cyberattacks

The U.S. State Department is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to the identification or location of three Russian FSB hackers: Marat Valeryevich Tyukov, Mikhail Mikhailovich Gavrilov, and Pavel Aleksandrovich Akulov. They’re accused of cyberattacks targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and global energy companies, exploiting a Cisco vulnerability (CVE-2018-0171) to access networks and steal data. Though patched in 2018, vulnerable devices remain, posing a continuing threat. The reward aims to disrupt these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

China’s MSS warns of increased espionage via cyberattacks targeting personal and state data. Exploits include compromised smart cameras (default passwords, lack of updates) and malware spread through automatic downloads on online forums. The MSS advises users to strengthen security: avoid default passwords, use reliable antivirus software, update systems, and exercise caution with automatic downloads, urging vigilance against foreign intelligence agencies.

A recent report accuses five Taiwanese cyber espionage groups (APT-C-01, 62, 64, 65, and 67) of orchestrating attacks on mainland systems. The report, which directly links these groups to Taiwan’s “Cyber Warfare Unit,” highlights APT-C-67 (Ursula)’s alleged involvement in recent attacks, including targeting critical infrastructure. Experts note the groups utilize known vulnerabilities and rely on less sophisticated techniques, making them easier to detect. The report also highlights broader cyber threats and emphasizes AI’s role in future cybersecurity.