Cryptocurrency, Government and Internet

Perfectl Malware

Schneier on Security

OCTOBER 14, 2024

It gets installed by exploiting more than 20,000 common misconfigurations, a capability that may make millions of machines connected to the Internet potential targets, researchers from Aqua Security said. The researchers are calling the malware Perfctl, the name of a malicious component that surreptitiously mines cryptocurrency.

Malware

Malware Cryptocurrency Internet Internet

U.S. Offered $10M for Hacker Just Arrested by Russia

Krebs on Security

DECEMBER 4, 2024

government indicted Matveev as a top ransomware purveyor a year later, offering $10 million for information leading to his arrest. Last week, the Russian government reportedly arrested Matveev and charged him with creating malware used to extort companies. government’s “Wanted” poster for him.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime Ransomware Cryptocurrency Government

Feds Charge Five Men in ‘Scattered Spider’ Roundup

Krebs on Security

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

According to prosecutors, the group mainly sought to steal cryptocurrency from victim companies and their employees. Those accounts state that the intruders assaulted Tylerb’s mother in the home invasion, and that they threatened to burn him with a blowtorch if he didn’t give up the keys to his cryptocurrency wallets.

Identity Theft

Identity Theft Phishing Cryptocurrency Accountability

FBI: Spike in Hacked Police Emails, Fake Subpoenas

Krebs on Security

NOVEMBER 9, 2024

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is urging police departments and governments worldwide to beef up security around their email systems, citing a recent increase in cybercriminal services that use hacked police email accounts to send unauthorized subpoenas and customer data requests to U.S.-based based technology companies.

Hacking

Hacking Accountability Government Social Engineering

U.S. Sanctions Cloud Provider ‘Funnull’ as Top Source of ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams

Krebs on Security

MAY 29, 2025

government today imposed economic sanctions on Funnull Technology Inc. , Pig butchering is a rampant form of fraud wherein people are lured by flirtatious strangers online into investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency trading platforms. Image: Shutterstock, ArtHead. cloud providers.

Scams

Scams Internet Internet Cybercrime

Israel–Iran Conflict Escalates in Cyberspace: Banks and Crypto Hit, Internet Cut

SecureWorld News

JUNE 19, 2025

As kinetic conflict continues to unfold between Israel and Iran, a parallel battle is raging in cyberspace—one that is disrupting financial systems, wiping out crypto holdings, hijacking broadcast channels, and even triggering a near-total internet shutdown.

Internet

Internet Internet Banking CISO

An Interview With the Target & Home Depot Hacker

Krebs on Security

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

Golubov later earned immunity from prosecution by becoming an elected politician and founding the Internet Party of Ukraine , which called for free internet for all, the creation of country-wide “hacker schools” and the “computerization of the entire economy.” He also apparently ran a business called click2dad[.]net

Advertising

Advertising Retail Cryptocurrency Cybercrime

Security Affairs newsletter Round 493 by Pierluigi Paganini – INTERNATIONAL EDITION

Security Affairs

OCTOBER 13, 2024

Enjoy a new round of the weekly SecurityAffairs newsletter, including the international press. CISA adds Windows and Qualcomm bugs to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog Three new Ivanti CSA zero-day actively exploited in attacks Ukrainian national pleads guilty in U.S.

Data breaches

Data breaches Cryptocurrency Cybercrime Artificial Intelligence

LW ROUNDTABLE: Predictive analytics, full-stack visualization to solidify cyber defenses in 2025

The Last Watchdog

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Enterprises must secure AI agents, adopt proactive data governance, and deploy AI-based security platforms. Promoting continuous learning in privacy tech, AI governance, and Zero Trust, alongside partnerships with educational institutions, helps build a skilled workforce to meet evolving regulatory demands.

Risk

Risk Threat Detection Technology Phishing

Russian Phobos ransomware operator faces cybercrime charges

Security Affairs

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Affiliates paid fees to administrators like Ptitsyn for decryption keys, with payments routed via unique cryptocurrency wallets from 2021–2024. The attacks were observed as recently as February 2024, they targeted government, education, emergency services, healthcare, and other critical infrastructure sectors.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime Ransomware Healthcare Hacking

Cybercrime Soars: FBI's 2024 Report Reveals $16.6 Billion in Losses

SecureWorld News

MAY 14, 2025

The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has released its 2024 Internet Crime Report, marking a record-breaking year in cybercrime. Other critical sectors, including manufacturing and government facilities, also faced significant threats. The report highlights a staggering $16.6 billion in losses. Since 2022, the U.S.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime Scams Cryptocurrency Internet

Authorities released free decryptor for Phobos and 8base ransomware

Security Affairs

JULY 18, 2025

Based on information from open sources, government experts linked multiple Phobos ransomware variants to Phobos intrusions due to observed similarities in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs). Affiliates paid fees to administrators like Ptitsyn for decryption keys, with payments routed via unique cryptocurrency wallets from 2021–2024.

Ransomware

Ransomware Encryption Malware Cybercrime

Security Affairs newsletter Round 529 by Pierluigi Paganini – INTERNATIONAL EDITION

Security Affairs

JUNE 22, 2025

Iran confirmed it shut down internet to protect the country against cyberattacks Godfather Android trojan uses virtualization to hijack banking and crypto apps Cloudflare blocked record-breaking 7.3 Every week, the best security articles from Security Affairs are free in your email box.

Data breaches

Data breaches DDOS Backups Internet

Why SMS two-factor authentication codes aren't safe and what to use instead

Zero Day

JUNE 17, 2025

"The company and its founder have worked with government spy agencies and surveillance industry contractors to surveil mobile phones and track user location," Bloomberg reported. In this instance, the messages passed through a controversial Swiss outfit named Fink Telecom Services.

Authentication

Authentication Password Management Small Business Passwords

The 3 biggest cybersecurity threats to small businesses

Malwarebytes

MAY 1, 2025

The hackers hijacked the channels to spread cryptocurrency scams, while deleting some of the groups old videos in the process. The attack was largely reminiscent of a 2022 YouTube account hack that repurposed a 2018 interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook to fool viewers into following a separate cryptocurrency scam.

Small Business

Small Business Cybersecurity Scams Passwords

Operation SyncHole: Lazarus APT goes back to the well

SecureList

APRIL 23, 2025

We immediately took action by communicating meaningful information to the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KrCERT/CC) for rapid action upon detection, and we have now confirmed that the software exploited in this campaign has all been updated to patched versions. The software has since been updated with patched versions.

Malware

Malware Software Encryption Internet

Zanubis in motion: Tracing the active evolution of the Android banking malware

SecureList

MAY 28, 2025

2022: From zero to threat Zanubis was first observed in the wild around August 2022, initially targeting financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchange users in Peru. The once-broad range of targets, including cryptocurrency wallets, has been abandoned.

Banking

Banking Malware Encryption Energy and Utilities

Cisco Contributes to Cyber Hard Problems Report

Cisco Security

JULY 7, 2025

In terms of technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) was still getting off the ground, and AI was largely still science fiction. And, the advent of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has provided a relatively safe channel for ransom, extortion and other illicit payments. Endpoint security still meant antivirus agents.

Cyber Risk

Cyber Risk Media Risk Cybersecurity

Chinese Cyberespionage Groups Probe SentinelOne in Sophisticated ShadowPad and PurpleHaze Campaigns

Penetration Testing

JUNE 9, 2025

The most notable discovery in SentinelLABS’ investigation was that threat actors carried out reconnaissance against SentinelOne’s Internet-facing servers in October 2024, and even compromised a third-party IT logistics firm responsible for handling employee hardware.

Penetration Testing

Penetration Testing Advertising DNS Cybersecurity

Canadian Man Arrested in Snowflake Data Extortions

Krebs on Security

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

government agencies and first responders. The IntelSecrets nickname corresponds to an individual who has claimed responsibility for modifying the source code for the Mirai “Internet of Things” botnet to create a variant known as “ Satori ,” and supplying it to others who used it for criminal gain and were later caught and prosecuted.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime Mobile Telecommunications Hacking

Iran confirmed it shut down internet to protect the country against cyberattacks

Security Affairs

JUNE 21, 2025

Iran confirmed an Internet shutdown to counter Israeli cyberattacks, citing threats to critical infrastructure, and interfere with drone control. Iran experienced a near-total internet blackout on Wednesday as tensions with Israel escalated into the first week of conflict. ” Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani added.

Internet

Internet Internet Banking Cyber Attacks

ecryptobit.com Ethereum: A Simple Guide to Understanding and Investing in Ethereum

Hacker's King

JULY 3, 2025

Ethereum ranks among the most recognized cryptocurrencies in the world, only behind Bitcoin. In addition, it possesses a cryptocurrency called Ether (ETH). What Distinguishes Ethereum from Other Cryptocurrencies? As a cryptocurrency, Ethereum has features that distinguish it from others. Why Should You Consider Ethereum?

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Scams Technology Marketing

Ransomware Is Getting Ugly

Schneier on Security

MAY 14, 2021

Modern ransomware has two dimensions: pay to get your data back, and pay not to have your data dumped on the Internet. Ransomware in big business, made possible by insecure networks that allow criminals to gain access to networks in the first place, and cryptocurrencies that allow for payments that governments cannot interdict.

Ransomware

Ransomware Cryptocurrency Cybercrime Internet

Here’s Some Bitcoin: Oh, and You’ve Been Served!

Krebs on Security

JANUARY 10, 2024

A California man who lost $100,000 in a 2021 SIM-swapping attack is suing the unknown holder of a cryptocurrency wallet that harbors his stolen funds. Dellone says the crooks then used his phone number to break into his account at Coinbase and siphon roughly $100,000 worth of cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Government Cybercrime Accountability

Is Your Computer Part of ‘The Largest Botnet Ever?’

Krebs on Security

MAY 29, 2024

” The arrest coincided with the seizure of the 911 S5 website and supporting infrastructure, which the government says turned computers running various “free VPN” products into Internet traffic relays that facilitated billions of dollars in online fraud and cybercrime. government.

VPN

VPN Cybercrime Government Internet

How BRICS Got “Rug Pulled” – Cryptocurrency Counterfeiting is on the Rise

Security Affairs

FEBRUARY 19, 2024

Resecurity has identified an increasing trend of cryptocurrency counterfeiting, the experts found several tokens impersonating major brands, government organizations and national fiat currencies. Resecurity has identified an increasing trend of cryptocurrency counterfeiting.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Scams Government Banking

FBI warns of fraudulent schemes using cryptocurrency ATMs and QR for payments

Security Affairs

NOVEMBER 8, 2021

The FBI warns of an increase of fraudulent schemes leveraging cryptocurrency ATMs and QR Codes to facilitate payment. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) published an alert to warn the public of fraudulent schemes leveraging cryptocurrency ATMs and Quick Response (QR) codes to complete payment transactions.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Scams Accountability Government

Illegal Content and the Blockchain

Schneier on Security

MARCH 17, 2021

Many who buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum don’t bother using the ledger to verify their purchase. But none of this, so far, appears to seriously threaten those in power in governments and corporations. Imagine someone using this idea to evade government censorship. Most Bitcoin mining happens in China.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Media Government Firewall

U.S. Hacks QakBot, Quietly Removes Botnet Infections

Krebs on Security

AUGUST 29, 2023

government today announced a coordinated crackdown against QakBot , a complex malware family used by multiple cybercrime groups to lay the groundwork for ransomware infections. government has used court orders to remotely disinfect systems compromised with malware. Today’s operation is not the first time the U.S.

Hacking

Hacking Malware Ransomware Government

Massive Losses Define Epidemic of ‘Pig Butchering’

Krebs on Security

JULY 21, 2022

“It’s run by a fraud ring of cryptocurrency scammers who mine dating apps and other social media for victims and the scam is becoming alarmingly popular.” Many of these platforms include extensive study materials and tutorials on cryptocurrency investing. com, a scam cryptocurrency platform tied to a pig butchering scheme.

Scams

Scams Cryptocurrency Marketing Internet

Crooks are increasingly targeting DeFi platforms to steal cryptocurrency

Security Affairs

AUGUST 29, 2022

FBI warns investors that crooks are increasingly exploiting security issues in Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms to steal cryptocurrency. Threat actors are exploiting vulnerabilities in the smart contracts governing DeFi platforms to steal investors’ cryptocurrency. Follow me on Twitter: @securityaffairs and Facebook.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Internet Internet Risk

Feds Charge Three in Mass Seizure of Attack-for-hire Services

Krebs on Security

DECEMBER 20, 2018

They accept payment via PayPal, Google Wallet, and/or cryptocurrencies, and subscriptions can range in price from just a few dollars to several hundred per month. ” For one thing, the booter services targeted in this takedown advertised the ability to “resolve” or determine the true Internet address of a target.

DNS

DNS Computers and Electronics Government DDOS

How Does One Get Hired by a Top Cybercrime Gang?

Krebs on Security

JUNE 15, 2021

According to the government, that database contained a large number of credit card numbers and stolen credentials from the Trickbot botnet, as well as information about infected machines available as bots. “Many in the gang not only knew her gender but her name too,” Holden wrote.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime Ransomware Passwords Banking

Could curtailing cryptocurrency calm cyber crime wave?

SC Magazine

JUNE 28, 2021

A technician inspects the backside of a cryptocurrency mining farm in Saint Hyacinthe, Quebec. Cryptocurrency is famously anonymous, but evading capture is not the only reason cryptocurrency is the go-to payment solution for ransomware. First, understanding the role of cryptocurrency in ransomware. Would it work?

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Banking Ransomware Cybercrime

Cybersecurity for the Public Interest

Schneier on Security

MAY 3, 2019

Pervasive surveillance capitalism -- as practiced by the Internet companies that are already spying on everyone -- matters. This isn't sustainable, either for this issue or any of the other policy issues surrounding Internet security. We need staff positions throughout the government: executive, legislative, and judiciary branches.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Technology Government Surveillance

Fla. Man Charged in SIM-Swapping Spree is Key Suspect in Hacker Groups Oktapus, Scattered Spider

Krebs on Security

JANUARY 30, 2024

authorities arrested a 19-year-old Florida man charged with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiring with others to use SIM-swapping to steal cryptocurrency. The government says Urban went by the aliases “ Sosa ” and “ King Bob ,” among others. 9, 2024, U.S. On July 28 and again on Aug.

Social Engineering

Social Engineering Cybercrime Mobile Identity Theft

Cybersecurity for the Public Interest

Schneier on Security

MARCH 5, 2019

Pervasive surveillance capitalism -- as practiced by the Internet companies that are already spying on everyone -- matters. This isn't sustainable, either for this issue or any of the other policy issues surrounding Internet security. We need staff positions throughout the government: executive, legislative, and judiciary branches.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Technology Government Internet

IBM unveils end-to-end, quantum-safe tools to secure business, government data

CSO Magazine

MAY 10, 2023

Security experts and scientists predict that quantum computers will one day be able to break commonly used encryption methods rendering email, secure banking, cryptocurrencies, and communications systems vulnerable to significant cybersecurity threats. To read this article in full, please click here

Government

Government Cryptocurrency Encryption Banking

How Did Authorities Identify the Alleged Lockbit Boss?

Krebs on Security

MAY 13, 2024

The government alleges Khoroshev created, sold and used the LockBit ransomware strain to personally extort more than $100 million from hundreds of victim organizations, and that LockBit as a group extorted roughly half a billion dollars over four years. That’s what the government believes. Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev.

Cybercrime

Cybercrime Ransomware Accountability Malware

Feds Take Down 13 More DDoS-for-Hire Services

Krebs on Security

MAY 9, 2023

They accept payment via PayPal, Google Wallet, and/or cryptocurrencies, and subscriptions can range in price from just a few dollars to several hundred per month. Booter services are advertised through a variety of methods, including Dark Web forums, chat platforms and even youtube.com. org and exoticbooter[.]com

DDOS

DDOS Cybercrime Internet Internet

Iran Reduces Internet Access After Israeli Airstrikes, Cyberattacks

Security Boulevard

JUNE 18, 2025

The Iranian government has sharply restricted internet access in the country following almost a week of Israeli airstrikes and a cyberattacks on an Iranian bank and cryptocurrency exchange by a pro-Israeli hacker group called Predatory Sparrow.

Internet

Internet Internet Cryptocurrency Banking

Ransomware at IT Services Provider Synoptek

Krebs on Security

DECEMBER 27, 2019

-based Synoptek is a managed service provider that maintains a variety of cloud-based services for more than 1,100 customers across a broad spectrum of industries , including state and local governments, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, media, retail and software. When the site was first set up on Dec.

Ransomware

Ransomware Financial Services Phishing Media

Public-Interest Tech at the RSA Conference

Schneier on Security

FEBRUARY 1, 2019

It's obvious in the debates on encryption and vulnerability disclosure, but it's also part of the policy discussions about the Internet of Things, cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, social media platforms, and pretty much everything else related to IT. Government Needs You. Government needs technologists at all levels.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence Technology Government Surveillance

Could curtailing cryptocurrency calm cyber crimewave?

SC Magazine

JUNE 28, 2021

A technician inspects the backside of a cryptocurrency mining farm in Saint Hyacinthe, Quebec. Cryptocurrency is famously anonymous, but evading capture is not the only reason cryptocurrency is the go-to payment solution for ransomware. First, understanding the role of cryptocurrency in ransomware. Would it work?

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Banking Ransomware Cybercrime

Perfectl Malware

U.S. Offered $10M for Hacker Just Arrested by Russia

Trending Sources

Feds Charge Five Men in ‘Scattered Spider’ Roundup

FBI: Spike in Hacked Police Emails, Fake Subpoenas

U.S. Sanctions Cloud Provider ‘Funnull’ as Top Source of ‘Pig Butchering’ Scams

Israel–Iran Conflict Escalates in Cyberspace: Banks and Crypto Hit, Internet Cut

An Interview With the Target & Home Depot Hacker

Security Affairs newsletter Round 493 by Pierluigi Paganini – INTERNATIONAL EDITION

LW ROUNDTABLE: Predictive analytics, full-stack visualization to solidify cyber defenses in 2025

Russian Phobos ransomware operator faces cybercrime charges

Cybercrime Soars: FBI's 2024 Report Reveals $16.6 Billion in Losses

Authorities released free decryptor for Phobos and 8base ransomware

Security Affairs newsletter Round 529 by Pierluigi Paganini – INTERNATIONAL EDITION

Why SMS two-factor authentication codes aren't safe and what to use instead

The 3 biggest cybersecurity threats to small businesses

Operation SyncHole: Lazarus APT goes back to the well

Zanubis in motion: Tracing the active evolution of the Android banking malware

Cisco Contributes to Cyber Hard Problems Report

Chinese Cyberespionage Groups Probe SentinelOne in Sophisticated ShadowPad and PurpleHaze Campaigns

Canadian Man Arrested in Snowflake Data Extortions

Iran confirmed it shut down internet to protect the country against cyberattacks

ecryptobit.com Ethereum: A Simple Guide to Understanding and Investing in Ethereum

Ransomware Is Getting Ugly

Here’s Some Bitcoin: Oh, and You’ve Been Served!

Is Your Computer Part of ‘The Largest Botnet Ever?’

How BRICS Got “Rug Pulled” – Cryptocurrency Counterfeiting is on the Rise

FBI warns of fraudulent schemes using cryptocurrency ATMs and QR for payments

Illegal Content and the Blockchain

U.S. Hacks QakBot, Quietly Removes Botnet Infections

Massive Losses Define Epidemic of ‘Pig Butchering’

Crooks are increasingly targeting DeFi platforms to steal cryptocurrency

Feds Charge Three in Mass Seizure of Attack-for-hire Services

How Does One Get Hired by a Top Cybercrime Gang?

Could curtailing cryptocurrency calm cyber crime wave?

Cybersecurity for the Public Interest

Fla. Man Charged in SIM-Swapping Spree is Key Suspect in Hacker Groups Oktapus, Scattered Spider

Cybersecurity for the Public Interest

IBM unveils end-to-end, quantum-safe tools to secure business, government data

How Did Authorities Identify the Alleged Lockbit Boss?

Feds Take Down 13 More DDoS-for-Hire Services

Iran Reduces Internet Access After Israeli Airstrikes, Cyberattacks

Ransomware at IT Services Provider Synoptek

Public-Interest Tech at the RSA Conference

Could curtailing cryptocurrency calm cyber crimewave?

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