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Ransomware
Credentialstealing Cyber Security Cybersecurity IdentityTheft infostealers phishing Ransomware

Cybercriminals Shift Tactics Towards Stealth and Identity Theft: IBM X-Force 2025 Report

 

iThe IBM X-Force 2025 Threat Intelligence Index highlights a growing trend of cybercriminals adopting more covert attack strategies. Drawing from analysis of over 150 billion security events daily across 130+ countries, the report notes an 84% spike in email-delivered infostealers in 2024 compared to the previous year. This surge signals a marked pivot towards credential theft, even as enterprise-targeted ransomware attacks show a notable decline.

“Cybercriminals are most often breaking in without breaking anything – capitalising on identity gaps overflowing from complex hybrid cloud environments that offer attackers multiple access points,” said IBM cybersecurity services global managing partner Mark Hughes. “Businesses need to shift away from an ad-hoc prevention mindset and focus on proactive measures such as modernising authentication management, plugging multi-factor authentication holes and conducting real-time threat hunting to uncover hidden threats before they expose sensitive data.”

The report found that critical infrastructure organisations bore the brunt of attacks, accounting for 70% of incidents handled by IBM X-Force last year. More than a quarter of these breaches exploited system vulnerabilities. Data theft (18%) overtook encryption-based attacks (11%) as the preferred method, reflecting improvements in detection tools and increased law enforcement pressure, which have forced threat actors to rethink their strategies.

Asia and North America emerged as the primary targets, together representing almost 60% of all global attacks. Asia faced 34% of the incidents, while North America encountered 24%. For the fourth consecutive year, the manufacturing industry remained the most impacted sector, attributed to its sensitivity to operational disruptions and susceptibility to ransomware.

Emerging AI-related threats also garnered attention. Although no major AI-focused attacks surfaced in 2024, security teams are racing to find and patch vulnerabilities before they are exploited. A critical remote code execution flaw within an AI development framework is expected to gain traction in 2025 as adoption grows. Experts warn that attackers may soon develop dedicated toolkits aimed specifically at AI systems, underlining the urgent need to secure AI infrastructure.Persistent challenges in critical infrastructure security largely stem from outdated technologies and delayed patch management. IBM X-Force revealed that vulnerabilities accounted for over 25% of exploited incidents. Analyzing discussions on dark web forums showed that four of the ten most talked-about CVEs were associated with advanced threat groups, including state-sponsored actors, escalating the risks of disruption and extortion.

Research in collaboration with Red Hat Insights found that over 50% of Red Hat Enterprise Linux users had not patched at least one critical vulnerability, with 18% leaving five or more critical CVEs unaddressed. Moreover, ransomware variants like Akira, Lockbit, Clop, and RansomHub have expanded their capabilities to affect both Windows and Linux systems.

A sharp rise in phishing campaigns distributing infostealers was another key finding, with a 180% jump compared to 2023. The use of credential phishing and infostealers enables hackers to swiftly exfiltrate sensitive information while maintaining a low profile.

While ransomware still accounted for 28% of malware attacks in 2024, its overall prevalence declined compared to previous years. Cybercriminals are increasingly shifting towards identity-based attacks, adapting to countermeasures that have made traditional ransomware operations more difficult.
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Ransomware
AI Akira Credentials Cyber Crime IBM phishing Ransomware

Cybercriminals Are Now Focusing More on Stealing Credentials Than Using Ransomware, IBM Warns

 



A new report from IBM’s X-Force 2025 Threat Intelligence Index shows that cybercriminals are changing their tactics. Instead of mainly using ransomware to lock systems, more hackers are now trying to quietly steal login information. IBM studied over 150 billion security events each day from 130+ countries and found that infostealers, a type of malware sent through emails to steal data, rose by 84% in 2024 compared to 2023.

This change means that instead of damaging systems right away, attackers are sneaking into networks to steal passwords and other sensitive information. Mark Hughes, a cybersecurity leader at IBM, said attackers are finding ways into complex cloud systems without making a mess. He also advised businesses to stop relying on basic protection methods. Instead, companies should improve how they manage passwords, fix weaknesses in multi-factor authentication, and actively search for hidden threats before any damage happens.

Critical industries such as energy, healthcare, and transportation were the main targets in the past year. About 70% of the incidents IBM helped handle involved critical infrastructure. In around 25% of these cases, attackers got in by taking advantage of known flaws in systems that had not been fixed. Many hackers now prefer stealing important data instead of locking it with ransomware. Data theft was the method in 18% of cases, while encryption-based attacks made up only 11%.

The study also found that Asia and North America were attacked the most, together making up nearly 60% of global incidents. Asia alone saw 34% of the attacks, and North America had 24%. Manufacturing businesses remained the top industry targeted for the fourth year in a row because even short outages can seriously hurt their operations.

Emerging threats related to artificial intelligence (AI) were also discussed. No major attacks on AI systems happened in 2024, but experts found some early signs of possible risks. For example, a serious security gap was found in a software framework used to create AI agents. As AI technology spreads, hackers are likely to build new tools to attack these systems, making it very important to secure AI pipelines early.

Another major concern is the slow pace of fixing vulnerabilities in many companies. IBM found that many Red Hat Enterprise Linux users had not updated their systems properly, leaving them open to attacks. Also, ransomware groups like Akira, Lockbit, Clop, and RansomHub have evolved to target both Windows and Linux systems.

Lastly, phishing attacks that deliver infostealers increased by 180% in 2024 compared to the year before. Even though ransomware still accounted for 28% of malware cases, the overall number of ransomware incidents fell. Cybercriminals are clearly moving towards quieter methods that focus on stealing identities rather than locking down systems.


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Spyware
API Keys Cybersecurity Data Breach Developers malware npm packages open-source phishing Software Supply Chain Spyware

Rise in Data-Stealing Malware Targeting Developers, Sonatype Warns

 

A recent report released on April 2 has uncovered a worrying rise in open-source malware aimed at developers. These attacks, described as “smash and grab” operations, are designed to swiftly exfiltrate sensitive data from development environments.

Brian Fox, co-founder and CTO of Sonatype, explained that developers are increasingly falling victim to deceptive software packages. Once installed, these packages execute malicious code to harvest confidential data such as API keys, session cookies, and database credentials—then transmit it externally.

“It’s over in a flash,” Fox said. “Many of the times, people don’t recognize that this was even an attack.”

Sonatype, a leader in software supply-chain security, revealed that 56% of malware identified in Q1 2025 focused on data exfiltration. These programs are tailored to extract sensitive information from compromised systems. This marks a sharp increase from Q4 2024, when only 26% of open-source threats had such capabilities. The company defines open-source malware as “malicious code intentionally crafted to target developers in order to infiltrate and exploit software supply chains.”

Fox emphasized that these attacks often begin with spear phishing tactics—posing as legitimate software packages on public repositories. Minor changes, such as replacing hyphens with underscores in filenames, can mislead even seasoned developers.

“The attackers fake the number of downloads. They fake the stars so it can look as legit as the original one, because there’s not enough awareness. [Developers] are not yet trained to be skeptical,” Fox told us.

These stolen data fragments—while small—can have massive consequences. API keys, hashed passwords, and cookie caches serve as backdoors for broader attacks.

“They’re breaking into the janitor’s closet, not to put in a bomb, but to grab his keychain, and then they’re going to come back at night with the keychain,” Fox said.

The 2025 report highlights early examples:

Compromised JavaScript packages on npm were found to steal environment variables, which typically contain API tokens, SSH credentials, and other sensitive information.

A fake npm extension embedded spyware that enabled complete remote access.

Malicious packages targeted cryptocurrency developers, deploying Windows trojans capable of keylogging and data exfiltration. These packages had over 1,900 downloads collectively.

A separate report published by Sonatype in November 2024 reported a 156% year-over-year surge in open-source malware. Since October 2023, over 512,847 malicious packages have been identified—including but not limited to data-exfiltrating malware.
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TaxSeason
2FA Cybersecurity Data Breach GoogleAds OTP phishing QuickBooks Scam TaxSeason

Cybercriminals Target QuickBooks Users with Phishing Attacks via Google Ads Ahead of Tax Deadline

 

With the April 15 U.S. tax deadline looming, millions of users are logging in to manage their finances online—unfortunately, cybercriminals are watching too. Leveraging this surge in digital activity, attackers are exploiting trusted platforms like Google to deceive users of Intuit’s QuickBooks.

By purchasing top Google Ads placements, hackers are directing users to authentic-looking but fraudulent login pages. These fake portals are designed to steal crucial information including usernames, passwords, and even one-time passcodes (OTPs)—granting criminals access to victims’ financial data needed for filing taxes.

Understanding how this scam works is the first step toward staying safe. Phishing scams targeting accounting software are nothing new. Fraudulent support calls and infected software downloads—often traced to large-scale operations in India and nearby regions—have long been tactics in the scammer playbook.

Late last year, security experts uncovered a malicious QuickBooks installer that prompted users to call a fake support number through a deceptive pop-up.

This new scam is even more concerning. Instead of malware, attackers are now going straight for login credentials. The scam begins with a simple Google search. An ad mimicking Intuit’s branding for “QuickBooks Online” leads users to a convincing fake website.
  • Domain Name: QUICCKBOORKS-ACCCOUNTING.COM
  • Registrar URL: https://www.hostinger.com
  • Creation Date: 2025-04-07T01:44:46Z
The phishing site mirrors the actual QuickBooks login portal. Once users enter their credentials, the information is harvested in real-time and sent to cybercriminals.

"Passwords alone offer a limited level of security because they can be easily guessed, stolen through phishing, or compromised in data breaches. It is highly recommended to enhance account protection by enabling a second form of authentication like one-time passcodes sent to your device or utilizing a 2FA app for an extra layer of verification."

However, even two-factor authentication (2FA) and OTPs are being targeted. Modern phishing kits use advanced tactics like “man-in-the-middle” or “adversary-in-the-middle” (AiTM) attacks to intercept this second layer of protection.

As users unknowingly submit both their password and OTP to a fake login page, the information is relayed instantly to the attacker—who uses it before the code expires.

Cybercriminals ramp up efforts during tax season, banking on urgency and the volume of financial activity to catch users off guard. Their tools? Deceptive Google ads that closely resemble legitimate QuickBooks links. These reroute users to cloned websites that can collect sensitive data—or even install malware.

While 2FA and OTPs still offer critical protection against many threats, they must be used on verified platforms to be effective. If you land on a malicious site, even the best security tools can be bypassed.
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Tax
Cyber Fraud IRS Cybersecurity phishing Scam Tax

Microsoft Warns of Tax-Themed Phishing Scams Targeting Americans This April

 

As the tax deadline looms, cybercriminals are seizing the opportunity to exploit anxious taxpayers. Microsoft has sounded the alarm on a new surge of sophisticated phishing scams that are preying on individuals during the 2025 tax season.

From fake IRS communications to malicious PDFs and QR codes, scammers are using increasingly deceptive methods to trick users into handing over sensitive information or installing malware.

These phishing campaigns are engineered to deliver a variety of dangerous payloads including Latrodectus, BruteRatel C4, and AHKBot. They also often deploy remote access trojans (RATs), enabling hackers to take over infected systems, steal financial data, or commit identity theft.

The fraudulent emails appear convincing, often featuring urgent subject lines such as "Unusual Activity Detected in Your IRS Filing" or "Important Action Required: IRS Audit." With one click, users are redirected to fake websites—like spoofed DocuSign pages—that automatically trigger malware downloads.

In some cases, scammers are playing the long game. One tactic involves emails from fake "clients" claiming tax-related emergencies due to past CPA errors. A response to these emails could lead to receiving a malicious attachment disguised as a tax document.

Microsoft has flagged a particularly stealthy campaign aimed at accountants. The bait? A malware-laced PDF that deploys GuLoader, a tool that leverages encrypted shellcode and cloud-based services to bypass standard security protocols. Once installed, Remcos, a remote access trojan, takes over the device, allowing hackers to manipulate files or exfiltrate data unnoticed.

“Scammers thrive on panic, so don't let them rush you. Always double-check sender addresses, avoid clicking links in unexpected emails, and never download attachments unless you're absolutely certain they're safe,” the advisory warns.

The IRS, it’s important to note, does not contact individuals via email, text, or social media for sensitive information.

Microsoft reassures users that their security solutions are actively combating these threats.

“Defender for Office 365 automatically flags and blocks phishing emails and malicious attachments, while Defender for Endpoint provides comprehensive protection across devices.”

With awareness and caution, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim during this high-risk season.
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Yoojo
AppSecurity CloudMisconfiguration CloudStorage Cybersecurity Data Breach Europe GDPR IdentityTheft Leak PersonalData phishing Privacy TechSecurity UserPrivacy Yoojo

Yoojo Exposes Millions of Sensitive Files Due to Misconfigured Database

 

Yoojo, a European service marketplace, accidentally left a cloud storage bucket unprotected online, exposing around 14.5 million files, including highly sensitive user data. The data breach was uncovered by Cybernews researchers, who immediately informed the company. Following the alert, Yoojo promptly secured the exposed archive.

The database contained a range of personally identifiable information (PII), including full names, passport details, government-issued IDs, user messages, and phone numbers. This level of detail, according to experts, could be exploited for phishing, identity theft, or even financial fraud.

Yoojo offers an online platform connecting users with service providers for tasks like cleaning, gardening, childcare, IT support, moving, and homecare. With over 500,000 downloads on Google Play, the app has gained significant traction in France, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Cybernews stated that the exposed database was publicly accessible for at least 10 days, though there's no current evidence of malicious exploitation. Still, researchers cautioned that unauthorized parties might have already accessed the data. Yoojo has yet to issue a formal comment on the incident.

“Leaked personal details enables attackers to create highly targeted phishing, vishing, and smishing campaigns. Fraudulent emails and SMS scams could involve impersonating Yoojo service providers asking for sensitive information like payment details or verification documents,” Cybernews researchers said.

The incident underscores how frequently misconfigured databases lead to data exposures. While many organizations rely on cloud services for storing confidential information, they often overlook the shared responsibility model that cloud infrastructure follows.

On a positive note, most companies act swiftly once made aware of such vulnerabilities—just as Yoojo did—by promptly restricting access to the exposed data.
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phishing
CAPTCHA CAPTCHA Security Cyber Attacks cybercriminals Fake Captcha Hacker attack Hackers Malware attacks phishing

Fake CAPTCHAs Are the New Trap: Here’s How Hackers Are Using Them to Install Malware

 

For years, CAPTCHAs have been a familiar online hurdle—click a box, identify a few blurry images, and prove you’re human. They’ve long served as digital gatekeepers to help websites filter out bots and protect against abuse. But now, cybercriminals are turning this trusted security mechanism into a tool for deception. Security researchers are sounding the alarm over a growing threat: fake CAPTCHAs designed to trick users into unknowingly installing malware. 

These phony tests imitate the real thing, often appearing as pop-up windows or embedded verification boxes on compromised websites. At first glance, they seem harmless—just another quick click on your way to a webpage. But a single interaction can trigger a hidden chain reaction that compromises your device. The tactic is subtle but effective. By replicating legitimate CAPTCHA interfaces, attackers play on instinct. Most users are conditioned to complete CAPTCHAs without much thought. That reflexive click becomes the entry point for malicious code. 

One reported incident involved a prompt asking users to paste a code into the Windows Run dialog—an action that launched malware installation scripts. Another campaign tied to the Quakbot malware family used similar deception, embedding CAPTCHAs that initiated background downloads and executed harmful commands with a single click. These attacks, often referred to as ClickFix CAPTCHA scams, are a form of social engineering—a psychological manipulation tactic hackers use to exploit human behavior. 

In this case, attackers are banking on your trust in familiar security prompts to lower your guard. The threat doesn’t stop at just fake clicks. Some CAPTCHAs redirect users to infected web pages, while others silently copy dangerous commands to the clipboard. In the worst cases, users are tricked into pressing keyboard shortcuts that launch Windows PowerShell, allowing attackers to run scripts that steal data, disable security software, or hijack system functions. 

Experts warn that this method is particularly dangerous because it blends in so well with normal browsing activity. Unlike more obvious phishing scams, fake CAPTCHA attacks don’t rely on emails or suspicious links—they happen right where users feel safe: in their browsers. To defend against these attacks, users must remain skeptical of CAPTCHAs that ask for more than a simple click. 

If a CAPTCHA ever requests you to enter text into system tools, press unusual key combinations, or follow unfamiliar instructions, stop immediately. Those are red flags. Moreover, ensure you have reliable antivirus protection installed and keep your browser and operating system updated. Visiting lesser-known websites? Use an ad blocker or security-focused browser extension to reduce exposure to malicious scripts. 

As CAPTCHA-based scams grow more sophisticated, digital vigilance is your best defense. The next time you’re asked to “prove you’re not a robot,” it might not be your humanity being tested—but your cybersecurity awareness.
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Zoom
BlackSuit Cyberattack Encryption malware phishing Ransomware Zoom

Fake Zoom Download Sites Spreading BlackSuit Ransomware, Experts Warn

 

A new cyberattack campaign is targeting Zoom users by disguising ransomware as the popular video conferencing tool, according to Cybernews. Researchers from DFIR have uncovered a scheme by the BlackSuit ransomware gang, which uses deceptive websites to distribute malicious software.

Instead of downloading Zoom from the official site, unsuspecting users are being lured to fraudulent platforms that closely mimic the real thing. One such site, zoommanager[.]com, tricks users into installing malware. Once downloaded, the BlackSuit ransomware remains dormant for several days before launching its full attack.

The malware first scrapes and encrypts sensitive personal and financial data. Then, victims are presented with a ransom demand to regain access to their files.

BlackSuit has a history of targeting critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and public service systems. The ransomware begins by downloading a malicious loader, which can bypass security tools and even disable Windows Defender.

Researchers found that the malware connects to a Steam Community page to fetch the next-stage server, downloading both the legitimate Zoom installer and malicious payload. It then injects itself into a MSBuild executable, staying inactive for eight days before initiating further actions.

On day nine, it executes Windows Commands to collect system data and deploys Cobalt Strike, a common hacker tool for lateral movement across networks. The malware also installs QDoor, allowing remote access through a domain controller. The final phase involves compressing and downloading key data before spreading the ransomware across all connected Windows systems. Victims’ files are locked with a password, and a ransom note is left behind.

Cybersecurity experts stress the importance of downloading software only from official sources. The genuine Zoom download page is located at zoom[.]us/download, which is significantly different from the deceptive site mentioned earlier.

"Zoom isn't nearly as popular with hackers now as it was a few years ago but given how widely used the service is, it's an easy way to target unsuspecting users online."

To protect against these kinds of attacks, users should remain vigilant about phishing tactics, use reputable antivirus software, and ensure it stays updated. Many modern antivirus tools now offer VPNs, password managers, and multi-device protection, adding extra layers of security.

"As well as making sure you're always downloading software from the correct source, make sure you are aware of common phishing techniques and tricks so you can recognize them when you see them."

It’s also recommended to manually navigate to software websites instead of clicking links in emails or search results, reducing the risk of accidentally landing on malicious clones.
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