This activity was found and reported by BACS student Adam Thorman as part of one of his assignments which I posted his final paper [1] last week. This activity appeared to only have occurred on the 19 Feb 2026 where at least 2 sensors detected on the same day by DShield sensor in the cowrie logs an echo command that included: "MAGIC_PAYLOAD_KILLER_HERE_OR_LEAVE_EMPTY_iranbot_was_here". My DShield sensor captured activity from source IP 64.89.161.198 between 30 Jan - 22 Feb 2026 that included portscans, a successful login via Telnet (TCP/23) and web access that included all the activity listed below captured by the DShield sensor (cowrie, webhoneypot & iptables logs).
Targeting six iOS vulnerabilities and leading to full device compromise, the exploit chain is meant for surveillance. The post ‘DarkSword’ iOS Exploit Kit Used by State-Sponsored Hackers, Spyware Vendors appeared first on SecurityWeek .
Zscaler ThreatLabz identified a new command-and-control framework implant called SnappyClient, delivered via HijackLoader. SnappyClient is a C++-based implant with data theft and remote access capabilities. It employs evasion techniques like AMSI bypass, Heaven's Gate, direct system calls, and transacted hollowing. The malware receives configuration files from its C2 server and uses a custom encrypted network protocol. SnappyClient's main functions include stealing browser data, taking screenshots, keylogging, and providing remote shell access. Analysis suggests potential ties to HijackLoader based on code similarities. The primary goal appears to be cryptocurrency theft, targeting wallet addresses and crypto-related applications.
The Contagious Trader campaign is a sophisticated malware operation targeting cryptocurrency users, attributed to North Korea with high confidence. It involves malicious cryptocurrency trading bot projects on GitHub that exfiltrate sensitive data and private keys using various techniques, including malicious npm dependencies. The campaign demonstrates overlaps with known North Korean tactics, particularly those of FAMOUS CHOLLIMA, including the use of GitHub, npm, and Vercel infrastructure, Base64-encoded payload URLs, and anonymizing VPNs for npm package publishing. The operation represents a shift in tactics, expanding beyond the previous Contagious Interview campaign to target a broader range of cryptocurrency users.
Meta does not plan on fixing the vulnerability because it involves the use of a modified client application. The post Researcher Discovers 4th WhatsApp View Once Bypass; Meta Won’t Patch appeared first on SecurityWeek .
The article exposes a sophisticated scam targeting Minecraft players through fake 'grief-free' server communities. The SugarSMP website, promising a safe gaming experience, was found to distribute malware-infected mod packs. The malware, named Spark stealer, steals sensitive data including Discord tokens, browser credentials, and crypto wallet information. The threat actors employ social engineering tactics to maintain their fake community's reputation and remove warnings about their activities. Multiple similar websites were discovered, all hosting various types of malware. The scam's persistence mechanisms and social engineering techniques are detailed, along with remediation steps for affected users.
The botnet has increased its activity, peaking at 15,000 exploitation attempts per day, and taking a more targeted approach. The post 174 Vulnerabilities Targeted by RondoDox Botnet appeared first on SecurityWeek .
Hydra Saiga, a suspected Kazakhstani state-sponsored threat actor, has been actively targeting government, energy, and critical infrastructure in Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East since 2021. The group is known for using Telegram Bot API for C2 communication and employing a mix of custom implants and 'Living off the Land' techniques. Their activities align closely with Kazakhstan's geopolitical interests, particularly in water and energy sectors. The group has compromised at least 34 organizations across 8 countries, with reconnaissance extending to over 200 additional targets globally. Hydra Saiga's operations demonstrate a clear focus on water infrastructure linked to major regional rivers and gas distribution systems, reflecting strategic intelligence collection efforts.
The Warlock ransomware group has enhanced its attack chain with improved methods for persistence, lateral movement, and evasion. Their updated toolset includes TightVNC, Yuze, and a persistent BYOVD technique exploiting the NSec driver. The group's primary targets were technology, manufacturing, and government sectors, with the US, Germany, and Russia being the most affected countries. Warlock continues to exploit unpatched Microsoft SharePoint servers for initial access, and has expanded its post-exploitation toolkit. New additions include TightVNC for persistent remote access, Yuze for establishing SOCKS5 connections, and a BYOVD technique using the NSecKrnl.sys driver to terminate security products. The group also leverages Velociraptor, VS Code tunnels, and Cloudflare Tunnel for C&C communications.
On Wednesday, a phishing message made its way into our handler inbox that contained a fairly typical low-quality lure, but turned out to be quite interesting in the end nonetheless. That is because the accompanying credential stealing web page was dynamically constructed using React and used a legitimate e-mail service for credential collection.
How to protect yourself from the BeatBanker Android trojan, which steals cryptocurrency, hijacks your hardware for crypto mining, and swipes all your data.
Join the webinar as we examine the current OT threat landscape and move past the "doom and gloom" to discuss the mechanics of modern OT exposure. The post Webinar Today: Securing Fragile OT in an Exposed World appeared first on SecurityWeek .
For the latest discoveries in cyber research for the week of 9th March, please download our Threat Intelligence Bulletin. TOP ATTACKS AND BREACHES AkzoNobel, a Netherlands-based global paint manufacturer, has confirmed a cyberattack affecting one of its United States sites. The company said the intrusion was contained, while the Anubis ransomware group claimed it stole […] The post 9th March – Threat Intelligence Report appeared first on Check Point Research .
The malware targets browser and cryptocurrency wallet data, along with system information and user files. The post Over 100 GitHub Repositories Distributing BoryptGrab Stealer appeared first on SecurityWeek .
Pentagon CTO Emil Michael said the military is developing procedures for enabling different levels of autonomy in warfare depending on the risk posed. The post Pentagon’s Chief Tech Officer Says He Clashed With AI Company Anthropic Over Autonomous Warfare appeared first on SecurityWeek .
Evgenii Ptitsyn was extradited to the United States from South Korea in November 2024. The post Russian Ransomware Operator Pleads Guilty in US appeared first on SecurityWeek .
The stolen credential marketplace had been active since 2021 and in late 2025 it counted 142,000 users. The post LeakBase Cybercrime Forum Shut Down, Suspects Arrested appeared first on SecurityWeek .
Explaining how the browser-in-the-browser phishing technique works, why fake login windows look just like the real thing, and the red flags that can help you identify a scam page.
