By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
Here are the latest developments highlighting the ongoing battle between cyber criminals and organizations worldwide.
Telegram Deepfakes: A Rising Threat to Women’s Security
AI-powered chatbots and deepfake technology are increasingly being used on Telegram to exploit and objectify women and girls.
A recent investigation revealed that over 4 million users interact with deepfake bots, which generate explicit images of real individuals. This alarming figure, as reported by WIRED, may only be the tip of the iceberg, exposing a deeply troubling trend with widespread implications.
Hackers Extort Globe Life After Data Theft
Hackers are extorting insurance giant Globe Life following a data breach at its subsidiary, American Income Life Insurance, affecting over 5,000 people.
The company disclosed the incident to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), noting that stolen data includes Social Security numbers, names, and health-related information. Globe Life has warned that the full extent of the breach remains unclear, with federal authorities now investigating.
Japan’s Ruling Party Targeted by Pro-Russian Hackers
Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was hit by a DDoS cyberattack, disrupting its website at the start of the general election campaign.
Pro-Russian hacking groups, including NoName057(16), claimed responsibility for the attack, citing Japan’s upcoming joint military exercises with the U.S. near Russia’s border as the motive. Other government websites were also affected, highlighting the political tension surrounding the event.
Cicada3301 Ransomware Group Exposed
Cybersecurity researchers have gained access to Cicada3301’s affiliate dashboard, providing insights into the workings of the emerging ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) group.
Singapore-based Group-IB uncovered sections of the panel including partner communications and account management, offering a glimpse into the growing ransomware ecosystem.
BianLian Ransomware Targets Boston Children’s Health Physicians
The BianLian ransomware group has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Boston Children’s Health Physicians (BCHP), threatening to leak sensitive data unless a ransom is paid.
BCHP, a network of over 300 pediatric specialists, detected unauthorized activity following an attack on its IT vendor, raising concerns over patient safety and data security.
India and ASEAN Forge Cybersecurity Alliance in First Policy Dialogue
The inaugural ASEAN-India Track 1 Cyber Policy Dialogue, held in Singapore, marked a milestone in cybersecurity cooperation between India and ASEAN. Co-chaired by India’s Joint Secretary for Cyber Diplomacy and the Philippines’ Undersecretary for Cybersecurity, the dialogue addressed the evolving global cyber threat landscape and explored new areas of collaboration, aligning with India’s strategic vision to enhance digital security across the region.