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Showing posts with label Hacker attack. Show all posts
Russia-Ukraine War
Cyber Attacks DDoS DDOS Attacks DDoS Threats Hacker attack Hacktivist group NCSC Pro-Russian Hackers Russia-Ukraine War

Russian Hacktivists Disrupt Dutch Institutions with DDoS Attacks

 

Several Dutch public and private organizations have experienced significant service outages this week following a wave of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks linked to pro-Russian hacktivists. The Netherlands’ National Cyber Security Center (NCSC), part of the Ministry of Justice, confirmed that the attacks affected multiple sectors and regions across the country.  

The NCSC disclosed that both government and private entities were targeted in what it described as large-scale cyber disruptions. While the full scope is still being assessed, municipalities and provinces including Groningen, Noord-Holland, Drenthe, Overijssel, Zeeland, Noord-Brabant, and cities like Nijmegen, Apeldoorn, Breda, and Tilburg reported that public portals were intermittently inaccessible. 

A pro-Russian threat group calling itself NoName057(16) has claimed responsibility for the cyberattacks through its Telegram channel. Though the NCSC did not confirm the motive, the group posted that the attacks were a response to the Netherlands’ recent €6 billion military aid commitment to Ukraine, as well as future support amounting to €3.5 billion expected in 2026. Despite the widespread disruptions, authorities have stated that no internal systems or sensitive data were compromised. 

The issue appears confined to access-related outages caused by overwhelming traffic directed at the affected servers — a hallmark of DDoS tactics. NoName057(16) has been a known actor in the European cybersecurity landscape since early 2022. It has targeted various Western governments and institutions, often in retaliation for political or military actions perceived as anti-Russian. The group also operates DDoSIA, a decentralized platform where users can participate in attacks in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. 

This model has enabled them to recruit thousands of volunteers and sustain persistent campaigns against European targets. While law enforcement in Spain arrested three alleged DDoSIA participants last year and confiscated their devices, key figures behind the platform remain unidentified and at large. The lack of major indictments has allowed the group to continue its operations relatively unimpeded. 

The NCSC has urged organizations to remain vigilant and maintain strong cybersecurity protocols to withstand potential follow-up attacks. With geopolitical tensions remaining high, experts warn that such politically motivated cyber operations are likely to increase in frequency and sophistication. 

As of now, restoration efforts are ongoing, and the government continues to monitor the digital landscape for further signs of coordinated threats.
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Sensitive data
Cyber Attacks Data Leak data security Data Theft Hacker attack Indian Cyber Security Pakistan Hacker Personal Data Sensitive data

Pakistan-Based Hackers Launch Cyber Attack on Indian Defence Websites, Claim Access to Sensitive Data

 

In a concerning escalation of cyber hostilities, a Pakistan-based threat group known as the Pakistan Cyber Force launched a coordinated cyber offensive on multiple Indian defence-related websites on Monday. The group claimed responsibility for defacing the official site of a Ministry of Defence public sector undertaking (PSU) and asserted that it had gained unauthorized access to sensitive information belonging to Indian defence personnel. According to reports, the targeted websites included those of the Military Engineering Service (MES) and the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), both critical components in India’s defence research and infrastructure network. 

The group’s social media posts alleged that it had exfiltrated login credentials and personal data associated with defence personnel. One particularly alarming development was the defacement of the official website of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL), a key PSU under the Ministry of Defence. The hackers replaced the homepage with the Pakistani flag and an image of the Al Khalid tank, a symbol of Pakistan’s military capabilities. A message reportedly posted on social platform X read, “Hacked. Your security is illusion. MES data owned,” followed by a list of names allegedly linked to Indian defence staff. 

Sources quoted by ANI indicated that there is a credible concern that personal data of military personnel may have been compromised during the breach. In response, authorities promptly took the AVNL website offline to prevent further exploitation and launched a full-scale forensic audit to assess the scope of the intrusion and restore digital integrity. Cybersecurity experts are currently monitoring for further signs of intrusion, especially in light of repeated cyber threats and defacement attempts linked to Pakistani-sponsored groups. 

The ongoing tensions between the two countries have only heightened the frequency and severity of such state-aligned cyber operations. This latest attack follows a pattern of provocative cyber incidents, with Pakistani hacker groups increasingly targeting sensitive Indian assets in attempts to undermine national security and sow discord. Intelligence sources are treating the incident as part of a broader information warfare campaign and have emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and improved cyber defense strategies. 

Authorities continue to investigate the breach while urging government departments and defense agencies to reinforce their cybersecurity posture amid rising digital threats in the region.
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Ransomwares
Cyber Attacks data security Data Theft Hacker attack Pharmaceutical Firms Ransom Demand Ransomware attack Ransomwares

Pune-Based Biopharma Company Hit by Ransomware Attack, Hackers Demand $80,000

 

A multinational biopharmaceutical company based in Pune has fallen victim to a sophisticated ransomware attack, with cybercriminals encrypting vital data and demanding $80,000 (over Rs 68 lakh) for its release. The attackers have also threatened to leak the stolen proprietary data on the dark web if the ransom is not paid, according to local police authorities. 

The incident came to light when a senior executive from the company’s Pune office lodged a complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station of Pimpri Chinchwad on Monday evening. The attack was first identified on Sunday afternoon, prompting immediate concern due to the sensitivity of the data involved. According to initial investigations by cybercrime officials, the breach is believed to have occurred through a compromised endpoint device—most likely via a phishing email containing a malicious link. 

Once the attackers gained access to the internal network, they deployed ransomware to the company’s main server and extended it to more than a dozen connected servers. Sensitive data, including proprietary pharmaceutical formulations, manufacturing protocols, and confidential business documents, was then encrypted and locked. 

“A preliminary probe suggests that vulnerabilities in the company’s cybersecurity setup allowed the attackers to infiltrate its systems,” an officer from the Cyber Police Station said. “Unfortunately, a significant portion of the critical data was not backed up offline, leaving the organization exposed to potential data loss if the ransom is not paid.” The hackers have made it clear that if their ransom demand of $80,000 is not met, the stolen data will be sold on the dark web. 

So far, the company has not paid the ransom, and authorities are currently analyzing IP logs and other digital evidence to trace the origin of the attack. Cybercrime investigators have urged all businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity measures, including regularly backing up data offline, updating firewall configurations, and educating employees about phishing threats. “This incident is a wake-up call for organizations to prioritize robust digital security,” the officer added.  

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode emphasized the growing need for enterprises to invest in both technology and skilled cybersecurity personnel. “This case underlines the urgent necessity for companies to stay ahead of evolving threats through both infrastructure and human resource development,” he said. Police also noted that ransomware attacks typically use phishing emails and exploit weak security protocols. Payments are often demanded in cryptocurrency, making the attackers harder to trace. 

The investigation remains ongoing.
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Sensitive Data Leak
cyber attack Cyber Warfare Cybersecurity Data Breach Data Theft Hacker attack Information Security Personal Data Breach Sensitive Data Leak

Jammu Municipal Corporation Targeted in Major Cyberattack, Sensitive Data Allegedly Stolen

 

In a significant breach of digital infrastructure, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has fallen victim to a cyberattack believed to have resulted in the loss of vast amounts of sensitive data. According to high-level intelligence sources, the attackers managed to compromise the website, gaining access to critical records and databases that may include personally identifiable information such as Aadhaar numbers, property ownership documents, tax filings, infrastructure blueprints, and internal administrative communications.  

The breach, which occurred on Friday, has prompted an immediate investigation and system lockdown as cybersecurity teams race to contain the damage and begin recovery operations. Officials involved in the incident response have confirmed that website functionality has been suspended as data restoration processes are initiated. Top intelligence sources indicate that the attack bears hallmarks of Pakistan-sponsored cyber operations aimed at undermining India’s administrative framework. “These tactics are consistent with state-backed cyber warfare efforts targeting strategic and sensitive zones like Jammu and Kashmir,” said a senior intelligence official.

“The objective is often to destabilize public services and spread fear among the populace.” The JMC’s website is a key platform used to manage municipal services, property taxes, and local development projects. Its compromise has raised concerns about the broader implications for civic governance and the potential misuse of the stolen data.  

This latest breach follows a series of unsuccessful but alarming hacking attempts by groups linked to Pakistan. Just a day before the JMC attack, hacker collectives such as ‘Cyber Group HOAX1337’ and ‘National Cyber Crew’ reportedly targeted several Indian websites. Cybersecurity teams were able to detect and neutralize these threats before they could cause any major disruption. Among the recent targets were the websites of Army Public School Nagrota and Army Public School Sunjuwan. These were reportedly subjected to defacement attempts featuring inflammatory messages referencing the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. 

In another incident, a portal catering to the healthcare needs of retired armed forces personnel was compromised and vandalized. Cybersecurity experts warn that such attacks often aim to disrupt not only public trust but also national morale. The recurring pattern of targeting vulnerable groups—such as schoolchildren and elderly veterans—further emphasizes the psychological warfare tactics employed by these groups. 

As recovery efforts continue, the Indian government is likely to review its cybersecurity protocols across public sector systems, especially in high-risk regions. Enhanced defense measures and greater inter-agency coordination are expected to follow. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates are expected in the coming days.
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OCC
Banks bloomberg Cyber Attacks Data Sharing digital data email security financial attack Financial Data Hacker attack OCC

Top U.S. Banks Cut Off Digital Data Sharing With OCC After Major Cyberattack

 

Several of the largest banks in the United States have curtailed or reassessed how they share sensitive data with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), after a significant cyberattack compromised the regulator’s email system. 

According to Bloomberg, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of New York Mellon have paused all electronic communications with the OCC. Bank of America is continuing to share data, but through what it considers more secure digital channels. The decision follows the discovery that hackers had accessed over 100 email accounts at the OCC for more than a year—a breach labeled a “major incident” by both the OCC and the U.S. Treasury Department. 

The hackers reportedly obtained highly sensitive information related to financial institutions, although their identities remain unknown. The OCC, a bureau under the Treasury, oversees over 1,000 national banks and savings associations, including the U.S. branches of foreign institutions. Among the materials potentially exposed are reports on cybersecurity protocols, internal vulnerability assessments, and National Security Letters—documents that may contain classified intelligence regarding terrorism or espionage. 

Banks have raised concerns about the extent of the breach and the OCC’s communication about the incident. Some financial institutions reportedly did not learn of the scope of the compromise until media coverage surfaced. As a result, there is growing distrust among regulated institutions regarding how the OCC has handled disclosure and mitigation. The OCC said it is actively working with independent cybersecurity experts, including Mandiant and Microsoft, to investigate the breach and determine whether stolen data has surfaced on the dark web. 

A contractor is also reviewing two internal communication systems—BankNet and another used for transferring large files—to assess whether they were affected. While JPMorgan and BNY Mellon have suspended digital transmissions, Citigroup has continued data sharing due to its existing consent order with the OCC. It remains unclear whether other major banks like Wells Fargo or Goldman Sachs have taken similar steps. Experts warn that the breach could enable targeted cyberattacks or extortion attempts, as the stolen material may offer insight into institutional vulnerabilities. 

According to former Treasury CIO Eric Olson, the exposed data is “as sensitive as it gets.” The incident has drawn attention from Congress, with both the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Banking Committee seeking more information. Experts view the banks’ decision to reduce data sharing as a sign of eroding trust in the OCC’s ability to safeguard critical regulatory communications.
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Silicon Valley
AI generated Deepfake AI Security AI technology AI Tool Breach attack Cyber Security Hacker attack Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley Crosswalk Buttons Hacked With AI Voices Mimicking Tech Billionaires

 

A strange tech prank unfolded across Silicon Valley this past weekend after crosswalk buttons in several cities began playing AI-generated voice messages impersonating Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.  

Pedestrians reported hearing bizarre and oddly personal phrases coming from audio-enabled crosswalk systems in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Redwood City. The altered voices were crafted to sound like the two tech moguls, with messages that ranged from humorous to unsettling. One button, using a voice resembling Zuckerberg, declared: “We’re putting AI into every corner of your life, and you can’t stop it.” Another, mimicking Musk, joked about loneliness and buying a Cybertruck to fill the void.  

The origins of the incident remain unknown, but online speculation points to possible hacktivism—potentially aimed at critiquing Silicon Valley’s AI dominance or simply poking fun at tech culture. Videos of the voice spoof spread quickly on TikTok and X, with users commenting on the surreal experience and sarcastically suggesting the crosswalks had been “venture funded.” This situation prompts serious concern. 

Local officials confirmed they’re investigating the breach and working to restore normal functionality. According to early reports, the tampering may have taken place on Friday. These crosswalk buttons aren’t new—they’re part of accessibility technology designed to help visually impaired pedestrians cross streets safely by playing audio cues. But this incident highlights how vulnerable public infrastructure can be to digital interference. Security researchers have warned in the past that these systems, often managed with default settings and unsecured firmware, can be compromised if not properly protected. 

One expert, physical penetration specialist Deviant Ollam, has previously demonstrated how such buttons can be manipulated using unchanged passwords or open ports. Polara, a leading manufacturer of these audio-enabled buttons, did not respond to requests for comment. The silence leaves open questions about how widespread the vulnerability might be and what cybersecurity measures, if any, are in place. This AI voice hack not only exposed weaknesses in public technology but also raised broader questions about the blending of artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and data privacy. 

What began as a strange and comedic moment at the crosswalk is now fueling a much larger conversation about the cybersecurity risks of increasingly connected cities. With AI becoming more embedded in daily life, events like this might be just the beginning of new kinds of public tech disruptions.
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phishing
CAPTCHA CAPTCHA Security Cyber Attacks cybercriminals Fake Captcha Hacker attack Hackers Malware attacks phishing

Fake CAPTCHAs Are the New Trap: Here’s How Hackers Are Using Them to Install Malware

 

For years, CAPTCHAs have been a familiar online hurdle—click a box, identify a few blurry images, and prove you’re human. They’ve long served as digital gatekeepers to help websites filter out bots and protect against abuse. But now, cybercriminals are turning this trusted security mechanism into a tool for deception. Security researchers are sounding the alarm over a growing threat: fake CAPTCHAs designed to trick users into unknowingly installing malware. 

These phony tests imitate the real thing, often appearing as pop-up windows or embedded verification boxes on compromised websites. At first glance, they seem harmless—just another quick click on your way to a webpage. But a single interaction can trigger a hidden chain reaction that compromises your device. The tactic is subtle but effective. By replicating legitimate CAPTCHA interfaces, attackers play on instinct. Most users are conditioned to complete CAPTCHAs without much thought. That reflexive click becomes the entry point for malicious code. 

One reported incident involved a prompt asking users to paste a code into the Windows Run dialog—an action that launched malware installation scripts. Another campaign tied to the Quakbot malware family used similar deception, embedding CAPTCHAs that initiated background downloads and executed harmful commands with a single click. These attacks, often referred to as ClickFix CAPTCHA scams, are a form of social engineering—a psychological manipulation tactic hackers use to exploit human behavior. 

In this case, attackers are banking on your trust in familiar security prompts to lower your guard. The threat doesn’t stop at just fake clicks. Some CAPTCHAs redirect users to infected web pages, while others silently copy dangerous commands to the clipboard. In the worst cases, users are tricked into pressing keyboard shortcuts that launch Windows PowerShell, allowing attackers to run scripts that steal data, disable security software, or hijack system functions. 

Experts warn that this method is particularly dangerous because it blends in so well with normal browsing activity. Unlike more obvious phishing scams, fake CAPTCHA attacks don’t rely on emails or suspicious links—they happen right where users feel safe: in their browsers. To defend against these attacks, users must remain skeptical of CAPTCHAs that ask for more than a simple click. 

If a CAPTCHA ever requests you to enter text into system tools, press unusual key combinations, or follow unfamiliar instructions, stop immediately. Those are red flags. Moreover, ensure you have reliable antivirus protection installed and keep your browser and operating system updated. Visiting lesser-known websites? Use an ad blocker or security-focused browser extension to reduce exposure to malicious scripts. 

As CAPTCHA-based scams grow more sophisticated, digital vigilance is your best defense. The next time you’re asked to “prove you’re not a robot,” it might not be your humanity being tested—but your cybersecurity awareness.
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HDMI
AI Models AI Security Cyber Security data security Device Hack Device Security Hacker attack Hackers HDMI

Hackers Can Spy on Screens Using HDMI Radiation and AI Models

 

You may feel safe behind your screen, but it turns out that privacy might be more of an illusion than a fact. New research reveals that hackers have found an alarming way to peek at what’s happening on your display—without ever touching your computer. By tapping into the faint electromagnetic radiation that HDMI cables emit, they can now “listen in” on your screen and reconstruct what’s being shown with startling accuracy. 

Here’s how it works: when digital signals travel through HDMI cables from your computer to a monitor, they unintentionally give off tiny bursts of radiation. These signals, invisible to the naked eye, can be picked up using radio antennas or small, discreet devices planted nearby. Once captured, advanced AI tools get to work, decoding the radiation into readable screen content. 

The results? Up to 70% accuracy in reconstructing text—meaning everything from passwords and emails to private messages could be exposed. This new technique represents a serious leap in digital espionage. It doesn’t rely on malware or breaking into a network. Instead, it simply listens to the electronic “whispers” your hardware makes. It’s silent, stealthy, and completely undetectable to the average user. 

Worryingly, this method is already reportedly in use against high-profile targets like government agencies and critical infrastructure sites. These organizations often store and manage sensitive data that, if leaked, could cause major damage. While some have implemented shielding to block these emissions, not all are fully protected. And because this form of surveillance leaves virtually no trace, many attacks could be flying under the radar entirely. 

Hackers can go about this in two main ways: one, by sneaking a signal-collecting device into a location; or two, by using specialized antennas from nearby—like the building next door. Either way, they can eavesdrop on what’s displayed without ever getting physically close to the device. This new threat underscores the need for stronger physical and digital protections. 

As cyberattacks become more innovative, simply securing your data with passwords and firewalls isn’t enough. Shielding cables and securing workspaces might soon be as important as having good antivirus software. The digital age has brought us many conveniences—but with it comes a new breed of invisible spies.
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