall security posture."
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identity-based attacks
AI-driven cyberattacks Credential Theft Cyber Attacks Cybercrime economy Cybersecurity Threats identity-based attacks

Data Reveals Identity-Based Attacks Now Dominate Cybercrime

 

Cyberattacks are undergoing a significant transformation, shifting away from malware-driven methods toward identity exploitation. According to the CrowdStrike 2024 Global Threat Report, three out of four cyberattacks now leverage valid credentials instead of malicious software.

This change is fueled by the expanding cybercrime economy, where stolen identities are becoming as valuable as exploitable system vulnerabilities. A booming underground market for credentials, combined with AI-powered deception and automated phishing, is rendering traditional security measures ineffective.

“You may have really locked down environments for untrusted external threats, but as soon as you look like a legitimate user, you’ve got the keys to the kingdom,” said Elia Zaitsev, CTO at CrowdStrike. This shift presents a pressing challenge for enterprises: if attackers no longer need malware to infiltrate networks, how can they be stopped?

The CrowdStrike report also highlights the speed at which attackers escalate privileges once inside a network. The fastest recorded eCrime breakout time—the duration between initial access and lateral movement—was just 2 minutes and 7 seconds.

Traditional security models that focus on malware detection or manual threat investigation are struggling to keep up. In identity-driven attacks, there are no suspicious payloads to analyze—just adversaries impersonating authorized users. This has led to a rise in living-off-the-land techniques, where attackers use built-in system tools to evade detection. Instead of deploying custom malware, they exploit legitimate credentials and remote monitoring tools to blend seamlessly into network activity.

A key challenge outlined in the 2024 Global Threat Report is the expansion of identity attacks beyond a single environment. Cybercriminals now utilize stolen credentials to move laterally across on-premises, cloud, and SaaS environments, making detection even more difficult.

Jim Guinn, a cybersecurity leader at EY, explained this evolving strategy: “You have to get in, and you have to be able to laterally move throughout the network, which means you have some level of access. And access requires identity.”

Guinn also emphasized the growing role of nation-state actors, who infiltrate networks months or even years in advance, waiting for the right moment to launch an attack.

For companies that still treat endpoint security, cloud security, and identity protection as separate entities, this shift presents a major challenge. Attackers increasingly pivot between these environments, making detection and prevention even more complex.

“The moment that man created AI, he also created a way for bad actors to use AI against you,” Guinn noted. “They're creating a quicker way to get to a set of targets that cybercriminals can use, and they're creating code bases and ways to manipulate users' credentials faster than the human can think about it.”

With identity-based attacks outpacing traditional security defenses, organizations are rethinking their cybersecurity strategies.

One crucial change is the adoption of continuous identity verification. Historically, authentication has been a one-time process, where users log in and remain trusted indefinitely. However, as attackers increasingly impersonate legitimate users, companies are implementing real-time behavioral monitoring to detect anomalies.

Another key adaptation is just-in-time privileges, where employees are granted administrative access only when required—and revoked immediately afterward—to minimize risk.

“We're bringing all that to bear,” Zaitsev explained. “We are taking that cross-domain, multi-domain visibility approach, unifying it all, and then, of course, also focusing heavily on continuous detection, prevention, and response.”

Guinn shared a compelling example of an organization recognizing the importance of identity security. “One of their senior executives said, ‘I think the only reason we haven’t really had a breach—like a significant breach—is because we have multi-factor authentication for our user credentials.’”

The CrowdStrike 2024 Global Threat Report underscores a fundamental shift in cybersecurity: identity, not malware, is the new battleground. Attackers no longer rely on complex exploits or hidden backdoors when they can buy access credentials, phish an employee, or manipulate AI-driven authentication systems.

Simply put, without access to valid credentials, cybercriminals are powerless. This makes identity security the core of modern cybersecurity strategies.

As organizations adapt to this evolving threat landscape, one thing is clear: failing to prioritize identity security leaves businesses vulnerable to adversaries who no longer need to break in—they already have the keys.
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Technology
Cloud Security Cryptojacking Cybersecurity Threats Google Cloud MFA Raccoon Stealer Ransomware Technology

TRIPLESTRENGTH Targets Cloud for Cryptojacking, On-Premises Systems for Ransomware Attacks

 

Google unveiled a financially driven threat actor, TRIPLESTRENGTH, targeting cloud environments for cryptojacking and on-premise ransomware operations.

"This actor engaged in a variety of threat activity, including cryptocurrency mining operations on hijacked cloud resources and ransomware activity," Google Cloud noted in its 11th Threat Horizons Report.

TRIPLESTRENGTH employs a three-pronged attack strategy: unauthorized cryptocurrency mining, ransomware deployment, and offering cloud platform access—spanning services like Google Cloud, AWS, Azure, Linode, OVHCloud, and Digital Ocean—to other attackers. The group's primary entry methods involve stolen credentials and cookies, often sourced from Raccoon Stealer logs. Compromised environments are used to create compute resources for mining cryptocurrency using tools like the unMiner application and the unMineable mining pool, optimized for both CPU and GPU algorithms.

Interestingly, TRIPLESTRENGTH has concentrated its ransomware efforts on on-premises systems, deploying lockers such as Phobos, RCRU64, and LokiLocker.

"In Telegram channels focused on hacking, actors linked to TRIPLESTRENGTH have posted advertisements for RCRU64 ransomware-as-a-service and also solicited partners to collaborate in ransomware and blackmail operations," Google Cloud disclosed.

One notable incident in May 2024 involved initial access through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), followed by lateral movement and antivirus evasion to execute ransomware across several systems. TRIPLESTRENGTH also regularly advertises access to compromised servers on Telegram, targeting hosting providers and cloud platforms.

To counteract such threats, Google has introduced multi-factor authentication (MFA) and improved logging for detecting sensitive billing actions.

"A single stolen credential can initiate a chain reaction, granting attackers access to applications and data, both on-premises and in the cloud," Google warned. 

"This access can be further exploited to compromise infrastructure through remote access services, manipulate MFA, and establish a trusted presence for subsequent social engineering attacks."
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Technology
Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Threats Post-Quantum Encryption Quantum computing Technology

Quantum Computing: A Rising Challenge Beyond the AI Spotlight

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) often dominates headlines, stirring fascination and fears of a machine-controlled dystopia. With daily interactions through virtual assistants, social media algorithms, and self-driving cars, AI feels familiar, thanks to decades of science fiction embedding it into popular culture. Yet, lurking beneath the AI buzz is a less familiar but potentially more disruptive force: quantum computing.

Quantum computing, unlike AI, is shrouded in scientific complexity and public obscurity. While AI benefits from widespread cultural familiarity, quantum mechanics remains an enigmatic topic, rarely explored in blockbuster movies or bestselling novels. Despite its low profile, quantum computing harbors transformative—and potentially hazardous—capabilities.

Quantum computers excel at solving problems beyond the scope of today's classical computers. For example, in 2019, Google’s quantum computer completed a computation in just over three minutes—a task that would take a classical supercomputer approximately 10,000 years. This unprecedented speed holds the promise to revolutionize fields such as healthcare, logistics, and scientific research. However, it also poses profound risks, particularly in cybersecurity.

The most immediate threat of quantum computing lies in its ability to undermine existing encryption systems. Public-key cryptography, which safeguards online transactions and personal data, relies on mathematical problems that are nearly impossible for classical computers to solve. Quantum computers, however, could crack these codes in moments, potentially exposing sensitive information worldwide.

Many experts warn of a “cryptographic apocalypse” if organizations fail to adopt quantum-resistant encryption. Governments and businesses are beginning to recognize the urgency. The World Economic Forum has called for proactive measures, emphasizing the need to prepare for the quantum era before it is too late. Despite these warnings, the public conversation remains focused on AI, leaving the risks of quantum computing underappreciated.

The race to counter the quantum threat has begun. Leading tech companies like Google and Apple are developing post-quantum encryption protocols to secure their systems. Governments are crafting strategies for transitioning to quantum-safe encryption, but timelines vary. Experts predict that quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption may emerge within 5 to 30 years. Regardless of the timeline, the shift to quantum-resistant systems will be both complex and costly.

While AI captivates the world with its promise and peril, quantum computing remains an under-discussed yet formidable security challenge. Its technical intricacy and lack of cultural presence have kept it in the shadows, but its potential to disrupt digital security demands immediate attention. As society marvels at AI-driven futures, it must not overlook the silent revolution of quantum computing—an unseen threat that could redefine our technological landscape if unaddressed.
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Python NodeStealer
browser credential theft Credit Card Theft Cybersecurity Threats Facebook Ads Manager Infostealer Malware malvertising campaigns malware Python NodeStealer

Upgraded Python NodeStealer Now Targets Facebook Ads Manager and Steals More Sensitive Data

 

Python NodeStealer, a notorious infostealer previously known for targeting Facebook Business accounts, has now been enhanced with new, dangerous capabilities that allow it to infiltrate Facebook Ads Manager accounts. This upgrade not only boosts its ability to steal more data but also paves the way for even more malicious campaigns.

In an extensive analysis by cybersecurity experts at Netskope Threat Labs, it was revealed that the infostealer is now capable of stealing credit card information in addition to previously targeted browser credentials. 

The new attack vector involves copying the “Web Data” from browsers, a SQLite database containing sensitive data like autofill details and saved payment methods.

“With these, the infostealer can now collect the victim’s credit card information which includes the cardholder’s name, card expiration date, and card number,” the researchers pointed out. To access this information, NodeStealer uses Python’s SQLite3 library to run specific queries on the stolen database, looking for credit card-related data.

The new version of Python NodeStealer also abuses Windows Restart Manager, a tool typically used to manage reboots after software updates. In this case, however, the tool is leveraged to bypass locked database files that contain valuable data. By extracting browser database files into a temporary folder, NodeStealer circumvents file locks, and exfiltrates the data via a Telegram bot.

Most likely developed by a Vietnamese cybercriminal group, Python NodeStealer’s primary targets are Facebook Business and Ads Manager accounts, which are then exploited in malvertising campaigns. Since Facebook’s stringent vetting process for ad purchases typically prevents unauthorized ads, cybercriminals now resort to stealing verified accounts to run their malicious ads instead.
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