By Editorial Desk, 63SATS
Cyberattacks are escalating globally, with North Korea’s Lazarus Group stealing $1.5 billion in crypto and China-linked hackers breaching Belgium’s intelligence agency. CrowdStrike reports a 150% rise in Chinese cyber espionage, while the Philippine Army faces a data breach. SEBI fined ICCL ₹5.05 crore for cybersecurity lapses, and Australia banned Kaspersky over security risks.
Meanwhile, malware, AI surveillance, and financial fraud continue to pose serious digital threats. Governments and industries worldwide are reinforcing cybersecurity frameworks, but rising cybercrime underscores the urgent need for stronger defenses. As digital warfare intensifies, resilience and proactive security measures remain critical.
FBI: Lazarus Group Stole $1.5B in Bybit Crypto Heist
The FBI confirmed North Korea’s Lazarus Group stole $1.5 billion from Bybit in history’s biggest crypto heist. Hackers intercepted a transfer from Bybit’s cold wallet, redirecting funds. Authorities urged exchanges and DeFi platforms to block transactions from North Korean-linked wallets. Lazarus, also known as APT38, has a track record of large-scale cryptocurrency theft.
Belgium Probes Chinese Hack on Intelligence Agency
Belgium’s federal prosecutor is investigating claims that Chinese hackers breached the State Security Service (VSSE). Between 2021 and May 2023, attackers allegedly accessed the agency’s external email server, leaking 10% of staff communications. The server handled government and law enforcement emails. Authorities are assessing the breach’s impact on national security and potential espionage risks.
Chinese Cyber Espionage Spikes 150%, Says CrowdStrike
CrowdStrike’s 2025 Global Threat Report reveals a 150% rise in Chinese cyber espionage, with finance, media, and manufacturing facing a 300% surge in attacks. The firm identified seven new China-linked hacking groups and blocked 330 cyber intrusions in 2024. Experts warn of AI-driven hacking tactics, urging businesses to adopt stronger security strategies against evolving threats.
Philippine Army Confirms Cyberattack Amid Data Leak Claims
The Philippine Army acknowledged a cyberattack but denied data theft, despite hacker group Exodus Security claiming to have breached its systems. Advocacy group Deep Web Konek reported that 10,000 military records, including personal and financial details, were compromised. Authorities are investigating the breach and enhancing cybersecurity measures to prevent further intrusions into defense networks.
SEBI Fines ICCL ₹5.05 Crore for Cybersecurity Failures
SEBI fined the Indian Clearing Corporation (ICCL) ₹5.05 crore for cybersecurity lapses after an inspection found multiple violations. ICCL failed to provide a network audit report with board comments, leading to a show-cause notice. SEBI’s action highlights the urgency for financial institutions to enhance cybersecurity and regulatory compliance to ensure a secure financial ecosystem.
Bybit Offers Bounty to Recover $1.5 Billion Stolen Crypto
Bybit launched a bounty program to recover $1.5 billion in stolen Ethereum after North Korea’s Lazarus Group’s massive heist. CEO Ben Zhou announced Lazarusbounty.com, offering a 5% reward for asset recovery, with $140 million up for grabs. Bybit also plans a HackBounty platform to fight crypto crime, assuring users that the exchange remains financially stable.
Cleveland Municipal Court Shut for Third Day After Cyberattack
A cyberattack has forced Cleveland Municipal Court to remain closed for a third day. While officials have not disclosed details, internal systems and software remain offline. Investigations are underway, with no timeline for service restoration. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in public institutions, underscoring the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect judicial operations.
Rajnath Singh Warns of Cyber Threats to Maritime Security
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the Indian Coast Guard to counter cyber threats like radar breaches and data leaks. Speaking at a security event, he emphasized the Digital Coast Guard Project and a 26% budget hike to ₹9,677 crore for advanced patrol vessels, air cushion vehicles, and modernized infrastructure to tackle smuggling, piracy, and cyber intrusions.
SpyLend Malware Targets Indian Users via Google Play
A malicious Android app, Finance Simplified, has infected over 100,000 Indian users via Google Play. Discovered by CYFIRMA, SpyLend alters its interface based on geolocation to steal sensitive data and facilitate predatory loans. The app’s covert credential harvesting and blackmail tactics highlight the growing cybersecurity risks in mobile applications, prompting urgent calls for stricter app security.
Australia Bans Kaspersky Software Over Security Risks
Australia has banned Kaspersky software from government systems, citing espionage risks. Under directive 002-2025, agencies must remove Kaspersky products by April 1, 2025. The government fears foreign interference and cyber threats linked to Russian technology. Exemptions require stringent risk controls, reflecting global concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities in foreign-made software used in critical government operations.
Poland Pushes for EU Cybersecurity Declaration
Poland is advocating an EU-wide cybersecurity declaration at an upcoming Warsaw telecom ministers’ meeting in March. The proposal emphasizes cyber incident preparedness, civil-military cooperation, and stronger digital defenses. As Poland chairs EU discussions, boosting cybersecurity remains a top priority amid rising cyber threats. The initiative seeks to unite Europe’s digital security strategies against large-scale attacks.
Manufacturing Sector Faces Rising Cyber Threats
An Omdia study found 80% of manufacturers saw cyber incidents rise in 2024, yet only 45% have sufficient defenses. Conducted with Telstra International, the survey of 513 executives found Industry 4.0 technologies, including AI and IoT, expanded attack surfaces. Losses per attack ranged from $200,000 to $2 million, underscoring urgent cybersecurity gaps in the sector.
Niva Bupa Probes Customer Data Breach Claims
Niva Bupa Health Insurance is investigating claims of a data breach after an anonymous entity claimed access to customer records. The insurer confirmed the probe in a regulatory filing. Similar breaches have hit Indian insurers recently, with Star Health losing 31 million records. The incident underscores rising cyber threats and the need for stronger data protection.
Gurugram Police Arrest 27 in ₹157.90 Crore Cyber Fraud
Gurugram Police arrested 27 suspects, including a minor, in a ₹157.90 crore cyber fraud case involving over 14,600 complaints. The accused ran scams using fake social media profiles, investment schemes, and KYC frauds. Authorities retrieved mobile data exposing the scam’s scale. The arrests highlight the growing cybercrime industry exploiting unsuspecting victims across India.
Ukrainian Hackers Target Russian Loan Firm Linked to Putin’s Ex-Wife
Pro-Ukraine hacker group Cyber Alliance claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Russian microfinance firm CarMoney, allegedly linked to Vladimir Putin’s ex-wife. The attack disrupted systems and spread false debt write-off messages. Hackers claim to have exfiltrated terabytes of data, escalating cyber conflicts between Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing digital warfare landscape.
Maharashtra Cyber Cell Upgraded to Cyber Security Corporation
Maharashtra’s Cyber Cell is now a Cyber Security Corporation, introducing annual cyber audits for businesses. Firms must undergo security assessments or face a ₹25,000 daily fine. The corporation, based in Mahape, will expand staff and resources. Maharashtra’s new Cybercrime Investigation Capacity Centre in Navi Mumbai further strengthens its cyber policing and regulatory enforcement framework.
OpenAI Bans Accounts Using ChatGPT for AI Surveillance
OpenAI has shut down accounts linked to a Chinese AI surveillance project tracking Western social media protests. The tool, Qianyue Overseas Public Opinion AI Assistant, used ChatGPT to refine code for monitoring dissent. OpenAI’s crackdown raises concerns over AI misuse in state-backed surveillance and disinformation campaigns, reinforcing ethical debates over AI technology governance.
Haryana Pollution Board Website Down After Suspected Cyberattack
The Haryana State Pollution Control Board’s website has been down for four days due to a suspected cyberattack. The outage has disrupted environmental clearances, no-objection certificates (NOCs), and regulatory processes. Authorities suspect hacking but have yet to file an official report. With 90% of operations online, businesses face compliance delays, raising cybersecurity concerns.
