Global Cyber Pulse: 9th October, 2024

October 9, 2024 | Cybersecurity
By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS

Casio suffers a major cyberattack, while HSI blocks over 500 ransomware attempts and seizes $2 billion in cryptocurrency. The MoneyGram hack exposes customer data, and American Water halts billing operations due to a breach. Ransomware groups rise by 30%, with new players entering the cybercrime ecosystem. An international operation uncovers human trafficking networks on the dark web, and the Awaken Likho campaign targets Russian government agencies. Meanwhile, CISA and FBI issue an advisory to counter Iranian cyber threats.

Stay tuned for global cybersecurity updates.

Casio Confirms Major Cybersecurity Breach

On October 5, 2023, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., a leading electronics manufacturer, experienced a major cybersecurity breach.

Hackers gained unauthorized access to their systems, causing a network failure that disrupted several services. The breach has raised serious concerns about the safety of personal and company data. Casio initiated an investigation after internal systems detected the failure.

HSI Foils 500+ Ransomware Attacks, Seizes $2 Billion in Cybercrime Crackdown

HSI, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has successfully thwarted over 500 ransomware attacks and frozen more than $2 billion in cryptocurrency since 2021.

Their proactive cybercrime strategy, led by the Global Target and Cyber Crimes Center, identifies ransomware threats by analyzing internet traffic and software vulnerabilities.

MoneyGram Cyber Attack Exposes Sensitive Customer Data

MoneyGram Payment Systems confirmed a significant breach in September 2024, where hackers accessed and stole sensitive customer information, including names, addresses, bank details, and Social Security numbers.

The breach was discovered days later, affecting the financial and personal data of many customers.

American Water Suspends Billing Services Following Cyberattack

American Water, which serves over 14 million people, detected unusual network activity on Thursday, leading to a halt in billing services and the temporary shutdown of its MyWater app.

Law enforcement and external cybersecurity investigators have been called in to investigate the breach.

Ransomware Groups Surge by 30% Despite Law Enforcement Efforts

Despite intensified law enforcement efforts, ransomware groups have grown by 30% year-over-year, according to Secureworks’ State of The Threat report.

The report highlights new players, such as RansomHub, and names LockBit and PLAY as leading ransomware groups by victim count.

Global Hackathon Unveils Dark Web Human Trafficking Network

Europol’s recent hackathon, featuring law enforcement from 27 countries, uncovered a dark web trafficking network selling male and female victims.

Investigators discovered traffickers offering individuals for sale, with prices ranging from $800 to $60,000.

Russian Agencies Targeted by ‘Awaken Likho’ Cyber Campaign

Kaspersky has identified a persistent cyberattack campaign targeting Russian government agencies and industrial sectors.

Known as Awaken Likho, the attackers have shifted tactics, now using the legitimate MeshCentral platform for remote access, replacing earlier tools like UltraVNC.

U.S. Government Agencies Release Advisory on Iranian Cyber Threats

CISA and FBI have published a fact sheet outlining cybersecurity threats from Iranian actors linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The advisory focuses on protecting U.S. political entities and organizations from social engineering attacks targeting personal and business accounts.