CyberSecurity news
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Ashish Khaitan@The Cyber Express
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Oxford City Council has suffered a cyberattack resulting in the potential exposure of personal data relating to election workers. The incident, which occurred the weekend of June 7th and 8th, involved unauthorized access to the council's network. Automated security systems detected and contained the intrusion, minimizing the attackers' access to systems and databases.
As a precaution, the council took down its main systems to conduct thorough security checks. Most systems are now safely operational, with the remainder expected to be back online shortly. While email systems and wider digital services remain secure, the attackers managed to access historic data on legacy systems, specifically impacting individuals who worked on Oxford City Council-administered elections between 2001 and 2022, including poll station workers and ballot counters. The council has stated that there is no evidence to suggest the accessed information has been shared with third parties, and investigations are ongoing to determine the precise nature and extent of the data compromised. Impacted individuals have been contacted, and the council has reported the incident to relevant government authorities and law enforcement agencies, assuring the public that actions have been taken to prevent further unauthorized access and that a full investigation is underway. Recommended read:
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@cyberscoop.com
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thecyberexpress.com
, eSecurity Planet
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Aflac Incorporated, the insurance giant, has confirmed a cybersecurity incident that occurred on June 12, 2025. The company detected suspicious activity on its US network and promptly initiated its cyber incident response protocols, successfully stopping the intrusion within hours. According to Aflac's official disclosure, their systems were not affected by ransomware, ensuring business operations such as underwriting, claims processing, and customer support remain uninterrupted. However, Aflac warns that sensitive customer information may have been exposed during the breach.
Preliminary findings indicate that the unauthorized party used sophisticated social engineering tactics to gain access to Aflac's network. This method often involves tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information or granting access. Aflac has engaged leading third-party cybersecurity experts to assist with the ongoing investigation. CNN, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that this incident, along with others recently affecting the insurance sector, is consistent with the techniques of a cybercrime group known as “Scattered Spider.” Aflac acknowledged the broader context of the attack, stating, "This attack, like many insurance companies are currently experiencing, was caused by a sophisticated cybercrime group." The review of potentially impacted files is still in its early stages, and Aflac has not yet determined the total number of individuals affected. However, the company has indicated that the compromised files may contain sensitive information. The Aflac breach is the latest cyberattack against the insurance industry. Recommended read:
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Nicholas Kitonyi@NFTgators
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A pro-Israel hacking group, known as Predatory Sparrow, has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack against Nobitex, Iran’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The attack resulted in the theft of approximately $90 million in various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Dogecoin, as well as over 100 other cryptocurrencies. According to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic, the funds were drained from the exchange’s wallets into blockchain addresses containing anti-government messages explicitly referencing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The attackers, instead of attempting to profit financially, intentionally destroyed the stolen cryptocurrency in what has been described as a symbolic political statement. The funds were sent to blockchain addresses with the phrase "F***iRGCTerrorists" embedded within them. Experts say that generating addresses with such specific terms requires significant computing power, suggesting the primary goal was to send a message rather than to gain financially. The incident underscores the rising geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran and the vulnerability of cryptocurrency exchanges to politically motivated cyberattacks. The cyberattack on Nobitex is part of a broader pattern of cyber warfare between Israel and Iran. While the physical conflict has seen airstrikes and other military actions, the digital realm has become another battleground, with potentially significant repercussions for both countries and the wider global community. This incident also follows reports of internet restrictions within Iran, limiting citizens' access to information and communication amidst escalating tensions. The global cybersecurity community needs to stay prepared for security repercussions for the two combatants and the wider global community as the cyberwarfare portion of the conflict is already spilling over off the battlefield and outside the region. Recommended read:
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Ben Weiss@fortune.com
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A pro-Israel hacktivist group known as Predatory Sparrow has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange. The attack resulted in the theft and destruction of approximately $90 million in cryptocurrency. The group stated that Nobitex was targeted for allegedly financing terrorism and evading international sanctions for the Iranian regime. This incident highlights the increasing cyber conflict between Israel and Iran, with hacktivist groups playing a significant role in disruptive operations.
The hackers reportedly sent the stolen funds to inaccessible blockchain addresses, effectively "burning" the cryptocurrency and taking it out of circulation. Blockchain analysis firm Elliptic confirmed the transfer of over $90 million to multiple vanity addresses containing variations of "F--kIRGCterrorists" within their public key. This symbolic act suggests the intention was to send a political message rather than financial gain. It has been noted that Nobitex has over 10 million customers, raising concerns about the potential impact of the breach. The attack on Nobitex follows a recent claim by Predatory Sparrow of hacking Bank Sepah, another major Iranian financial institution. These cyberattacks come amid escalating tensions and exchanges of airstrikes between Israel and Iran. Cybersecurity experts warn of a growing digital conflict unfolding behind the scenes, with the potential for broader spillover effects. The situation emphasizes the vulnerability of cryptocurrency exchanges to sophisticated cyberattacks and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. Recommended read:
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@www.euractiv.com
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bsky.app
, databreaches.net
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Sweden is currently facing a significant surge in cyberattacks, prompting Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to sound the alarm. The attacks, primarily Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) events, have targeted critical infrastructure, including SVT, Sweden's public television broadcaster, government websites, and key organizations. These disruptions have raised serious concerns about the resilience and security of Sweden's digital systems. The Prime Minister addressed the situation, acknowledging the severity and widespread nature of the cyber assaults impacting essential services.
The cyber offensive follows Sweden's recent entry into NATO in 2024, leading many to suspect potential involvement from Russia. While Prime Minister Kristersson refrained from explicitly naming the perpetrators, he alluded to previous reports from the Swedish Security Service identifying Russia, China, and Iran as frequent actors behind similar cyber operations. The focus of these attacks appears to be on disruption and undermining trust in institutions rather than data theft or ransomware, highlighting a strategy aimed at demonstrating cyber warfare capabilities. Authorities are actively investigating the attacks and working to enhance the nation's cybersecurity defenses. The disruptions serve as a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of modern warfare, where cyberattacks can be leveraged to destabilize countries and critical infrastructure. The situation underscores the importance of international cooperation and vigilance in addressing cyber threats. Recommended read:
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@cyberpress.org
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Marks & Spencer (M&S), the prominent retail giant, was recently hit by a significant ransomware attack over the Easter period. The cyberattack, orchestrated by the DragonForce hacker group, disrupted crucial business functions, including online ordering and staff clocking systems. The attackers employed "double extortion" tactics, indicating that they stole sensitive data before encrypting the company's servers. This aggressive move puts M&S at risk of both data loss and public exposure.
An exclusive report reveals that the CEO of M&S received an offensive extortion email detailing the timeline and nature of the attack. The email, reportedly filled with abusive language, claimed that DragonForce had "mercilessly raped" the company and encrypted its servers. In response to the attack, M&S took drastic measures by switching off the VPN used by staff for remote work, which successfully contained the spread of the ransomware, but further disrupted business operations. The financial impact of this cyber incident has been substantial, with reports indicating losses of approximately £40 million per week in sales. DragonForce, the ransomware group behind the attack, has reportedly compromised over 120 victims in the past year, establishing itself as a major player in the cybercrime landscape. The group has evolved from a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model to a fully-fledged ransomware cartel, targeting organizations across various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. While the origins of DragonForce are speculative, technical indicators suggest a Russian alignment, including the use of Russian-linked infrastructure and recruitment efforts through Russian-speaking cybercrime forums. M&S has pointed to "human error" as the cause of the breach, with scrutiny falling on an employee of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which provides IT services to the retailer, although M&S has officially disputed claims that it didn't have proper plans to handle a ransomware incident. Recommended read:
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Sam Silverstein@cybersecuritydive.com
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United Natural Foods (UNFI), a major grocery distributor serving over 30,000 stores across North America including Whole Foods Market, is grappling with disruptions to customer orders following a recent cyberattack. The company, which acts as the "primary distributor" for Whole Foods, detected unauthorized activity on its IT systems on June 5th. In response, UNFI initiated its incident response plan, proactively taking certain systems offline to contain the breach. The incident has already caused temporary disruptions to business operations, and the company anticipates these disruptions will continue as they work to restore their systems.
UNFI has engaged third-party cybersecurity professionals and notified law enforcement as part of its efforts to assess, mitigate, and remediate the incident. The company is implementing workarounds to continue servicing customers where possible. Kristen Jimenez, a UNFI spokesperson, declined to comment on the nature of the cyberattack or whether any ransom demands have been made. UNFI is one of the largest grocery distributors in North America, supplying fresh produce, goods, and food products to a vast network of retailers, including major chains like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. In their most recent financial report they declared $8.2 billion in net sales. This cyberattack on UNFI highlights the increasing vulnerability of the food supply chain to malicious actors. The incident follows a series of recent cyberattacks affecting the wider retail and grocery sector. UNFI did not say when it expects to recover its systems but assured customers, suppliers and associates that it was working to minimize disruption as much as possible. The company's agreement to be the primary distributor for Whole Foods, has been extended to May 2032. Recommended read:
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Rescana@Rescana
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Recent ransomware attacks have underscored the persistent and evolving threat landscape facing organizations globally. Notably, Coca-Cola and its bottling partner, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), were targeted in separate cyber incidents. The Everest ransomware gang claimed responsibility for breaching Coca-Cola's systems, asserting access to sensitive internal documents and the personal information of nearly a thousand employees. Concurrently, the Gehenna hacking group claimed to have breached CCEP's Salesforce dashboard, potentially compromising over 23 million records. These incidents highlight the vulnerabilities inherent in interconnected digital ecosystems, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures and vigilant monitoring of network activities.
The healthcare sector has been particularly vulnerable, with Interlock ransomware causing significant disruption at Kettering Health, a network of hospitals in Ohio. The attackers leaked almost a terabyte of data, including patient information, financial records, and employee details after claiming responsibility. This breach led to canceled medical procedures, and a temporary reliance on paper-based systems. Covenant Health also experienced a cyberattack that forced the shutdown of their systems across multiple hospitals. Similarly, Bailey’s catering services, associated with a restaurant group in Louisiana, has been listed as a victim by the Medusa ransomware group, with attackers demanding a $100,000 ransom. These events underscore the severe consequences of ransomware attacks on essential services and sensitive data. In response to the rising ransomware threat, some countries are implementing stricter regulations. Australia, for example, now requires businesses with an annual turnover exceeding AUS $3 million to report ransomware payments to the Australian Signals Directorate within 72 hours. This legislation aims to improve the tracking of ransomware incidents and inform cybersecurity strategies, even though paying ransoms is still technically legal. The law also includes a six-month grace period for organizations to adapt to the new reporting requirements. Additionally, recent law enforcement operations like Operation Endgame have demonstrated progress in disrupting the ransomware ecosystem by targeting malware testing services and initial access malware strains. Recommended read:
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Pauline Dornig@it-daily.net
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The ransomware group Interlock has claimed responsibility for the recent cyberattack on Kettering Health, a US healthcare organization comprised of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers in Ohio. The attack, which initially disrupted the healthcare system on May 20th, forced the shutdown of all computer systems and has left Kettering Health struggling to fully recover over two weeks later. CNN first reported on Interlock’s involvement in the breach, but at the time, the group had not publicly taken credit, leading to speculation that ransom negotiations might be underway. However, Interlock has now come forward, potentially indicating that negotiations with Kettering Health have been unsuccessful.
Interlock announced its involvement by posting alleged stolen data on its dark web site, claiming to have exfiltrated over 940 gigabytes of data from Kettering Health’s internal network. A preliminary review of the posted files indicates that the stolen data includes sensitive private health information, such as patient names, patient numbers, and detailed clinical summaries. These summaries contain sensitive information including mental status assessments, medication lists, health concerns, and other specific details about patients' medical conditions. The stolen data also encompasses employee information and the contents of shared drives, raising concerns about further potential privacy breaches. The cyberattack has severely impacted Kettering Health's operations. Since the initial breach, numerous medical procedures have been canceled or postponed, forcing healthcare professionals to revert to paper-based documentation. This digital standstill has significantly affected clinical care for approximately 1.5 million patients annually. While Kettering Health has reported progress in restoring its systems, including bringing the electronic health record (EHR) system "Epic" back online with the help of around 200 employees, the full extent of the damage and the long-term consequences of the data breach are still unfolding. Recommended read:
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Pradeep Bairaboina@Tech Monitor
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The Play ransomware group has been actively targeting organizations worldwide since June 2022, with the FBI reporting that approximately 900 entities have been compromised as of May 2025. These attacks span across North America, South America, and Europe, targeting a diverse range of businesses and critical infrastructure. The group employs a "double extortion" tactic, exfiltrating sensitive data before encrypting systems, putting additional pressure on victims to pay the ransom.
The FBI, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) have issued updated advisories regarding the Play ransomware, highlighting new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) employed by the group. One notable tactic includes exploiting vulnerabilities in the SimpleHelp remote access tool. Specifically, multiple ransomware groups, including those affiliated with Play, have been actively targeting the CVE-2024-57727 path traversal vulnerability, which allows attackers to download arbitrary files from the SimpleHelp server. The advisories also note that Play operators regularly contact victims via phone, threatening to release stolen data if ransom demands are not met. To mitigate the threat posed by Play ransomware, authorities recommend several proactive security measures, including implementing multifactor authentication, maintaining offline data backups, and developing and testing a recovery plan. It is also critical to keep all operating systems, software, and firmware updated to patch known vulnerabilities. SimpleHelp has released security updates to address the exploited vulnerabilities and strongly urges customers to apply these fixes immediately. While Play ransomware has been linked to attacks on critical infrastructure, including nine attacks impacting healthcare, experts recommend constant vigilance and proactive security strategies across all sectors. Recommended read:
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