Search This Blog
Powered by Blogger.

Blog Archive

Labels

About Me

Load More
Trendy Right Now

Popular Posts

Showing posts with label DDoS. Show all posts
Sensitive Information
Data Breach Data Leak data security DDoS Hackers Personal Data Police Sensitive Information

Hackers Leak 8,500 Files from Lexipol, Exposing U.S. Police Training Manuals

 

An anonymous hacker group called the “puppygirl hacker polycule” recently made headlines by leaking over 8,500 files from Lexipol, a private company that provides training materials and policy manuals for police departments across the United States. 

As first reported by The Daily Dot, the data breach exposed internal documents, including thousands of police policies, emails, phone numbers, addresses, and other sensitive information about Lexipol employees. The hackers published the stolen data on Distributed Denial of Secrets (DDoS), a nonprofit platform for leaked information. In a statement, the group said they targeted Lexipol because, in their view, there aren’t “enough hacks against the police,” so they took action themselves.  

Founded in 2003, Texas-based Lexipol LLC, also known for its online training platform PoliceOne, has become a significant force in police privatization. The company supplies policy manuals and training content to more than 20% of U.S. police departments, according to a 2022 Indiana Law Journal analysis. This widespread adoption has effectively shaped public policy, despite Lexipol being a private company. 

Critics have long raised concerns about Lexipol’s focus on minimizing legal liability for police departments rather than addressing issues like excessive force or racial profiling. The Intercept reported in 2020 that Lexipol’s training materials, used by the NYPD after the George Floyd protests, prioritized protecting departments from lawsuits rather than promoting accountability or reform. 

Additionally, Lexipol has actively opposed proposed changes to police use-of-force standards, favoring a more lenient “objectively reasonable” standard. The leaked documents revealed striking similarities in policy language across different police departments, with matching sections on use-of-force protocols and even identical “Code of Ethics” pages — some ending with a religious oath dedicating officers to their profession before God. 

Despite Lexipol’s intent to reduce legal risks for its clients, some police departments using its policies have faced legal consequences. In 2017, Culver City, CA, adopted a Lexipol manual that suggested detaining suspected undocumented immigrants based on “lack of English proficiency,” contradicting the city’s sanctuary status. Similarly, Spokane, WA, paid a $49,000 settlement in 2018 after police violated local immigration laws using Lexipol’s guidance. 

Although the puppygirl hacker polycule isn’t linked to previous major breaches, their tactics echo those of SiegedSec, a group known for hacking government sites and playfully demanding research into “IRL catgirls.” As political tensions rise, the hackers predict more “hacktivist” attacks, aiming to expose injustices and empower public awareness. The Lexipol breach serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in privatized law enforcement systems and the growing influence of cyberactivism.
Read more »
MirrorFace
Cyber Defence Cyber Security DDoS Hacker attack Hacker group Japan Japan Cyber Security MirrorFace

Japan’s New Active Cyber Defence Strategy to Counter Growing Threats

 

Japan is taking decisive steps to enhance its cybersecurity through a new strategy of “active cyber defence.” This approach enables authorized hackers working for the police or Self-Defence Forces (SDF) to infiltrate servers and neutralize cyber-attack sources before they cause significant damage. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, plans to introduce relevant legislation during the current parliamentary session. The urgency for stronger cybersecurity measures has escalated due to recent attacks. 

The National Police Agency (NPA) revealed that the Chinese state-linked hacking group MirrorFace was responsible for over 200 cyberattacks targeting Japan’s foreign ministries and semiconductor industry between 2019 and 2024. Additionally, cyber incursions since late December 2024 disrupted financial services, delayed flights, and exposed vulnerabilities in Japan’s critical infrastructure. Japan’s revised 2022 National Security Strategy identifies cyberattacks as a growing threat, likening cross-border hacks of civilian infrastructure to intimidation tactics that stop short of war. 

This has prompted Japan to expand its SDF cyber unit from 620 members in March 2024 to about 2,400 today, with plans to reach 4,000 personnel by 2028. However, this remains small compared to China’s estimated 30,000-member cyber-attack force. The proposed active defence strategy aims to bolster cooperation between public and private sectors, focusing on safeguarding critical infrastructure, such as energy, transportation, finance, and telecommunications. Japan also plans to establish a National Cyber Security Office in 2025 to coordinate cybersecurity policy, identify vulnerabilities, and advise private sector organizations. 

To prevent misuse, strict safeguards will accompany the strategy. Hackers will need prior approval to break into servers unless immediate action is required during active attacks. Penalties will address excessive monitoring or personal data leaks, ensuring transparency and public trust. Trend Micro’s recent findings underscore the importance of these measures. The security firm attributed recent cyberattacks to distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) campaigns launched by botnets. These attacks overwhelmed network servers with data, causing widespread disruptions to services like Japan Airlines and major banks. 

While Japan’s proactive approach is a significant step forward, experts like Professor Kazuto Suzuki caution that it may not deter all attackers. He notes that cyber deterrence is challenging due to the unpredictability of attackers’ methods. However, this strategy is expected to instill some fear of retaliation among hackers and strengthen Japan’s cybersecurity posture. As cyber threats evolve, Japan’s active defence initiative represents a critical effort to protect its infrastructure, economy, and national security from escalating digital risks.
Read more »
Proxy Service
Cyber Security DDoS DDOS Attacks Free VPN IP Address Network Security Privacy Risks Proxy Service

Free VPN Big Mama Raises Security Concerns Amid Cybercrime Links

 

Big Mama VPN, a free virtual private network app, is drawing scrutiny for its involvement in both legitimate and questionable online activities. The app, popular among Android users with over a million downloads, provides a free VPN service while also enabling users to sell access to their home internet connections. This service is marketed as a residential proxy, allowing buyers to use real IP addresses for activities ranging from ad verification to scraping pricing data. However, cybersecurity experts warn of significant risks tied to this dual functionality. 

Teenagers have recently gained attention for using Big Mama VPN to cheat in the virtual reality game Gorilla Tag. By side-loading the app onto Meta’s Oculus headsets, players exploit location delays to gain an unfair advantage. While this usage might seem relatively harmless, the real issue lies in how Big Mama’s residential proxy network operates. Researchers have linked the app to cybercrime forums where it is heavily promoted for use in activities such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, phishing campaigns, and botnets. Cybersecurity firm Trend Micro discovered that Meta VR headsets are among the most popular devices using Big Mama VPN, alongside Samsung and Xiaomi devices. 

They also identified a vulnerability in the VPN’s system, which could have allowed proxy users to access local networks. Big Mama reportedly addressed and fixed this flaw within a week of it being flagged. However, the larger problem persists: using Big Mama exposes users to significant privacy risks. When users download the VPN, they implicitly consent to having their internet connection routed for other users. This is outlined in the app’s terms and conditions, but many users fail to fully understand the implications. Through its proxy marketplace, Big Mama sells access to tens of thousands of IP addresses worldwide, accepting payments exclusively in cryptocurrency. 

Cybersecurity researchers at firms like Orange Cyberdefense and Kela have linked this marketplace to illicit activities, with over 1,000 posts about Big Mama appearing on cybercrime forums. Big Mama’s ambiguous ownership further complicates matters. While the company is registered in Romania, it previously listed an address in Wyoming. Its representative, using the alias Alex A, claims the company does not advertise on forums and logs user activity to cooperate with law enforcement. Despite these assurances, the app has been repeatedly flagged for its potential role in cyberattacks, including an incident reported by Cisco Talos. 

Free VPNs like Big Mama often come with hidden costs, sacrificing user privacy and security for financial viability. By selling access to residential proxies, Big Mama has opened doors for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting users’ internet connections. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of free services in the digital age. Users are advised to exercise extreme caution when downloading apps, especially from unofficial sources, and to consider the potential trade-offs involved in using free VPN services.
Read more »
phishing
Botnet Cyber Attacks Cyber Threats DDoS phishing

Cybersecurity Beyond Phishing: Six Underrated Threats


Cybercriminals are continually developing new methods to exploit vulnerabilities, and even the most tech-savvy individuals and organizations can find themselves at risk. While some cyberattacks like phishing and malware are well-known, several lesser-known but equally dangerous threats require attention. This blog post explores six types of cyberattacks you might not have considered but should be on your radar.

1. Botnet Attacks

A botnet attack involves a network of compromised computers, or "bots," which are controlled by a single entity, often referred to as a "botmaster." These botnets can be used to launch large-scale cyberattacks such as Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, which overwhelm a target’s resources, rendering it inaccessible. 

In 2016, hackers used the Mirai botnet to take control of millions of devices and launched a huge DDoS attack on Dyn, a major domain name server provider.

Some hackers also take over IoT devices to "brick" them, which means they damage the device’s firmware so it becomes useless. They do this for fun or to teach people about cybersecurity.

2. LLMjacking

As language models become integral in various applications, they present new cyberattack vectors. LLMjacking, or Large Language Model hijacking, involves manipulating language models to generate harmful or misleading information. 

Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in these models to spread misinformation, influence public opinion, or even automate phishing attacks. The rise of AI-powered tools necessitates the implementation of stringent security measures to safeguard against such manipulations.

Companies that utilize cloud-hosted Large Language Models (LLMs) are at risk of LLM jacking because they possess the necessary server resources to operate generative AI programs. Hackers might exploit these resources for personal purposes, such as creating their own images, or for more malicious activities like generating harmful code, contaminating the models, or stealing sensitive information.

While an individual hijacking a cloud-based LLM for personal use might not cause significant damage, the costs associated with resource usage can be substantial. A severe attack could result in charges ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per day for the owner.

3. Ransomware

Unlike traditional malware that aims to steal information, ransomware directly extorts victims. Attackers encrypt valuable data and demand payment, often in cryptocurrency, for the decryption key. Organizations of all sizes are potential targets, and the financial and reputational damage can be severe. Preventative measures, including regular data backups and cybersecurity training, are crucial in mitigating the risks of ransomware attacks.

4. Insider Threats

An insider threat comes from within the organization, typically from employees, contractors, or business partners who have inside information concerning the organization’s security practices. These threats can be malicious or unintentional but are dangerous due to the privileged access insiders have. 

They may misuse their access to steal sensitive information, disrupt operations, or introduce vulnerabilities. Organizations need to implement strict access controls, regular monitoring, and education to reduce the risk of insider threats.

5. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

Man-in-the-middle attacks occur when an attacker intercepts communication between two parties without their knowledge. The attacker can then eavesdrop, manipulate, or steal sensitive information being exchanged. 

MitM attacks are particularly concerning for financial transactions and other confidential communications. Encrypted communication channels, strong authentication methods, and educating users about potential risks are effective strategies to prevent such attacks.

6. Phishing Schemes

Phishing remains one of the most prevalent cyber threats, evolving in sophistication and technique. Attackers use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick individuals into divulging personal information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. 

Spear phishing, a targeted form of phishing, involves personalized attacks on specific individuals or organizations, making them harder to detect. Continuous cybersecurity awareness training and employing advanced email filtering solutions can help protect against phishing schemes.

Read more »
Ukraine-Russia Conflict
Bank Hacking Cyber Attacks data security DDoS DDOS Attacks Russian Cyber Security Ukraine-Russia Conflict

DDoS Attacks Disrupt Major Russian Banks: Ukraine Claims Responsibility

 

Several major Russian banks experienced distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, disrupting their online services and mobile apps. On Wednesday, local media reported that state-owned VTB Bank was among those affected. The bank informed the state news agency TASS that an attack “planned from abroad” caused disruptions for its clients trying to access online services. 

The Russian Agricultural Bank also reported being targeted by a DDoS attack on Tuesday. However, the bank noted that the impact was minimal due to their implementation of an enhanced system to combat such attacks. Gazprombank, the third-largest private bank in Russia, faced difficulties with its app’s transaction services due to the attack, though the issue was quickly resolved. Other banks, including Alfa Bank, Rosbank, and Post Bank, were also reportedly affected. 

On Wednesday, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) claimed responsibility for the DDoS campaign targeting the Russian banking sector. An anonymous source within HUR, speaking to Ukrainian media, mentioned that the attacks also affected several Russian payment systems and large telecom operators such as Beeline, Megafon, Tele2, and Rostelecom. While this claim has not been independently verified, the HUR official stated that the attack “is still ongoing and far from over.” 

This incident is part of a series of cyberattacks by Ukrainian entities against Russian targets. In October, pro-Ukrainian hackers and Ukraine’s security service (SBU) claimed to have breached Russia’s largest private bank, Alfa-Bank. In January, data allegedly belonging to 30 million Alfa-Bank customers was released by attackers involved in the breach. Earlier this year, the hacker group Blackjack, in cooperation with the SBU, breached a Moscow internet provider in retaliation for a Russian cyberattack on Ukraine’s largest telecom company, Kyivstar. 

While not all reports from Ukrainian hackers or intelligence officials can be independently verified, the recent DDoS attacks on Russian banks had noticeable consequences, despite Russian claims of minimal impact. DDoS attacks are generally easier to mitigate, but this campaign stands out for its broad impact on multiple financial institutions and service providers. The ongoing cyber warfare between Ukraine and Russia underscores the escalating digital conflict between the two nations. Both sides have been leveraging cyber capabilities to disrupt each other’s critical infrastructure. 

The recent attacks highlight the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures and swift response strategies to minimize the impact on essential services and ensure the security of digital transactions. As cyber threats evolve, both nations will likely continue to enhance their defenses to protect against such incursions.
Read more »
Ransomware
AI Black Basta Cyber Security Cyber Threats DDoS Ransomware

Are We Ready for the Next Wave of Cyber Threats?



In our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is a growing concern for everyone— from businesses and governments to everyday individuals. As technology advances, it opens up exciting possibilities and creates new, sophisticated cyber threats. Recent high-profile attacks, like those on Ascension and the French government, show just how damaging these threats can be.

Cybercriminals are always finding new ways to exploit weaknesses. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime damages could hit $10.5 trillion a year by 2025. This huge number highlights why strong cybersecurity measures are so important.

One major evolution in cyber threats is seen in ransomware attacks. These attacks used to be about locking up data and demanding a ransom to unlock it. Cybercriminals also steal data and threaten to release it publicly, which can disrupt businesses and ruin reputations. For example, in May, the Black Basta group attacked Ascension, the largest non-profit Catholic health system in the U.S., disrupting operations in its 140 hospitals and affecting patient care.

Supply chain attacks are another big concern. These attacks target vulnerabilities in the network of suppliers and partners that businesses rely on. This makes securing the entire supply chain crucial.

Cybercriminals are also using artificial intelligence (AI) to make their attacks more powerful. Examples include DeepLocker, a type of AI-powered malware that stays hidden until it reaches its target, and deepfake scams, where AI creates fake videos or audio to trick people into transferring money. AI-driven malware can change its behaviour to avoid detection, making it even more dangerous.

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are another serious threat. These attacks flood a website or network with so much traffic that it can’t function. In March 2024, a massive DDoS attack targeted over 300 web domains and 177,000 IP addresses linked to the French government, causing major disruptions.

Building a Strong Cybersecurity Defense

To fight these evolving threats, businesses need to build strong cybersecurity defenses. One effective approach is the zero-trust model, which means every access request is verified, no matter where it comes from. Key parts of this model include multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires more than one form of verification to access systems, and least privilege access, which ensures users only have access to what they need to do their job.

Advanced monitoring tools are also essential. Security information and event management (SIEM) systems, combined with AI-driven analytics, help detect and respond to threats in real time by providing a comprehensive view of network activities.

Human error is a major vulnerability in cybersecurity, so employee training and awareness are crucial. Regular training programs can help employees recognise and respond to threats like phishing attacks, creating a culture of security awareness.

The Role of AI in Cybersecurity

While AI helps cybercriminals, it also offers powerful tools for defending against cyber threats. AI can analyse vast amounts of data to spot patterns and anomalies that might indicate an attack. It can detect unusual behaviour in networks and help security analysts respond more quickly and efficiently to threats.

AI can also identify and mitigate insider threats by analysing user behaviour and spotting deviations from typical activity patterns. This helps strengthen overall security.

The future of cybersecurity will involve constant innovation and adaptation to new challenges. AI will play a central role in both defence and predictive analytics, helping foresee and prevent potential threats. Ethical considerations and developing frameworks for responsible AI use will be important.

Businesses need to stay ahead by adopting new technologies and continuously improving their cybersecurity practices. Collaboration between industries and with government agencies will be crucial in creating comprehensive strategies.

Looking to the future, we need to keep an eye on potential threats and innovations. Quantum computing promises new breakthroughs but also poses a threat to current encryption methods. Advances in cryptography will lead to more secure ways to protect data against emerging threats.

As cyber threats evolve, staying informed and adopting best practices are essential. Continuous innovation and strategic planning are key to staying ahead of cybercriminals and protecting critical assets.


Read more »
Internet Archive
Botnet Cyber Attacks data security DDoS Internet Archive

History Meets Hackers: Internet Archive Battles Ongoing DDoS Attacks

Under Siege: Internet Archive Battles Ongoing DDoS Attacks

The Internet Archive is allegedly subject to continuing DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks. The attacks began over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, according to the California-based charity, and some users reported being unable to access the digital archive site for several hours on Monday.

Why target the Internet Archive?

The motives behind DDoS attacks can vary. In the case of the Internet Archive, it seems:

  • Ideological Vendetta: Some believe that the attackers oppose the archive’s mission of open access to information. Perhaps they resent the democratization of knowledge or harbor a grudge against the organization.
  • Collateral Damage: The Internet Archive hosts controversial content, including political websites, historical documents, and even old Geocities pages. An attack on the archive could inadvertently affect unrelated sites.

"Archive.org is under DDoS attack," the nonprofit's X account announced Monday morning. "The data is not affected, but most services are unavailable."

The Internet Archive’s response

The nonprofit swiftly responded to the attacks. While details about the perpetrators have not surfaced, the organization changed its infrastructure to enhance resilience. It’s a delicate balancing act: maintaining accessibility while safeguarding against future attacks.

A few hours later, the organization reported that there was some "back and forth with the attackers." The business says it made certain improvements to its service but has not yet revealed further data on the attackers' identity or any likely motive for the attack.

Multiple X users reported that the site was still down Monday afternoon, despite Internet Archive's announcement that its services had been restored. On Monday, the organization verified that the DDoS attacks have resumed.

The archive site also reported network traffic difficulties on Sunday. Brewster Kahle, the founder and board chair of the Internet Archive, stated that the troubles on Sunday could have been caused by an "over-aggressive crawling group" or a DDoS attack and that the site typically experiences more technical issues on weekends.

The Anatomy of a DDoS Attack

DDoS attacks are like digital traffic jams. They flood a target server with an overwhelming volume of requests, causing it to slow down or crash. Here’s how they work:

  • Botnet Deployment: Attackers assemble a botnet—a network of compromised computers or devices—by infecting them with malware. These bots become unwitting foot soldiers in the attack.
  • Coordination: The attacker orchestrates the botnet to send a barrage of requests to the target server. The sheer volume overwhelms the server’s capacity to respond.
  • Impact: The target server becomes sluggish or unresponsive, affecting legitimate users who rely on its services.

The bigger picture

While additional digital archive sites exist, many of them use domain extensions headquartered outside of the United States. Internet Archive was started in San Francisco, California, in 1996. Kahle has been advocating for "universal access to all knowledge" through books, websites, and other forms of media for decades.

In addition to hacks, the archive group has faced several lawsuits in recent years. In 2020, major US book publishers sued the nonprofit over the Internet Archive's digital book lending scheme, alleging copyright infringement. Last year, a judge decided that the program breached the publishers' copyright. However, the foundation continues to contend that "controlled digital lending" is fair usage.

In 2023, Sony and Universal Music sued Internet Archive over their music archives, claiming copyright violation.

Read more »
OpenAI
Anonymous Sudan ChatGPT Cyber Attacks DDoS DDOS Attack Hacktivists OpenAI

OpenAI Reveals ChatGPT is Being Attacked by DDoS


AI organization behind ChatGPT, OpenAI, has acknowledged that distributed denial of service (DDoS) assaults are to blame for the sporadic disruptions that have plagued its main generative AI product.

As per the developer’s status page, ChatGPT and its API have been experiencing "periodic outages" since November 8 at approximately noon PST.

According to the most recent update published on November 8 at 19.49 PST, OpenAI said, “We are dealing with periodic outages due to an abnormal traffic pattern reflective of a DDoS attack. We are continuing work to mitigate this.”

While the application seemed to have been operating normally, a user of the API reported seeing a "429 - Too Many Requests" error, which is consistent with OpenAI's diagnosis of DDoS as the cause of the issue.

Hacktivists Claim Responsibility 

Hacktivist group Anonymous Sudan took to Telegram, claiming responsibility of the attacks. 

The group claimed to have targeted OpenAI specifically because of its support for Israel, in addition to its stated goal of going against "any American company." The nation has recently been under heavy fire for bombing civilians in Palestine.

The partnership between OpenAI and the Israeli occupation state, as well as the CEO's declaration that he is willing to increase investment in Israel and his multiple meetings with Israeli authorities, including Netanyahu, were mentioned in the statement.

Additionally, it asserted that “AI is now being used in the development of weapons and by intelligence agencies like Mossad” and that “Israel is using ChatGPT to oppress the Palestinians.”

"ChatGPT has a general biasness towards Israel and against Palestine," continued Anonymous Sudan.

In what it described as retaliation for a Quran-burning incident near Turkey's embassy in Stockholm, the group claimed responsibility for DDoS assaults against Swedish companies at the beginning of the year.

Jake Moore, cybersecurity advisor to ESET Global, DDoS mitigation providers must continually enhance their services. 

“Each year threat actors become better equipped and use more IP addresses such as home IoT devices to flood systems, making them more difficult to protect,” says Jake.

“Unfortunately, OpenAI remains one of the most talked about technology companies, making it a typical target for hackers. All that can be done to future-proof its network is to continue to expect the unexpected.”  

Read more »
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)