CyberSecurity news
FlagThis - #cybercriminals
|
Nathaniel Morales@feeds.trendmicro.com
//
Cybercriminals are actively deploying FOG ransomware disguised as communications from the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) via malicious emails. This campaign, which has been ongoing since January, involves cybercriminals spreading FOG ransomware by claiming ties to DOGE in their phishing attempts. The attackers are impersonating the U.S. DOGE to infect targets across multiple sectors, including technology and healthcare. It has been revealed that over 100 victims have been impacted by this -DOGE-themed ransomware campaign since January.
Cybercriminals are distributing a ZIP file named "Pay Adjustment.zip" through phishing emails. Inside this archive is an LNK file disguised as a PDF document. Upon execution, this LNK file triggers a PowerShell script named "stage1.ps1", which downloads additional ransomware components. The script also opens politically themed YouTube videos, potentially to distract the victim. The initial ransomware note makes references to DOGE to add confusion. The attackers utilize a tool called 'Ktool.exe' to escalate privileges by exploiting a vulnerability in the Intel Network Adapter Diagnostic Driver. The ransomware note, RANSOMNOTE.txt, references DOGE and includes names of individuals associated with the department. Victims are being asked to pay $1,000 in Monero, although it is unclear whether paying the ransom leads to data recovery or if it is an elaborate troll. Trend Micro revealed that the latest samples of Fog ransomware, uploaded to VirusTotal between March 27 and April 2, 2025, spread through distribution of a ZIP file containing a LNK file disguised as a PDF. Recommended read:
References :
@cyberalerts.io
//
The Port of Seattle, the U.S. government agency responsible for Seattle's seaport and airport, is currently notifying approximately 90,000 individuals about a significant data breach. The breach occurred after a ransomware attack in August 2024, where personal information was stolen from previously used port systems. The compromised data includes names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, ID cards, and some medical information. The organization runs Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, parks, and container terminals. Of those affected, about 71,000 are Washington state residents.
The August 24 incident severely damaged the systems used by the city’s port and airport, forcing workers to take extraordinary measures to help travelers. The ransomware attack caused considerable disruption, knocking out the airport’s Wi-Fi, and employees had to resort to using dry-erase boards for flight and baggage information. Screens throughout the facility were down, and some airlines had to manually sort through bags. Legacy systems utilized for employee data were specifically targeted, and the post-mortem revealed that encryptions and system disconnections impacted services like baggage handling, check-in kiosks, ticketing, Wi-Fi, passenger display boards, the Port of Seattle website, the flySEA app, and reserved parking. Following the attack, the Rhysida ransomware group claimed responsibility and demanded a ransom. However, port officials confirmed in September that they refused to pay, with executive director Steve Metruck explaining that “paying the criminal organization would not reflect Port values or our pledge to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars.” The Port is offering one year of free credit monitoring services to the victims and has posted the breach notice online for those without available mailing addresses. The agency emphasizes that the attack did not affect the proprietary systems of major airline and cruise partners or the systems of federal partners like the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Recommended read:
References :
Deeba Ahmed@hackread.com
//
Cybersecurity researchers at Jscrambler have uncovered a sophisticated web-skimming campaign targeting online retailers. This campaign exploits a legacy Stripe API to validate stolen credit card details in real-time before transmitting them to malicious servers. This ensures that only active and valid card numbers are harvested, significantly increasing the efficiency and potential profit of their operations. The operation has been ongoing since at least August 2024 and has affected at least 49 online stores.
The attack starts with the injection of malicious JavaScript code, mimicking legitimate payment forms, into checkout pages. This code captures customer payment information as it's entered. The compromised sites, often using platforms like WooCommerce, WordPress, and PrestaShop, were injected with malicious JavaScript that overlaid the legitimate checkout page with a fake one to harvest payment information. After the payment information is taken, a fake error appears asking the customer to reload the page. Recommended read:
References :
@The DefendOps Diaries
//
Cybercriminals are actively targeting SEO professionals through a sophisticated phishing campaign that exploits Google Ads. The attackers are using fake Semrush advertisements to trick users into visiting deceptive login pages designed to steal their Google account credentials. This campaign is a new twist in phishing, going after users of the Semrush SaaS platform, which is popular among SEO professionals and businesses, and is trusted by 40% of Fortune 500 companies.
This scheme is effective due to the SEO professionals' trust in Semrush, a platform used for advertising and market research. The malicious ads appear when users search for Semrush and redirect them to counterfeit login pages, which look similar to legitimate Semrush URLs. The attackers register domain names that closely resemble real Semrush domains and the only login option is with a Google account, harvesting Google account information for further malicious activities. This provides the attackers with valuable access to Google Analytics and Google Search Console, giving them insight into the companies' financial performance. Recommended read:
References :
@cyberalerts.io
//
The FBI has issued a warning about the rising trend of cybercriminals using fake file converter tools to distribute malware. These tools, often advertised as free online document converters, are designed to trick users into downloading malicious software onto their computers. While these tools may perform the advertised file conversion, they also secretly install malware that can lead to identity theft, ransomware attacks, and the compromise of sensitive data.
The threat actors exploit various file converter or downloader tools, enticing users with promises of converting files from one format to another, such as .doc to .pdf, or combining multiple files. The malicious code, disguised as a file conversion utility, can scrape uploaded files for personal identifying information, including social security numbers, banking information, and cryptocurrency wallet addresses. The FBI advises users to be cautious of such tools and report any instances of this scam to protect their assets. The FBI Denver Field Office is warning that they are increasingly seeing scams involving free online document converter tools and encourages victims to report any instances of this scam. Malwarebytes has identified some of these suspect file converters, which include Imageconvertors.com, convertitoremp3.it, convertisseurs-pdf.com and convertscloud.com. The agency emphasized the importance of educating individuals about these threats to prevent them from falling victim to these scams. Recommended read:
References :
@cyberinsider.com
//
Dutch Police have dismantled the ZServers/XHost bulletproof hosting operation, seizing 127 servers. The takedown follows a year-long investigation into the network, which has been used by cybercriminals to facilitate illegal activities. This includes the spread of malware, botnets, and various cyberattacks.
Earlier this week, authorities in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom announced sanctions against the same bulletproof hosting provider for its involvement in cybercrime operations. ZServers was accused of facilitating LockBit ransomware attacks and supporting the cybercriminals' efforts to launder illegally obtained money, according to The Record. The Cybercrime Team Amsterdam will conduct an additional probe of the servers, as the company advertised the possibility for customers to allow criminal acts from its servers while remaining anonymous to law enforcement. Recommended read:
References :
|