Thanos Ransomware First to Weaponize RIPlace Tactic
Researchers have uncovered a new ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) tool, called Thanos, which they say is increasing in popularity in multiple underground forums. Thanos is the first ransomware family observed that advertises the use of the RIPlace tactic. RIPlace is a Windows file system technique unveiled in a proof of concept (PoC) last year by researchers at Nyotron, which can be used to maliciously alter files and which allows attackers to bypass various anti-ransomware methods. READ MORE...
Bitcoin scammers take YouTube channels for a SpaceX ride
Crypto scammers hijacked three YouTube channels to impersonate Elon Musk's SpaceX channel, offering bogus BTC giveaways that earned them nearly USD $150,000 over the course of two days. The scamming channels were first reported on Hacker News. Bleeping Computer followed up with a full report. According to Bleeping Computer and the reports filed in the BitcoinAbuse database, the scammers took over legitimate YouTube accounts and changed the branding to look like that of Elon Musk's rocket company. READ MORE...
Average cost of DNS attacks hovering around $924,000
79% of organizations experienced DNS attacks, with the average cost of each attack hovering around $924,000, according to EfficientIP. The 2020 Global DNS Threat Report, conducted in collaboration with IDC, shows that organizations across all industries suffered an average 9.5 attacks this year. These figures illustrate the pivotal role of the DNS for network security, as threat actors make use of DNS' dual capacity as either a threat vector or a direct objective. READ MORE...
Details Released for Recently Patched Code Execution Vulnerability in Firefox
Cisco's Talos threat intelligence and research group has released information on a recently addressed vulnerability in Firefox that could be exploited for code execution. Tracked as CVE-2020-12405 and featuring a CVSS score of 8.8, the issue was one of five high-severity bugs that were patched earlier this month with the release of Firefox 77. Tor Browser 9.5, which is based on Firefox ESR 68.9, fixes the flaw as well. READ MORE...
Encryption Utility Firm Accused of Bundling Malware Functions in Product
An Italian company that sells what it describes as a legitimate encryption utility is being used as malware packer for the cloud-delivered malicious GuLoader dropper, claim researchers. The tool, according a recent investigation, creates GuLoader samples and helps the malware avoid antivirus detection. For its part, the company claims it has taken steps to prevent bad actors from using its wares for ill. READ MORE...
Hackers use fake contact tracing apps in attempt to install banking malware on Android phones
Twelve applications posing as coronavirus contact tracing apps available outside mainstream marketplaces are designed to steal personal and financial information from unwitting Android users. Apps meant to impersonate official government tracing apps from countries including Italy, Russia and Singapore trigger malicious software capable of collecting a range of data from user's devices. READ MORE...
FBI warns of increased hacking risk if using mobile banking apps
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) today warned mobile banking app users that they will be increasingly targeted by hackers trying to steal their credentials and take over their banking accounts. The alert, published on the agency's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), says that the increased usage of such apps during the pandemic could lead to more exploitation attempts targeting their users. READ MORE...
- ...in 1509, Henry VIII marries his first wife, Catherine of Aragon; their subsequent divorce led to England's split from the Catholic Church.
- ...in 1776, the Continental Congress appoints the Committee of Five to draft the Declaration of Independence.
- ...in 1963, two African-American students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, register at the previously segregrated University of Alabama.
- ...in 1982, "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" opens in U.S. theaters, going on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
