Tag Malware

New GootLoader Campaign Targets Those Searching for Bengal Cat Regulations in Australia

Date: Nov 11, 2024
Category: Malware / SEO Poisoning

In a uniquely targeted effort, individuals looking for information on the legality of Bengal Cats in Australia are falling victim to the GootLoader malware. “We discovered GootLoader operators utilizing search inquiries regarding a specific cat breed and region to deliver malware: ‘Are Bengal Cats legal in Australia?'” noted Sophos researchers Trang Tang, Hikaru Koike, Asha Castle, and Sean Gallagher in a report released last week. GootLoader, as its name suggests, is a malware loader typically spread through search engine optimization (SEO) poisoning techniques for initial entry. The malware is triggered when users search for terms related to legal documents and agreements; this leads to compromised links that direct them to infected websites hosting a ZIP file containing a JavaScript payload. Once executed, it paves the way for further malicious software installation.

New GootLoader Campaign Targets Searches for Bengal Cat Laws in Australia In a targeted cybersecurity threat, attackers are leveraging interest in the legality of Bengal cats in Australia to distribute GootLoader malware. This specific campaign highlights the methodical approach employed by cybercriminals, as reports from Sophos researchers suggest that individuals…

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New GootLoader Campaign Targets Those Searching for Bengal Cat Regulations in Australia

Date: Nov 11, 2024
Category: Malware / SEO Poisoning

In a uniquely targeted effort, individuals looking for information on the legality of Bengal Cats in Australia are falling victim to the GootLoader malware. “We discovered GootLoader operators utilizing search inquiries regarding a specific cat breed and region to deliver malware: ‘Are Bengal Cats legal in Australia?'” noted Sophos researchers Trang Tang, Hikaru Koike, Asha Castle, and Sean Gallagher in a report released last week. GootLoader, as its name suggests, is a malware loader typically spread through search engine optimization (SEO) poisoning techniques for initial entry. The malware is triggered when users search for terms related to legal documents and agreements; this leads to compromised links that direct them to infected websites hosting a ZIP file containing a JavaScript payload. Once executed, it paves the way for further malicious software installation.

THN Weekly Roundup: Key Cybersecurity Threats, Tools, and Practices (Nov 4 – Nov 10)

đź“… Published: November 11, 2024
Category: Cybersecurity / Hacking News

⚠️ Picture this: the tools you rely on for online security—two-factor authentication, your car’s tech, and even your security software—have become covert accomplices for hackers. Sounds like a suspenseful plot, right? Yet, in 2024, this is the startling reality of cyber threats. Today’s adversaries are leveraging our trusted resources as hidden gateways, evading defenses without leaving a trace. For financial institutions, this development is particularly concerning. Modern malware doesn’t just compromise codes; it undermines the very trust that underpins digital banking. These advanced threats often stay one step ahead of our protective measures.

Moreover, critical infrastructure in our cities is under siege. Cybercriminals are infiltrating the very tools that operate these essential services, making detection and prevention increasingly challenging. It’s a tense game of cat and mouse, where every action heightens the stakes. As these threats escalate, let’s explore …

THN Recap: Key Cybersecurity Threats, Tools, and Practices (Nov 04 – Nov 10) Published: Nov 11, 2024 Category: Cybersecurity / Hacking News This week, the landscape of cybersecurity has taken a concerning turn as trusted protection tools are being exploited by sophisticated hackers. In an era where two-factor authentication, automotive…

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THN Weekly Roundup: Key Cybersecurity Threats, Tools, and Practices (Nov 4 – Nov 10)

đź“… Published: November 11, 2024
Category: Cybersecurity / Hacking News

⚠️ Picture this: the tools you rely on for online security—two-factor authentication, your car’s tech, and even your security software—have become covert accomplices for hackers. Sounds like a suspenseful plot, right? Yet, in 2024, this is the startling reality of cyber threats. Today’s adversaries are leveraging our trusted resources as hidden gateways, evading defenses without leaving a trace. For financial institutions, this development is particularly concerning. Modern malware doesn’t just compromise codes; it undermines the very trust that underpins digital banking. These advanced threats often stay one step ahead of our protective measures.

Moreover, critical infrastructure in our cities is under siege. Cybercriminals are infiltrating the very tools that operate these essential services, making detection and prevention increasingly challenging. It’s a tense game of cat and mouse, where every action heightens the stakes. As these threats escalate, let’s explore …

THN Weekly Update: Key Cybersecurity Threats, Tools, and Insights (Nov 25 – Dec 1)

Dec 02, 2024
Cyber Threats / Weekly Summary

Curious about the constant activity in the digital realm? Here’s a startling fact: hackers launch around 2,200 attacks daily, meaning there’s an attempt to breach a system every 39 seconds. While we typically focus on conventional hackers, sophisticated AI now creates phishing emails so realistic that even seasoned cybersecurity experts struggle to identify them. Even more alarming, some new malware acts like a digital chameleon, adapting to evade detection by monitoring efforts to eliminate it. This week’s recap is filled with captivating insights that will change how you view technology.

⚡ Threat Highlight:
T-Mobile Detects Unauthorized Access Attempts: The U.S. telecom giant uncovered unusual activity within its network, revealing that there were attempts to infiltrate their systems…

Cybersecurity Threats in Review: Key Developments from Nov 25 – Dec 1, 2024 Hackers are relentless in their pursuit of vulnerabilities within digital infrastructures, launching approximately 2,200 cyberattacks daily. This startling statistic translates to an intrusion attempt every 39 seconds, emphasizing the constant threat faced by organizations today. Compounding this…

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THN Weekly Update: Key Cybersecurity Threats, Tools, and Insights (Nov 25 – Dec 1)

Dec 02, 2024
Cyber Threats / Weekly Summary

Curious about the constant activity in the digital realm? Here’s a startling fact: hackers launch around 2,200 attacks daily, meaning there’s an attempt to breach a system every 39 seconds. While we typically focus on conventional hackers, sophisticated AI now creates phishing emails so realistic that even seasoned cybersecurity experts struggle to identify them. Even more alarming, some new malware acts like a digital chameleon, adapting to evade detection by monitoring efforts to eliminate it. This week’s recap is filled with captivating insights that will change how you view technology.

⚡ Threat Highlight:
T-Mobile Detects Unauthorized Access Attempts: The U.S. telecom giant uncovered unusual activity within its network, revealing that there were attempts to infiltrate their systems…

đź”’ Weekly Cybersecurity Recap: Key Threats, Tools, and Strategies (Dec 2 – 8)

Dec 09, 2024

Cyber Threats / Weekly Overview

This week’s cybersecurity landscape reads like a thrilling spy film. Hackers are infiltrating rival operations, stealthy malware lurks in widely-used software, and AI-driven scams are outsmarting even the brightest minds. Meanwhile, defenders are dismantling illicit online markets and shutting down dubious chat rooms, while major corporations scramble to patch vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Curious about who’s targeting whom, the tactics they’re using, and the countermeasures in play? Keep reading—this recap has all the details.

⚡ Threat of the Week: Turla Hackers Compromise Pakistani Hacker Network

Picture this: one hacking group infiltrates another’s covert operations to launch their own attacks. That’s the scenario unfolding as the Russia-linked Turla group has been leveraging the infrastructure of a Pakistani hacking team, Storm-0156, since December 2022. By breaching their servers, Turla is now spying on governmental and military entities in Afghanistan and India.

Cybersecurity Weekly Recap: December 2 – 8, 2024 In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, recent developments have painted a picture reminiscent of a high-stakes espionage narrative. Cybercriminals have escalated their tactics, infiltrating not only vulnerable systems but also each other’s operations, while defenders are stepping up their efforts against emerging…

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đź”’ Weekly Cybersecurity Recap: Key Threats, Tools, and Strategies (Dec 2 – 8)

Dec 09, 2024

Cyber Threats / Weekly Overview

This week’s cybersecurity landscape reads like a thrilling spy film. Hackers are infiltrating rival operations, stealthy malware lurks in widely-used software, and AI-driven scams are outsmarting even the brightest minds. Meanwhile, defenders are dismantling illicit online markets and shutting down dubious chat rooms, while major corporations scramble to patch vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Curious about who’s targeting whom, the tactics they’re using, and the countermeasures in play? Keep reading—this recap has all the details.

⚡ Threat of the Week: Turla Hackers Compromise Pakistani Hacker Network

Picture this: one hacking group infiltrates another’s covert operations to launch their own attacks. That’s the scenario unfolding as the Russia-linked Turla group has been leveraging the infrastructure of a Pakistani hacking team, Storm-0156, since December 2022. By breaching their servers, Turla is now spying on governmental and military entities in Afghanistan and India.

ZLoader Malware Makes a Comeback Using DNS Tunneling to Conceal C2 Communications

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a new iteration of the ZLoader malware that utilizes Domain Name System (DNS) tunneling for command-and-control (C2) communications, showcasing that threat actors are actively enhancing their toolset after its reappearance a year ago. “Zloader version 2.9.4.0 features significant improvements, including a custom DNS tunnel protocol for C2 communications and an interactive shell supporting over a dozen commands, potentially aiding in ransomware attacks,” Zscaler ThreatLabz noted in a report released on Tuesday. “These enhancements provide added resilience against detection and mitigation efforts.” ZLoader, also known as Terdot, DELoader, or Silent Night, functions as a malware loader capable of deploying subsequent payloads. Following the shutdown of its infrastructure, malware campaigns distributing ZLoader were observed again for the first time in nearly two years in September 2023.

ZLoader Malware Resurfaces Utilizing DNS Tunneling for C2 Communications On December 11, 2024, cybersecurity experts reported the emergence of an updated version of the ZLoader malware, which now employs a Domain Name System (DNS) tunneling technique for its command-and-control (C2) communications. This advancement illustrates a continued evolution of this malicious…

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ZLoader Malware Makes a Comeback Using DNS Tunneling to Conceal C2 Communications

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a new iteration of the ZLoader malware that utilizes Domain Name System (DNS) tunneling for command-and-control (C2) communications, showcasing that threat actors are actively enhancing their toolset after its reappearance a year ago. “Zloader version 2.9.4.0 features significant improvements, including a custom DNS tunnel protocol for C2 communications and an interactive shell supporting over a dozen commands, potentially aiding in ransomware attacks,” Zscaler ThreatLabz noted in a report released on Tuesday. “These enhancements provide added resilience against detection and mitigation efforts.” ZLoader, also known as Terdot, DELoader, or Silent Night, functions as a malware loader capable of deploying subsequent payloads. Following the shutdown of its infrastructure, malware campaigns distributing ZLoader were observed again for the first time in nearly two years in September 2023.

DoNot Team Linked to New Tanzeem Android Malware Aimed at Intelligence Gathering

The threat group known as DoNot Team is associated with a new Android malware linked to highly targeted cyber attacks. The malware, identified as Tanzeem (meaning “organization” in Urdu) and its update variant, was discovered by cybersecurity firm Cyfirma in October and December 2024. These applications share nearly identical functionalities, with only slight user interface changes. Cyfirma’s Friday analysis pointed out, “While designed as a chat application, it fails to operate after installation, crashing once the required permissions are granted.” The app’s name indicates a focus on targeting specific individuals or groups both domestically and internationally. DoNot Team, also known as APT-C-35, Origami Elephant, SECTOR02, and Viceroy Tiger, is a hacking group believed to originate from India, notorious for utilizing spear-phishing emails and various Android malware strains in their attacks.

DoNot Team Linked to Emerging Tanzeem Android Malware Targeting Intelligence Gathering January 20, 2025 In a notable development in the cyber threat landscape, the hacking group known as DoNot Team has been associated with a new strain of Android malware. This malware, identified as Tanzeem, which translates to “organization” in…

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DoNot Team Linked to New Tanzeem Android Malware Aimed at Intelligence Gathering

The threat group known as DoNot Team is associated with a new Android malware linked to highly targeted cyber attacks. The malware, identified as Tanzeem (meaning “organization” in Urdu) and its update variant, was discovered by cybersecurity firm Cyfirma in October and December 2024. These applications share nearly identical functionalities, with only slight user interface changes. Cyfirma’s Friday analysis pointed out, “While designed as a chat application, it fails to operate after installation, crashing once the required permissions are granted.” The app’s name indicates a focus on targeting specific individuals or groups both domestically and internationally. DoNot Team, also known as APT-C-35, Origami Elephant, SECTOR02, and Viceroy Tiger, is a hacking group believed to originate from India, notorious for utilizing spear-phishing emails and various Android malware strains in their attacks.

Fake Google Chrome Websites Distribute ValleyRAT Malware Through DLL Hijacking

February 6, 2025
Cyber Attack / Malware

Fraudulent websites posing as Google Chrome have been employed to spread malicious installers for a remote access trojan known as ValleyRAT. First identified in 2023, this malware is linked to a threat actor referred to as Silver Fox, whose previous operations primarily targeted Chinese-speaking regions, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China. According to Morphisec researcher Shmuel Uzan, “This actor has increasingly focused on key organizational roles—especially in finance, accounting, and sales—underscoring a strategic emphasis on high-value positions with access to sensitive data and systems.” Early cyber attack sequences have shown ValleyRAT being delivered alongside other malware types, such as Purple Fox and Gh0st RAT, the latter having been widely utilized by various Chinese hacking groups. Just last month, counterfeit installers for legitimate software were identified as a distribution method for these attacks.

Phony Google Chrome Sites Spread ValleyRAT Malware via DLL Hijacking In a concerning development for cybersecurity, fake websites purporting to offer Google Chrome are being utilized to distribute a remote access trojan known as ValleyRAT. This malware, first identified in 2023, has been linked to a cyber threat actor referred…

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Fake Google Chrome Websites Distribute ValleyRAT Malware Through DLL Hijacking

February 6, 2025
Cyber Attack / Malware

Fraudulent websites posing as Google Chrome have been employed to spread malicious installers for a remote access trojan known as ValleyRAT. First identified in 2023, this malware is linked to a threat actor referred to as Silver Fox, whose previous operations primarily targeted Chinese-speaking regions, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China. According to Morphisec researcher Shmuel Uzan, “This actor has increasingly focused on key organizational roles—especially in finance, accounting, and sales—underscoring a strategic emphasis on high-value positions with access to sensitive data and systems.” Early cyber attack sequences have shown ValleyRAT being delivered alongside other malware types, such as Purple Fox and Gh0st RAT, the latter having been widely utilized by various Chinese hacking groups. Just last month, counterfeit installers for legitimate software were identified as a distribution method for these attacks.

Belarus-Linked Ghostwriter Utilizes Macropack-Obfuscated Excel Macros to Distribute Malware

Feb 25, 2025
Malware / Cyber Espionage

A new campaign targeting opposition activists in Belarus and Ukrainian military and government entities is using malware-laden Microsoft Excel documents to spread a new variant of PicassoLoader. This operation appears to be an extension of an ongoing effort by the Belarus-aligned threat actor known as Ghostwriter (also referred to as Moonscape, TA445, UAC-0057, and UNC1151), which has been active since 2016. Ghostwriter is believed to align with Russian security interests and promote anti-NATO narratives.

“Preparation for the campaign began in July-August 2024, with active operations starting in November-December 2024,” stated SentinelOne researcher Tom Hegel in a technical report shared with The Hacker News. “Recent findings regarding malware samples and command-and-control (C2) infrastructure suggest that the operation continues to be active.” The attack chain, as analyzed by the cybersecurity firm, is initiated via a Google Drive shared link.

Belarus-Linked Ghostwriter Exploits Obfuscated Excel Macros to Distribute Malware February 25, 2025 Malware / Cyber Espionage A newly uncovered cyber campaign has emerged, targeting opposition activists in Belarus alongside military and governmental entities in Ukraine. This operation utilizes malware-infused Microsoft Excel documents to disseminate a variant of PicassoLoader, a malicious…

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Belarus-Linked Ghostwriter Utilizes Macropack-Obfuscated Excel Macros to Distribute Malware

Feb 25, 2025
Malware / Cyber Espionage

A new campaign targeting opposition activists in Belarus and Ukrainian military and government entities is using malware-laden Microsoft Excel documents to spread a new variant of PicassoLoader. This operation appears to be an extension of an ongoing effort by the Belarus-aligned threat actor known as Ghostwriter (also referred to as Moonscape, TA445, UAC-0057, and UNC1151), which has been active since 2016. Ghostwriter is believed to align with Russian security interests and promote anti-NATO narratives.

“Preparation for the campaign began in July-August 2024, with active operations starting in November-December 2024,” stated SentinelOne researcher Tom Hegel in a technical report shared with The Hacker News. “Recent findings regarding malware samples and command-and-control (C2) infrastructure suggest that the operation continues to be active.” The attack chain, as analyzed by the cybersecurity firm, is initiated via a Google Drive shared link.