Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, February 10–14, 2025

Weekly Threat Briefing • February 14, 2025

The Good

Cyber defenders are sharpening their tools, and EARLYCROW is the latest weapon against stealthy APT operations. This method detects C2 activity over HTTP(S) using a novel traffic analysis format called PAIRFLOW. India is taking digital banking security up a notch. The RBI is launching a dedicated domain to curb financial fraud and enhance trust in online banking. Starting April 2025, financial institutions will register under this domain.

Researchers at Imperial College London developed EARLYCROW, a new method for detecting APT command-and-control activities over HTTP(S). EARLYCROW identifies malicious network traffic using summaries derived from network packet captures. It introduces a new format called PAIRFLOW, which collects various attributes of network traffic to spot malicious patterns, even in encrypted communications.
The Dutch Police shut down the ZServers/XHost bulletproof hosting operation by taking offline 127 servers used for illegal activities. Authorities in the U.S. , Australia, and the U.K also imposed sanctions on this provider for its role in cybercrime. Zservers was accused of enabling LockBit ransomware attacks and assisting in money laundering. Run by Russian nationals, it supported botnets and malware distribution.
India's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is launching a special bank[.]in internet domain for banks to fight digital financial fraud. This initiative aims to boost security and build trust in digital banking services. The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) will register these domains starting in April 2025. The RBI will also create a "fin[.]in" domain for non-bank financial entities. Additionally, the RBI is introducing Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) for cross-border online transactions, which requires more than one method to confirm user identity.
A global law enforcement operation, Phobos Aetor, targeting the Phobos ransomware gang resulted in the arrest of two suspected hackers in Phuket, Thailand, and the seizure of dark web sites belonging to the 8Base operation. The suspects, two Russian men, are accused of hacking over 1,000 victims worldwide and extorting $16 million in Bitcoin.

The Bad

China’s RedMike hackers are dialing into telecom networks - literally. Between December 2024 and January 2025, they targeted over 1,000 unpatched Cisco devices. Their primary focus? Global telecoms and university networks in Argentina, Bangladesh, and the U.S. Russia’s Sandworm hackers are using pirated software as bait. Their latest attack on Ukrainian Windows users disguises malware inside trojanized KMS activators and fake Windows updates. Love is in the air, but so are phishing scams. In late January, cybercriminals launched a Valentine’s-themed phishing campaign, offering fake gift baskets in exchange for stolen credentials.

Between December 2024 and January 2025, Recorded Future found a campaign targeting unpatched Cisco network devices used mainly by global telecommunications companies. Researchers linked these activities to a Chinese state-sponsored threat group called RedMike, also known as Salt Typhoon. RedMike exploited two vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-20198 and CVE-2023-20273, to gain unauthorized access and control over the Cisco devices. RedMike attempted to exploit over 1,000 Cisco devices globally, focusing on those connected to telecommunications networks and various universities in countries such as Argentina, Bangladesh, and the U.S.
The Sandworm Russian military cyber-espionage group is attacking Windows users in Ukraine by using trojanized Microsoft Key Management Service (KMS) activators and fake Windows updates. The attackers use a BACKORDER loader to deploy DarkCrystal RAT (DcRAT) malware, connected to previous Sandworm activities. Researchers identified seven malware distribution campaigns with similar tactics. Sandworm exploits the high usage of pirated software in Ukraine to embed malware in common programs.
In late January, Check Point Research found a phishing email campaign offering a Valentine basket. The identical emails had different store names and encouraged recipients to answer questions for a basket, but linked to malicious sites aimed at stealing personal information. The researchers also noted that over 18,000 new Valentine's-related websites were created, a 5% rise from the month before. Among these, 1 in 72 were found to be malicious. There was also a 123% increase in newly registered Valentine’s websites.
Cybersecurity researchers found two malicious ML models on Hugging Face, which used unusual "broken" pickle files to avoid detection. These files contained malicious Python content at the start, creating a reverse shell connection to a specific IP address. This method, called nullifAI, tries to bypass security measures against malicious models. The models are believed to be proof-of-concept rather than part of an active attack. The detected models are in PyTorch format, compressed with 7z, avoiding detection by security tools.
A sophisticated cyberattack abused vulnerabilities in SimpleHelp RMM software. Attackers exploited these bugs to access target networks and deploy the Sliver backdoor. The attack involved fast execution of various tactics, such as discovering the network and creating administrator accounts. It started with a threat actor breaching a SimpleHelp RMM client called JWrapper-Remote Access from an IP address in Estonia, which avoided detection by standard security measures.
Threat actors are targeting IIS servers in Asia to manipulate SEO and install BadIIS malware. This campaign seems financially motivated, redirecting users to illegal gambling sites for profit. The IIS servers affected are in countries like India, Thailand, and Japan, linked to governments, universities, and tech companies. The compromised servers serve altered content, including links to malware and credential harvesting pages. Researchers believe a Chinese-speaking group known as DragonRank is behind the attacks, similar to a group called Group 11. BadIIS can change HTTP response headers and redirect users to illegal gambling sites based on specific search terms.

New Threats

Cybercriminals are upping their game with Astaroth, a phishing kit that doesn’t just steal credentials but also hijacks entire sessions. By using a reverse proxy, Astaroth intercepts logins and 2FA tokens in real time, allowing attackers to bypass security measures undetected. South America’s foreign ministry was caught in the crosshairs of an advanced cyber-espionage campaign. In November 2024, attackers linked to REF7707 deployed the PATHLOADER and FINALDRAFT malware to infiltrate diplomatic networks. A new malware named Ratatouille is stirring up trouble by bypassing UAC and using I2P for anonymous communications. Spreading through phishing emails and fake CAPTCHA pages, it tricks victims into running an embedded PowerShell script.

A new phishing kit named Astaroth is capable of bypassing 2FA through session hijacking and credential interception. Astaroth uses a reverse proxy to manipulate traffic between victims and real authentication services, including Gmail, Microsoft, Yahoo, and AOL. By acting as a middleman, it captures login details and 2FA tokens in real time, making traditional security measures less effective. The kit also includes features such as custom hosting that helps avoid law enforcement interventions. It is mainly distributed via Telegram and cybercrime forums.
Threat hunters discovered a new attack targeting the foreign ministry of an unnamed South American country using custom malware for remote access. Detected in November 2024, this activity is linked to a group called REF7707, which also targeted a telecommunications firm and a university in Southeast Asia. The first executed file, known as PATHLOADER, allows for running encrypted commands from an external server. The injected malware, FINALDRAFT, is a sophisticated remote administration tool that utilizes Microsoft's Outlook for communication and can execute PowerShell commands discreetly.
A newly identified malware called Ratatouille (or I2PRAT) is causing concern due to its clever ways of bypassing UAC and using I2P for anonymous communications. The malware spreads through phishing emails or fake CAPTCHA pages. When a victim runs an embedded PowerShell script, a loader is activated, using advanced techniques to raise privileges and evade defenses. Although it initially exploited a Windows RPC mechanism, recent security patches have needed it to switch to other methods like process migration.
A new Android RAT called BTMOB RAT has been discovered, targeting users through phishing sites. This malware is an upgraded version of SpySolr RAT, focusing on remote control, credential theft, and data exfiltration, posing a serious risk to Android users. BTMOB RAT is spread mainly through fake sites mimicking popular services, like iNat TV and bogus cryptocurrency platforms. A malicious APK named lnat-tv-pro.apk was found on the phishing site hxxps://tvipguncelpro[.]com/. The malware features live screen sharing, file management, audio recording, keylogging, and credential theft via web injections, utilizing Android’s Accessibility Service for control.
A MageCart attack was identified on a Magento-based eCommerce site, where malicious JavaScript was embedded within an HTML tag. The script, hidden in a Base64-encoded image path, activated during checkout to steal credit card details and transmit them to a remote server. Attackers leveraged the “onerror” function to execute the script when an image failed to load, making detection difficult. This technique bypassed security measures and remained unnoticed by users.
A phishing campaign is using fake PDF documents hosted on the Webflow CDN to steal credit card information. The attacker targets users searching for documents on search engines and leads them to malicious PDFs that have an embedded CAPTCHA image linked to a phishing site. Once users complete the CAPTCHA, they are taken to a page with a "download" button but are then prompted to enter personal and credit card details.
A new gang called Triplestrength has been found infecting computers with ransomware and taking over cloud accounts to mine cryptocurrency. Triplestrength has been involved in ransomware attacks since at least 2020, targeting on-premises systems instead of cloud infrastructure. The team has used Windows malware such as LokiLocker, Phobos, and RCRU64, which are leased under a RaaS model. The group also uses tools like Mimikatz and NetScan.
Threat analysts have discovered a new risk: a version of the SystemBC RAT that is now targeting Linux-based systems. The updated SystemBC RAT is designed to be stealthy and hard to detect, using encrypted communication to avoid detection and allow attackers to navigate compromised systems freely. The SystemBC RAT acts as a proxy implant, facilitating lateral movement within a network without needing easily detectable tools. It typically works alongside other malware, raising the risk of ransomware attacks and data theft in Linux environments.
A new cybersecurity threat called FinStealer has emerged, targeting customers of a major Indian bank through fake mobile applications. This malware uses advanced methods to steal sensitive financial and personal information, including banking login details and credit card numbers. It spreads through phishing links and unofficial app stores, mimicking real banking apps to trick users. The goal of this campaign is financial gain through credential theft and unauthorized transactions. Researchers have found connections to a website hosting fake bank apps, enhancing the risks to users.

Related Threat Briefings

Jun 27, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, June 23–27, 2025

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Jun 20, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, June 16–20, 2025

As cybercriminals weave intricate webs in the digital underworld, global defenders are cutting through the chaos. Six nations toppled Archetyp Market, a darknet drug bazaar with €250 million ($288 million) in Monero deals, nabbing its admin and vendors while seizing €7.8 million ($9 million) in assets. The U.K unveiled a Cyber Growth Action Plan, injecting £16m ($21.2m) to fortify its £13.2bn ($17.5bn) cybersecurity industry after attacks bled retailers like M&S. Stateside, the U.S. reclaimed $225 million in crypto from investment scams, marking the Secret Service’s biggest digital heist bust yet. Cloud services are being quietly turned into covert attack channels. The Serpentine#Cloud campaign is abusing Cloudflare Tunnels and Python to deploy fileless malware via invoice-themed phishing lures. A popular WordPress plugin is exposing sites to full takeover. It affects the AI Engine plugin, impacting over 100,000 websites and opening the door to site-wide compromise. An official-looking email from the tax department may be anything but. Silver Fox APT is targeting Taiwanese users with phishing emails posing as the National Taxation Bureau, delivering malware like Winos 4.0, HoldingHands RAT, and Gh0stCringe. A new Android trojan is turning devices into data-harvesting tools under attackers’ full control. Attributed to the LARVA-398 group, AntiDot has infected thousands of devices through phishing and malicious ads. A fake job offer could now come bundled with custom-built spyware. PylangGhost is targeting crypto professionals in India. Delivered through spoofed job sites, the malware includes registry tampering, remote control, and data exfiltration modules aimed at compromising Windows systems. One compromised travel site is now a launchpad for infostealer infections. A new ClickFix variant, LightPerlGirl, is using fake Cloudflare CAPTCHA prompts and clipboard hijacking to deliver the Lumma infostealer.

Jun 13, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, June 09–13, 2025

A global sweep just knocked out thousands of malicious command centers. INTERPOL’s Operation Secure led to the dismantling of over 20,000 malicious IPs tied to 69 malware strains across 26 countries. NIST has published new guidance to help organizations put Zero Trust Architecture into action, offering 19 real-world implementations built with industry partners. CyberEye lowers the barrier for cybercrime with a plug-and-play toolkit. This .NET-based RAT uses Telegram for command and control while offering modules for keylogging, credential theft, and platform-specific data grabbing. The TokenBreak attack manipulates how text is tokenized in classification models to sneak past defenses. A Mirai variant is actively exploiting a command injection vulnerability in TBK DVR-4104 and DVR-4216 devices, to conscript them into a botnet for DDoS attacks. Unpatched IT tools are once again opening the door to ransomware attacks. CISA has warned about vulnerabilities in SimpleHelp RMM software being exploited by groups like Play and DragonForce in double-extortion campaigns. Fog ransomware operators are blurring the line between admin tools and attack chains. In a recent incident, they deployed a mix of open-source and legitimate software to gain persistence and exfiltrate data undetected. Over 20 phishing applications impersonating popular crypto wallets have been found stealing mnemonic phrases to drain users’ funds.

Jun 6, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, June 02–06, 2025

Authorities have taken down a major hub for stolen financial data. The DOJ seized approximately 145 domains associated with the BidenCash marketplace, which had evolved from a small credit card shop in 2022 into a massive hub for stolen payment data. In a move to reinforce Europe’s cyber defenses, Microsoft is stepping in with strategic support. The newly launched European Security Program offers EU governments free access to AI-driven threat intelligence, vulnerability alerts, and guidance to counter attacks from state-sponsored actors. Not all GitHub projects are built with good intentions. Researchers uncovered a widespread campaign involving more than 130 repositories booby-trapped with malware disguised as game cheats, hacking tools, and utilities. A free software download could end up costing your entire crypto wallet. ViperSoftX is back in circulation, targeting crypto users with malicious PowerShell scripts bundled into cracked apps, keygens, and torrent packages. Some attackers mine crypto, JINX-0132 mines misconfigurations. This threat actor is running a stealthy cryptojacking campaign against DevOps platforms, exploiting exposed defaults and overlooked RCE flaws. Destruction masquerading as maintenance tools is hitting Ukraine’s infrastructure. Researchers attributed a new wiper malware called PathWiper to a Russia-linked APT group, targeting critical systems by leveraging legitimate administrative frameworks. A few swapped letters could be all it takes to get owned. A new supply chain attack targets Python and npm developers through typo-squatting and name confusion. A new Android banking trojan, named Crocodilus, has emerged in the threat landscape. It masquerades as legitimate apps like Google Chrome and uses overlay attacks to steal credentials from financial apps.

May 30, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, May 26–30, 2025

Under the hood of vulnerability management, NIST just added a sharper diagnostic tool. The new Likely Exploited Vulnerabilities metric offers deeper insight into which CVEs are likely being used in the wild, complementing EPSS with more contextual signals. Digital warfare is no longer a future threat, it's a current investment. The U.K. Ministry of Defence has unveiled a £1 billion Cyber and Electromagnetic Command to protect military networks and support offensive cyber missions. With AI-driven systems like the Digital Targeting Web in development, the goal is seamless coordination across weapons platforms. A quiet but relentless campaign has been unfolding across multiple industries. The Chinese group Earth Lamia is targeting finance, government, logistics, and more by exploiting known web app vulnerabilities. APT41 hides malware commands where no one’s looking: your calendar. In a creative twist on C2 infrastructure, China-backed APT41 embedded encrypted instructions inside Google Calendar events. AyySSHush doesn’t make noise, it builds armies. More than 9,000 ASUS routers have been compromised by this botnet, which quietly slips in through a CVE-2023-39780 exploit. Fake CAPTCHA prompts are now doing more than testing if you're human—they're installing malware. EDDIESTEALER, a new Rust-based infostealer, spreads through deceptive CAPTCHA pages that trigger malicious PowerShell scripts. Threat actors are wrapping their tools in layers of obfuscation, and DOUBLELOADER is no exception. This new backdoor uses the ALCATRAZ obfuscator—once seen in the game-hacking scene—to disguise its presence. A new Go-based botnet called PumaBot is clawing its way through Linux IoT devices. It brute-forces SSH credentials, impersonates Redis files for stealth, and deploys rootkits to mine crypto and steal credentials.

May 23, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, May 19–23, 2025

Operation Endgame just dealt a major blow to the ransomware supply chain. Europol led the charge in dismantling malware infrastructure tied to multiple malware families, seizing 300 servers and more. Japan has officially gone on the cyber offense. The new Active Cyberdefense Law allows preemptive strikes against foreign cyber threats. It enables traffic analysis and takedowns of hostile servers. Think twice before clicking on that Ledger update. A new macOS malware campaign is deploying fake versions of the Ledger Live app to steal cryptocurrency seed phrases. A Turkish phishing lure leads straight to SnakeKeylogger. Fake AI tools are the new phishing lures and they’re convincing. Cybercriminals cloned Kling AI’s brand through Facebook ads and spoofed websites to trick users into downloading malware. The DBatLoader (aka ModiLoader) malware is making the rounds again - this time disguised as a Turkish bank email. The copyright threat in your inbox might be bait. A phishing campaign sweeping across central and eastern Europe is using fake legal complaints to deliver the Rhadamanthys Stealer. Two years of silence, 6,200 downloads later - the malware is finally found. A malicious campaign targeting JavaScript developers slipped past detection by disguising harmful npm packages as plugins for frameworks like React, Vue.js, Vite, and Quill Editor. Researchers uncovered a stealthy new backdoor paired with a Monero coinminer, using the PyBitmessage library for encrypted peer-to-peer communications.

May 16, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, May 12–16, 2025

Not every AI tool on Facebook is what it claims to be. Threat actors are luring users with fake content-generation apps, pushing Noodlophile malware to tens of thousands of victims. Disguised as AI-powered services, these tools trick users into executing malicious files that steal browser credentials, crypto wallet data, and other sensitive information through a layered infection chain. OtterCookie is getting smarter with every version. The North Korea-linked group WaterPlum is actively using the malware to breach financial institutions and crypto platforms worldwide. Since late 2024, new iterations have added capabilities like credential theft from browsers and file uploads - each version revealing signs of modular development and distinct authorship. A flaw in Linux’s nftables is turning dirty sets into dangerous ones. A critical double-free vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting memory corruption. Kernel-level fixes are already rolling out to improve cleanup routines and patch the vulnerable destroy path.

May 9, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, May 05–09, 2025

Another blow to DDoS-for-hire networks. Europol has shut down six services used to launch global cyberattacks, arresting suspects in Poland and seizing domains in the U.S. The UN has launched a new framework to help policymakers make sense of cyber intrusions. Called UNIDIR Intrusion Path, it complements models like MITRE ATT&CK but simplifies the technical details. It breaks down attacker activity into three layers, making it easier to evaluate threats in a policy context. Old routers are becoming cybercrime goldmines. The FBI has warned that end-of-life routers are being hijacked with malware like TheMoon and sold on proxy networks such as 5Socks and Anyproxy. These compromised devices are used for crypto theft, cybercrime-as-a-service, and even espionage. Crypto users on Discord are the latest targets of a phishing campaign tied to Inferno Drainer. Attackers were found impersonating the Collab.Land bot to trick users into signing malicious transactions. The Play ransomware group has joined the list of actors exploiting CVE-2025-29824. This Windows zero-day in the CLFS driver enables privilege escalation via a race condition during file operations. Linked to the Balloonfly group, the attacks targeted a U.S. organization and included deployment of the Grixba infostealer. COLDRIVER’s latest malware, LOSTKEYS, is now in play. The Russian state-backed group is deploying this tool to steal files and system data from advisors, journalists, NGOs, and individuals linked to Ukraine. Agenda’s playbook just got upgraded. The ransomware group has added two new tools: SmokeLoader and a stealthy .NET-based loader called NETXLOADER. The latter leverages techniques like JIT hooking and AES decryption to deploy ransomware. Corporate HR teams are the latest target in a spear-phishing spree by Venom Spider. Disguised as job applications, these emails deliver More_eggs backdoor, now upgraded with advanced features.

May 2, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, April 28–May 02, 2025

The FBI just dropped a massive breadcrumb trail. Details of 42,000 phishing domains tied to the LabHost platform have been released to help defenders investigate potential breaches. The service enabled the theft of 500,000 credit cards and over a million credentials. The takedown of JokerOTP has exposed just how far phishing has evolved. The tool was used in more than 28,000 attacks across 13 countries, tricking victims into handing over 2FA codes by mimicking trusted brands. The operation cost victims £7.5 million and has now led to serious criminal charges, thanks to a joint effort involving Europol and Dutch authorities. Malware’s now hitching a ride on Go modules. Socket has uncovered three malicious packages hiding disk-wiping payloads, designed to cause irreversible data loss, especially on Linux systems. These modules take advantage of Go’s decentralized ecosystem. In the shadows of the cybersecurity landscape, MintsLoader emerges as a formidable adversary, orchestrating a multi-faceted infection strategy that deploys the notorious GhostWeaver RAT. Some PyPI packages are doing more than importing functions. Researchers uncovered seven malicious Python packages under the “Coffin” naming scheme, using Gmail’s SMTP service as a stealthy C2 channel. Ransomware groups aren’t always the ones breaking the door open. Researchers have uncovered ToyMaker, an initial access broker selling network entry to ransomware groups. Using a custom malware strain called LAGTOY, ToyMaker establishes reverse shells and executes commands on compromised systems. New vulnerabilities in Apple’s AirPlay protocol, collectively dubbed AirBorne, expose billions of devices to remote code execution without user interaction. Sharp and TX stealers are back, donning a new cloak - named Hannibal Stealer. It is going after credentials from browsers, crypto wallets, FTP clients, and VPN apps. It even captures Discord tokens and Steam sessions.

Apr 25, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, April 21–25, 2025

AI security finally has a global playbook. ETSI has released TS 104 223, a first-of-its-kind technical specification outlining how to secure AI systems across their entire lifecycle - from design to decommissioning. MITRE’s latest update is catching up with the cloud. ATT&CK v17 expands the framework to include ESXi and adds more than 140 defensive analytics. Platform-specific data collection advice, improved mitigation mapping, and deeper coverage of mobile threats like SIM swaps round out the upgrade. An APT group with deep roots in Southeast Asia is quietly siphoning data through everyday cloud platforms. Earth Kurma has been active since late 2020, targeting government and telecom entities across the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Signal and WhatsApp are the new frontline for cloud compromise. Russian actors are running OAuth phishing campaigns against Microsoft 365 users tied to Ukraine and human rights work. A forged email that passes every security check - that’s the new phishing trick. Attackers are using DKIM replay tactics to forward legitimate Google security alerts to unsuspecting victims. It starts with a fake sales order and ends with FormBook silently stealing your data. A recent phishing campaign has been abusing a long-patched Microsoft flaw to deliver a fileless variant of the malware. Docker containers aren’t always what they seem. A new threat named TenoBot is targeting systems running outdated Teneo Web3 node software, deploying malicious containers to hijack environments. A stealthy new RAT is slipping through Ivanti Connect Secure devices in Japan. Dubbed DslogdRAT, the malware exploits a zero-day flaw to execute commands via web shell and quietly exfiltrate data using encoded C2 traffic.

Apr 18, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, April 14–18, 2025

The U.S. is drawing a hard line on data outflows. The DOJ’s new Data Security Program aims to block foreign adversaries, specifically nations like China and Russia, from acquiring sensitive American data through commercial channels. SSL certificates are about to expire a lot faster. In a move to tighten digital trust, the CA/Browser Forum has approved a gradual reduction in certificate lifespans - from the current 398 days to just 47 by 2029. One email, three stages, and no files to catch. Agent Tesla is being deployed through spam campaigns that use archive attachments with embedded JavaScript. They look like browser helpers, but they act like spyware. A set of 57 Chrome extensions have been found snooping on users. XorDDoS is now compromising Docker servers and deploying new features tied to a “VIP” variant. Most of the recent activity is hitting U.S. infrastructure. UNC5174 is keeping a low profile, but its targets aren’t. Active since late 2024, the Chinese state-linked group has been compromising Linux systems using a malicious bash script that drops SNOWLIGHT malware and a fileless VShell RAT. A wine-tasting invite with a side of malware. APT29, the Russian state-aligned group, is targeting European diplomatic networks with phishing lures disguised as event announcements.

Apr 11, 2025

Cyware Weekly Threat Intelligence, April 07–11, 2025

The U.K. government rolled out a Cyber Governance Code of Practice aimed at directors and board members, not just CISOs. Backed by the NCSC and other national bodies, the code includes practical actions, modular training, and a board-level toolkit. Startups building the future of cyber defense are getting serious backing. The British Business Bank has committed most of a £50 million fund to Osney Capital, which will invest in early-stage cybersecurity companies across the U.K. A torrent download might be doing more than delivering cracked software. A campaign has been distributing ViperSoftX to Korean users, likely run by Arabic-speaking threat actors. Invasive spyware campaigns are zeroing in on high-risk communities. MOONSHINE and BADBAZAAR are being deployed through trojanized mobile apps to surveil Uyghur, Tibetan, and Taiwanese individuals, as well as civil society groups. Search for QuickBooks during tax season, and you might land on a trap. Threat actors are placing deceptive Google Ads that link to phishing pages almost identical to the real QuickBooks login portal. It starts with a PDF search and ends with malware on your machine. A new campaign is using fake CAPTCHAs and Cloudflare Turnstile to lure users into downloading LegionLoader. Seed phrases aren’t supposed to come from strangers. The PoisonSeed campaign is targeting crypto holders and enterprise users by compromising bulk email services. Victims are lured with fake wallet setup instructions that embed attacker-controlled recovery phrases - giving threat actors full access once the wallets are used. A Chinese-linked threat group, ToddyCat, has been exploiting a security vulnerability in ESET's software to deliver a new malware, TCESB, in Asia.