Checks and Checkmates: Cyberwarfare Unfolded | Edition 97
As cyberwarfare evolves, nation-state actors are increasingly becoming the architects of sophisticated and relentless attacks. From covert spyware deployments to hijacked infrastructure and zero-day vulnerabilities, these incidents underscore the escalating stakes in global cybersecurity.
Meanwhile, global cybercrime takes center stage, with major takedowns of criminal marketplaces and encrypted services, along with alarming DDoS-enabled satellite receivers.
In the high-stakes game of cyberwarfare, every move counts. In this edition of The Pulse of Cybersecurity newsletter, explore the latest nation-state cyberthreats, global cybercrime takedowns and their far-reaching implications as we unpack the strategies, countermeasures and pivotal developments shaping the cybersecurity landscape.
Russian Forces Accused of Secretly Planting Spyware on Phone
A Russian activist says security forces covertly installed spyware on his cellphone while he was detained in Moscow for aiding Ukraine. A report published Thursday shows the spyware received a broad range of permissions, from tracking location to reading encrypted messages.
Russian APT Hackers Co-Opt Pakistani Infrastructure
A Russian state hacking group hijacked the command and control infrastructure of a Pakistan-based espionage network as part of an ongoing intelligence-gathering operation targeting victims in Asia, finds a report from Microsoft and Black Lotus Labs .
Mitel MiCollab VoIP Software: Zero-Day Vulnerability Alert
Security researchers warn of a newly discovered zero-day vulnerability in widely used VoIP telephony software, a discovery that comes as the United States struggles to evict Chinese nation-state hackers from telecom networks. The software is the MiCollab software suite from Canada-based Mitel.
Nation-State Actors Ramp Up Cyberattacks
Nation-state attackers pose a growing cybersecurity threat driven by specific geopolitical or economic objectives. These actors often target organizations with valuable data, using advanced techniques such as reconnaissance, said Ryan Roobian , global solutions architect, Google Cloud Security .
Police Shutter Largest German-Speaking Criminal Marketplace
German police arrested the suspected administrator of the largest German-speaking underground markets for illegal goods and services. Crimenetwork, online since 2012, was used to sell stolen data, drugs and forged documents. The platform had more than 100,000 users and 100 sellers.
'Horns&Hooves' Malware Campaign Hits Over 1,000 Victims
A malware campaign targeting Russian retailers and service businesses aims to deploy remote access tools and install infostealer malware. Kaspersky dubbed the campaign "Horns&Hooves," after a fake organization set up by fraudsters in the 1931 Soviet satirical novel "The Little Golden Calf."
European Police Disrupt Matrix Encrypted Service
French and Dutch police led the takedown of an encrypted messaging platform used in international drug and arms trafficking. Dutch police discovered the app, named Matrix, on the phone of a criminal convicted in 2021 of murdering a journalist.
Korean Firm Sold Satellite Receivers With DDoS Feature
A South Korean company exported 240,000 satellite receivers with distributed denial-of-service attack capabilities, leading to the arrest of its CEO by the Korean National Police Agency. The company and its employees face criminal prosecution for allegedly violating South Korea's cybersecurity laws.
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Live from #ISMGStudio in Las Vegas: A Recap for This Week
Recently, we were at the heart of the action in Las Vegas, capturing live insights and engaging in discussions with industry leaders at the #ISMGStudio. From advanced cybersecurity innovations to high-level strategy talks, our presence at the event provided invaluable updates and expert perspectives. If you missed it, stay tuned for exclusive content and highlights as we continue to share the latest trends and takeaways from this exciting week on our ISMG media network.
#CyberEdBoard Profiles in Leadership: Patrick Benoit
Patrick B. , a seasoned security leader and CyberEdBoard Community member, advises security leaders to lead by example and not worry about showing any of their own vulnerabilities, not least when they make a mistake. "It's OK to fail or misstep … That's what makes you a stronger leader," he said.
That's all for today. We will be back next week.
Until then, stay current with the latest happenings in cybersecurity by subscribing to our newsletter and follow us on @ismg_global on Instagram.
Have a nice day ahead.
- ISMG Social Media Desk