Global Cyber Pulse: July 26, 2024

July 26, 2024 | Cybersecurity
By Ashwani  Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS

Stay ahead in the dynamic world of cybersecurity.

Here’s your concise guide to the latest trends, threats, and breakthroughs from around the globe:

Cyber Attack Risks Surge, Control Elusive, Says Report

90% of IT leaders report increased cyber-attack risks in the past year; 61% find attack surfaces uncontrollable.

Despite 97% upping cybersecurity investment, 55% feel less secure.

Top threats: malware, ransomware, phishing, unknown security risks, identity theft, system misconfigurations, and vulnerable applications.

Malware Attacks Jump 30% in Early 2024

SonicWall reports a 30% rise in malware attacks in H1 2024, with a 92% spike in May.

78,923 new malware variants detected, averaging 526 new variants daily.

15% of malware uses software packing as the primary tactic.

Meta Removes 63,000 Instagram Accounts in Nigerian Sextortion Crackdown

Meta deletes 63,000 Nigerian Instagram accounts involved in sextortion scams targeting U.S. men.

2,500 accounts linked to a coordinated network of 20 individuals.

Reports attempts to target minors to the NCMEC and removes 7,200 related assets.

Major Russian Banks Hit by DDoS Attacks Amid Ukraine Conflict

Large Russian banks, including VTB, Russian Agricultural Bank, and Gazprombank, suffer DDoS attacks.

Attacks disrupt online services; banks implement enhanced countermeasures.

Other affected banks: Alfa Bank, Rosbank, Post Bank.

Government Confirms BSNL Data Breach; Forms Security Panel

Union government acknowledges a data breach in BSNL’s systems in May.

Establishes telecom security panel to address the issue.

Athenian Tech report highlights risks of SIM card cloning and service disruption.

North Korean Hackers Targeting Healthcare and Energy Sectors

Andariel, a North Korean hacking group, expands its focus to healthcare, energy, and financial sectors.

Previously sanctioned for attacks on government and critical infrastructure.

Telegram Flaw Exploited to Spread Malware via Videos

Critical flaw in Telegram’s Android app allows malware to be embedded in videos.

Exploit, known as EvilVideo, sold on underground forums before disclosure and patch in July.

Spyware Maker Spytech Breached; Data on Thousands of Devices Exposed

Spytech Software hacked, revealing data on thousands of devices targeted by its spyware products.

TechCrunch reported the company’s activities following the breach.

Compex Legal Services Inc. Reports Data Breach

Compex discloses April 2024 cyberattack compromising health information and Social Security numbers.

Company serves over 500 insurance firms and 4,000 law firms across the U.S.