IT Security Newsletter

IT Security Newsletter - 5/16/24

Written by Cadre | Thu, May 16, 2024

Personal Information Stolen in City of Wichita Ransomware Attack

The City of Wichita, Kansas, has revealed this week that files containing personal information were stolen in a ransomware attack in early May. The city disclosed the incident on May 5, when certain systems were shut down as a containment measure, to stop the spreading of file-encrypting ransomware deployed during the attack. The city said at the time that some of its online services were impacted, but not first responders, which immediately switched to business continuity measures. READ MORE...

Scammers Fake DocuSign Templates to Blackmail & Steal From Companies

Cybercriminals are trafficking DocuSign assets that allow for easy extortion and business email compromise. Phishing emails mimicking DocuSign are rising, thanks to a thriving underground marketplace for fake templates and login credentials. Over the past month, researchers from Abnormal Security claim to have tracked a significant increase in phishing attacks designed to mimic legitimate DocuSign requests. READ MORE...

BreachForums, an online bazaar for stolen data, seized by FBI

The FBI and law enforcement partners worldwide have seized BreachForums, a website that openly trafficked malware and data stolen in hacks. The site has operated for years as an online trading post where criminals could buy and sell all kinds of compromised data, including passwords, customer records, and other often-times sensitive data. Last week, a site user advertised the sale of Dell customer data that was obtained from a support portal.. READ MORE...

MIT students stole $25M in seconds by exploiting ETH blockchain bug, DOJ says

Brothers charged in novel crypto scheme potentially face decades in prison. Within approximately 12 seconds, two highly educated brothers allegedly stole $25 million by tampering with the ethereum blockchain in a never-before-seen cryptocurrency scheme, according to an indictment that the US Department of Justice unsealed Wednesday. In a DOJ press release, US Attorney Damian Williams said the scheme was so sophisticated that it "calls the very integrity of the blockchain into question." READ MORE...

Android 15, Google Play Protect get new anti-malware and anti-fraud features

Today, Google announced new security features coming to Android 15 and Google Play Protect that will help block scams, fraud, and malware apps on users' devices. Announced at Google I/O 2024, the new features are designed not only to help end users but also to warn developers when their apps have been tampered with. "Today, we're announcing more new fraud and scam protection features coming in Android 15 and Google Play services updates later this year to help better protect users around the world." READ MORE...

Is an open-source AI vulnerability next?

AI has captured widespread interest and offers numerous benefits. However, its rapid advancement and widespread adoption raise concerns, especially for those of us in cybersecurity. With so much interest, there are lots of insecure applications finding their way onto our devices and other endpoints, opening more pathways for the "bad guys" to steal our data. Applications developed within open-source communities often face more significant security challenges because they are free and widely available... READ MORE...

D-Link Routers Vulnerable to Takeover Via Exploit for Zero-Day

A vulnerability in the HNAP login request protocol that affects a family of devices gives unauthenticated users root access for command execution. Researchers have released an exploit for a zero-day security flaw in a family of D-Link routers that can allow attackers to take over devices and execute commands with root privileges. The SSD Secure Disclosure team of researchers released a proof-of-concept exploit for a flaw associated with the handling of HNAP login requests in D-Link DIR-X4860 routers. READ MORE...

  • ...in 1866, Congress introduces the five-cent nickel to replace the silver half-dime coin that had been in use since the 1790s.
  • ...in 1868, the Senate acquits President Andrew Johnson in his impeachment trial for high crimes and misdemeanors.
  • ...in 1929, the first Academy Awards are held at a private dinner party in Hollywood.
  • ...in 2011, the space shuttle Endeavour is launched from Kennedy Space Center for its 25th and final flight before being retired.