News Gist .News

Articles | Politics | Finance | Stocks | Crypto | AI | Technology | Science | Gaming | PC Hardware | Laptops | Smartphones | Archive

Malware Hijacks Nearly 1 Million Windows Devices in Advanced Malvertising Attack

A broad overview of the four stages shows that nearly 1 million Windows devices were targeted by a sophisticated "malvertising" campaign, where malware was embedded in ads on popular streaming platforms. The malicious payload was hosted on platforms like GitHub and used Discord and Dropbox to spread, with infected devices losing login credentials, cryptocurrency, and other sensitive data. The attackers exploited browser files and cloud services like OneDrive to steal valuable information.

See Also

Huge Cyberattack Found Hitting Vulnerable Microsoft-Signed Legacy Drivers to Get Past Security Δ1.83

A massive cybercriminal campaign has been discovered utilizing outdated and vulnerable Windows drivers to deploy malware against hundreds of thousands of devices. The attackers leveraged a signed driver, allowing them to disable antivirus programs and gain control over infected machines. This campaign is believed to be linked to the financially motivated group Silver Fox, which is known for its use of Chinese public cloud servers.

BadBox Malware Hit After Infecting Over 500,000 Android Devices Δ1.81

Cybersecurity experts have successfully disrupted the BadBox 2.0 botnet, which had compromised over 500,000 low-cost Android devices by removing numerous malicious apps from the Play Store and sinkholing multiple communication domains. This malware, primarily affecting off-brand devices manufactured in mainland China, has been linked to various forms of cybercrime, including ad fraud and credential stuffing. Despite the disruption, the infected devices remain compromised, raising concerns about the broader implications for consumers using uncertified technology.

ClickFix Attack Hijacks Microsoft SharePoint to Spread Havoc Malware Δ1.80

Security researchers spotted a new ClickFix campaign that has been abusing Microsoft SharePoint to distribute the Havoc post-exploitation framework. The attack chain starts with a phishing email, carrying a "restricted notice" as an .HTML attachment, which prompts the victim to update their DNS cache manually and then runs a script that downloads the Havoc framework as a DLL file. Cybercriminals are exploiting Microsoft tools to bypass email security and target victims with advanced red teaming and adversary simulation capabilities.

Microsoft Teams and Other Windows Tools Hijacked to Hack Corporate Networks Δ1.79

Hackers are exploiting Microsoft Teams and other legitimate Windows tools to launch sophisticated attacks on corporate networks, employing social engineering tactics to gain access to remote desktop solutions. Once inside, they sideload flawed .DLL files that enable the installation of BackConnect, a remote access tool that allows persistent control over compromised devices. This emerging threat highlights the urgent need for businesses to enhance their cybersecurity measures, particularly through employee education and the implementation of multi-factor authentication.

Infostealer Malware Stole 493 Million Accounts: How Your Data May Have Been Compromised Δ1.79

Recently, news surfaced about stolen data containing billions of records, with 284 million unique email addresses affected. Infostealing software is behind a recent report about a massive data collection being sold on Telegram, with 23 billion entries containing 493 million unique pairs of email addresses and website domains. As summarized by Bleeping Computer, 284 million unique email addresses are affected overall.

More Reports Claim 2024 Was the Worst Year for Ransomware Attacks Yet. Δ1.78

2024 has been marked as a record-breaking year for ransomware attacks, with a 65% increase in detected groups and 44 new malware variants contributing to almost a third of undisclosed attacks. The healthcare, government, and education sectors were disproportionately affected, while emerging groups like LockBit and RansomHub accounted for a significant number of incidents, highlighting the growing sophistication of cybercriminals. As organizations face escalating financial and reputational risks, the need for proactive cybersecurity measures has never been more urgent.

Microsoft Discoveries Vulnerable Software Attack. Δ1.78

Microsoft has confirmed that its Windows drivers and software are being exploited by hackers through zero-day attacks, allowing them to escalate privileges and potentially drop ransomware on affected machines. The company patched five flaws in a kernel-level driver for Paragon Partition Manager, which were apparently found in BioNTdrv.sys, a piece of software used by the partition manager. Users are urged to apply updates as soon as possible to secure their systems.

Malware Botnet Spreads Across 1.6 Million Android Tvs Δ1.78

The Vo1d botnet has infected over 1.6 million Android TVs, with its size fluctuating daily. The malware, designed as an anonymous proxy, redirects criminal traffic and blends it with legitimate consumer traffic. Researchers warn that Android TV users should check their installed apps, scan for suspicious activity, and perform a factory reset to clean up the device.

Microsoft Warns of Chinese Hackers Targeting Cloud Apps to Steal Business Data Δ1.78

Microsoft's Threat Intelligence has identified a new tactic from Chinese threat actor Silk Typhoon towards targeting "common IT solutions" such as cloud applications and remote management tools in order to gain access to victim systems. The group has been observed attacking a wide range of sectors, including IT services and infrastructure, healthcare, legal services, defense, government agencies, and many more. By exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in edge devices, Silk Typhoon has established itself as one of the Chinese threat actors with the "largest targeting footprints".

Protecting Yourself From Vishing Attacks Surged 442% Last Year Δ1.77

Vishing attacks have skyrocketed, with CrowdStrike tracking at least six campaigns in which attackers pretended to be IT staffers to trick employees into sharing sensitive information. The security firm's 2025 Global Threat Report revealed a 442% increase in vishing attacks during the second half of 2024 compared to the first half. These attacks often use social engineering tactics, such as help desk social engineering and callback phishing, to gain remote access to computer systems.

Ransomware Dominates Cybersecurity Threats in 2024 Δ1.77

The modern-day cyber threat landscape has become increasingly crowded, with Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) becoming a major concern for cybersecurity teams worldwide. Group-IB's recent research points to 2024 as a 'year of cybercriminal escalation', with a 10% rise in ransomware compared to the previous year, and a 22% rise in phishing attacks. The "Game-changing" role of AI is being used by both security teams and cybercriminals, but its maturity level is still not there yet.

AWS Misconfigurations Reportedly Used to Launch Phishing Attacks Δ1.77

Threat actors are exploiting misconfigured Amazon Web Services (AWS) environments to bypass email security and launch phishing campaigns that land in people's inboxes. Cybersecurity researchers have identified a group using this tactic, known as JavaGhost, which has been active since 2019 and has evolved its tactics to evade detection. The attackers use AWS access keys to gain initial access to the environment and set up temporary accounts to send phishing emails that bypass email protections.

Web DDoS Attacks See Major Surge as AI Allows More Powerful Attacks Δ1.77

Layer 7 Web DDoS attacks have surged by 550% in 2024, driven by the increasing accessibility of AI tools that enable even novice hackers to launch complex campaigns. Financial institutions and transportation services reported an almost 400% increase in DDoS attack volume, with the EMEA region bearing the brunt of these incidents. The evolving threat landscape necessitates more dynamic defense strategies as organizations struggle to differentiate between legitimate and malicious traffic.

Threat Posed by New VMware Hyperjacking Vulnerabilities Is Hard to Overstate Δ1.77

A recently discovered trio of vulnerabilities in VMware's virtual machine products can grant hackers unprecedented access to sensitive environments, putting entire networks at risk. If exploited, these vulnerabilities could allow a threat actor to escape the confines of one compromised virtual machine and access multiple customers' isolated environments, effectively breaking all security boundaries. The severity of this attack is compounded by the fact that VMware warned it has evidence suggesting the vulnerabilities are already being actively exploited in the wild.

Microsoft Names Cybercriminals Who Created Explicit Deepfakes Δ1.77

Microsoft has identified and named four individuals allegedly responsible for creating and distributing explicit deepfakes using leaked API keys from multiple Microsoft customers. The group, dubbed the “Azure Abuse Enterprise”, is said to have developed malicious tools that allowed threat actors to bypass generative AI guardrails to generate harmful content. This discovery highlights the growing concern of cybercriminals exploiting AI-powered services for nefarious purposes.

Advanced Cyber Threats on Network Devices Worry Global Internet Security Δ1.76

Sophisticated, advanced threats have been found lurking in the depths of the internet, compromising Cisco, ASUS, QNAP, and Synology devices. A previously-undocumented botnet, named PolarEdge, has been expanding around the world for more than a year, targeting a range of network devices. The botnet's goal is unknown at this time, but experts have warned that it poses a significant threat to global internet security.

Hackers Stole Engineer's Password Manager Database: A Nightmare Scenario Δ1.76

A software engineer for the Disney Company unwittingly downloaded malware on his computer that turned his life upside down. The malware gave outside attackers full access to his 1Password database and session cookies, allowing them to compromise his online accounts, including his employer's Slack channel. As a result, he lost his job after Disney's forensic examination reportedly showed that he had accessed pornographic material on his work laptop in violation of company policy.

The Dark Side of Chrome Extensions: Hidden Dangers Lurking on Your PC Δ1.76

As recent news reminds us, malicious browser add-ons can start life as legit extensions. Reviewing what you’ve got installed is a smart move. Earlier this month, an alarm sounded—security researchers at GitLab Threat Intelligence discovered a handful of Chrome extensions adding code in order to commit fraud, with at least 3.2 million users affected. But the add-ons didn’t start as malicious. Instead, they launched as legitimate software, only to be later compromised or sold to bad actors.

Spyzie Stalkerware Exposes Half a Million Android and Iphone Users Δ1.76

A little-known phone surveillance operation called Spyzie has compromised more than half a million Android devices and thousands of iPhones and iPads, according to data shared by a security researcher. Most of the affected device owners are likely unaware that their phone data has been compromised. The bug allows anyone to access the phone data, including messages, photos, and location data, exfiltrated from any device compromised by Spyzie.

Aviaton Firms Hit by Devious New Polyglot Malware Δ1.75

Aviation firms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were recently targeted by a highly sophisticated business email compromise (BEC) attack looking to deploy advanced malware. The attackers used a compromised email account to share polyglot files with their victims, which deployed a hidden backdoor against aviation firms. Cybersecurity researchers Proofpoint observed that these attacks started in late 2024 and target organizations with a distinct interest in aviation and satellite communications.

The Rise of Fake Spyware Apps in the Play Store Δ1.75

Google's security measures have been breached by fake spyware apps, which are hidden in plain sight on the Google Play Store. These malicious apps can cause immense damage to users' devices and personal data, including data theft, financial fraud, malware infections, ransomware attacks, and rootkit vulnerabilities. As a result, it is crucial for smartphone users to take precautions to spot these fake spyware apps and protect themselves from potential harm.

New Spyware Found to Be Snooping on Thousands of Android and Ios Users Δ1.75

A recent discovery has revealed that Spyzie, another stalkerware app similar to Cocospy and Spyic, is leaking sensitive data of millions of people without their knowledge or consent. The researcher behind the finding claims that exploiting these flaws is "quite simple" and that they haven't been addressed yet. This highlights the ongoing threat posed by spyware apps, which are often marketed as legitimate monitoring tools but operate in a grey zone.

Broadcom Releases Fixes for Multiple VMware Security Flaws Δ1.75

Broadcom has released patches for three critical vulnerabilities in its VMware products, which are already being exploited in the wild. The bugs were described as VM escape flaws and affect all supported versions of VMware ESX, vSphere, Cloud Foundation, and Telco Cloud Platform. These issues were deemed severe enough to warrant immediate attention from users, who are urged to apply the fixes as soon as possible.

Researchers Uncover Unknown Android Flaws Used to Hack Into a Student's Phone Δ1.75

Amnesty International said that Google fixed previously unknown flaws in Android that allowed authorities to unlock phones using forensic tools. On Friday, Amnesty International published a report detailing a chain of three zero-day vulnerabilities developed by phone-unlocking company Cellebrite, which its researchers found after investigating the hack of a student protester’s phone in Serbia. The flaws were found in the core Linux USB kernel, meaning “the vulnerability is not limited to a particular device or vendor and could impact over a billion Android devices,” according to the report.

Human Rights Abused: Governments Exploit Vulnerabilities to Silence Critics Δ1.74

Amnesty International has uncovered evidence that a zero-day exploit sold by Cellebrite was used to compromise the phone of a Serbian student who had been critical of the government, highlighting a campaign of surveillance and repression. The organization's report sheds light on the pervasive use of spyware by authorities in Serbia, which has sparked international condemnation. The incident demonstrates how governments are exploiting vulnerabilities in devices to silence critics and undermine human rights.