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WebSockets
Blockchain codebase Credentials Crypto Cybersecurity dataexfiltration dependency devtools Firewall Gmail Hacking malware phishing PyPI python scripts SMTP Spoofing Threatactors WebSockets

Malicious PyPI Packages Exploit Gmail to Steal Sensitive Data

 

Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a disturbing new tactic involving malicious PyPI packages that use Gmail to exfiltrate stolen data and communicate with threat actors. The discovery, made by security firm Socket, led to the removal of the infected packages from the Python Package Index (PyPI), although not before considerable damage had already occurred.

Socket reported identifying seven malicious packages on PyPI, some of which had been listed for more than four years. Collectively, these packages had been downloaded over 55,000 times. Most were spoofed versions of the legitimate "Coffin" package, with deceptive names such as Coffin-Codes-Pro, Coffin-Codes, NET2, Coffin-Codes-NET, Coffin-Codes-2022, Coffin2022, and Coffin-Grave. Another package was titled cfc-bsb.

According to the researchers, once installed, these packages would connect to Gmail using hardcoded credentials and initiate communication with a command-and-control (C2) server. They would then establish a WebSockets tunnel that leverages Gmail’s email server, allowing the traffic to bypass traditional firewalls and security systems.

This setup enabled attackers to remotely execute code, extract files, and gain unauthorized access to targeted systems.

Evidence suggests that the attackers were mainly targeting cryptocurrency assets. One of the email addresses used by the malware featured terms like “blockchain” and “bitcoin” — an indication of its intent.

“Coffin-Codes-Pro establishes a connection to Gmail’s SMTP server using hardcoded credentials, namely sphacoffin@gmail[.]com and a password,” the report says.
“It then sends a message to a second email address, blockchain[.]bitcoins2020@gmail[.]com politely and demurely signaling that the implant is working.”

Socket has issued a warning to all Python developers and users who may have installed these packages, advising them to remove the compromised libraries immediately, and rotate all sensitive credentials.

The researchers further advised developers to remain alert for suspicious outbound connections:

“especially SMTP traffic”, and warned them not to trust a package just because it was a few years old.
“To protect your codebase, always verify package authenticity by checking download counts, publisher history, and GitHub repository links,” they added.

“Regular dependency audits help catch unexpected or malicious packages early. Keep strict access controls on private keys, carefully limiting who can view or import them in development. Use isolated, dedicated environments when testing third-party scripts to contain potentially harmful code.”
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Windows
Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cyberhackers Cybersecurity CyberThreat Hacking WhatsApp MIME Spoofing Vulnerabilities and Exploits Windows

WhatsApp for Windows Exposed to Security Risk Through Spoofing Vulnerability

 


Whatsapp for Windows has been recently revealed to have a critical security vulnerability known as CVE-2025-30401. This vulnerability has raised serious concerns within the cybersecurity community since it has been identified. The high severity of this vulnerability affects desktop versions of the application released before 2.2450.6, which could lead to an exploitation attack. An issue resulting from inconsistencies in the handling of file metadata enables threat actors to manipulate these inconsistencies in order to circumvent security checks. 

By exploiting this vulnerability, malicious actors can execute arbitrary code on targeted systems without user awareness, resulting in the possibility of unauthorized access to sensitive information or data compromise. Several security experts have emphasized that in order to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, you must update your WhatsApp version to the latest version. Organizations and users of WhatsApp for Windows are strongly advised to apply the necessary patches immediately so that they are protected from threats. 

In accordance with the official security advisory, there is a critical inconsistency in how WhatsApp's desktop application deals with file attachments. There is a fundamental difference between the way the application determines how to display attachments using its MIME type versus the way the operating system interprets the file extension to determine how it should be opened or executed as a result. This difference in interpretation has created a serious security vulnerability. An attacker can create a malicious file that appears benign but is actually dangerous.

For instance, the attacker might use an MIME type that is typically used for images, along with an executable file extension such as exe, to craft a malicious file. Although the application would visually present it as safe, as per its MIME type, the operating system would handle it based on what its actual extension is. As a result of such a mismatch, users may be misled into opening a file that appears harmless but in reality is executable and thus allowing the execution of arbitrary code unintentionally by the user. As a result of such an attack vector, the likelihood of successful social engineering attacks and system compromises increases significantly. 

There has been a significant amount of research conducted on the issue, and the findings indicate that if a deliberate discrepancy was made between the MIME type and the extension of the file, it could have led the recipient unintentionally to execute arbitrary code by manually accessing the attachment within WhatsApp's desktop application, instead of just viewing its contents. This behavior represented a considerable threat, particularly in scenarios involving the user initiating the interaction. 

Fortunately, an independent security researcher who discovered this vulnerability and disclosed it to Meta through the company's Bug Bounty Program has been credited with responsibly disclosing it to the company, but the company does not appear to have confirmed whether the vulnerability has been actively exploited in the real world. It is important to note that such a security issue has not occurred on the platform in the past. 

In July 2024, WhatsApp was able to resolve a related security issue, which allowed Python and PHP attachments to be run automatically by Windows systems with the corresponding interpreters installed—without prompting the user. In the same vein, an incident similar to that of the platform highlighted the risks associated with the handling and execution of files incorrectly. In the end, these cases emphasize the importance of rigorous input validation and consistent file interpretation across all applications and operating systems, regardless of the type of application.

Due to its vast user base and widespread adoption, WhatsApp remains a highly valuable target for cyber threat actors, whether they are motivated by financial gain or geopolitical interests. The platform has become a recurring target of malicious campaigns because of its deep integration into users' personal and professional lives, coupled with the trust it commands. There have been several incidents in which attackers have exploited security vulnerabilities within WhatsApp to gain access to users' data, exfiltrate sensitive data, and install sophisticated malware as a result. 

A zero-day vulnerability that affects WhatsApp is particularly lucrative in underground markets, sometimes commanding a price of over one million dollars. Not only does the WhatsApp user base have a large footprint, but attackers can also gain an advantage by unknowingly accessing private conversations, media files, and even device-level abilities to gain a strategic advantage. Graphite, a form of spyware developed by Paragon, had been exploited by active hackers in March 2025 as a zero-click, zero-day vulnerability which WhatsApp remedied in March 2025. 

Using this exploit, the targeted individuals could be monitored remotely, without the victim having to interact with the attacker - an example of an advanced persistent threat campaign. An investigation by a research group based at the University of Toronto uncovered this surveillance campaign, which targeted journalists and members of civil society. The Citizen Lab was conducting the investigation, which was the source of the information. 

Following their report, WhatsApp swiftly acted to neutralize the campaign. Meta confirmed that the vulnerability had been silently patched in December 2024 without a client-side update being required. Despite being resolved without a formal CVE identifier being assigned, the issue is still of great importance to the global community. In order to protect platforms of such importance from exploitation, proactive vulnerability management, continuous security auditing, and cross-sector cooperation must be adopted. 

In the wake of the successful implementation of server-side mitigations, WhatsApp sent out security notifications on January 31 to roughly 90 Android users across over two dozen countries that had been affected by the vulnerability. Journalists and human rights activists in Italy were among the individuals alerted. They were identified as the targets of an elaborate surveillance operation using Paragon Graphite spyware, which utilized the zero-click exploit of a computer system. 

An Israeli cybersecurity firm known as NSO Group has been accused of violating American anti-hacking statutes by distributing its Pegasus spyware utilizing WhatsApp zero-day vulnerabilities in December of 2016, following a pattern of highly targeted cyber intrusions utilizing advanced surveillance tools. This incident follows a broader pattern of highly targeted cyber intrusions. Several evidences were provided to the court which indicated that at least 1,400 mobile devices had been compromised as a result of these covert attacks.

According to court documents, NSO Group carried out zero-click surveillance operations by deploying multiple zero-day exploits to compromise WhatsApp's systems. As part of the spyware delivery process, malicious messages were sent that did not require the recipient to interact with them at all, exploiting vulnerabilities within the messaging platform. Aside from that, the documents also allege that NSO developers reverse engineered WhatsApp's source code to create custom tools that could deliver these payloads, conduct that was deemed to have been illegal under state and federal cybersecurity laws. 

Those cases emphasize the increasing sophistication of commercial surveillance vendors as well as the necessity for robust legal and technical defenses to protect digital communication platforms, as well as the individuals who rely upon them, from abuse. As a result of these incidents, user must remain vigilant, maintain timely security updates, and strengthen the security measures within widely used communication platforms to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks. 

There has been an increasing prevalence of threat actors using sophisticated techniques to exploit even small inconsistencies, which is why it is essential to maintain a proactive and collaborative approach to cybersecurity. To maintain a secure digital environment, platform providers and end users both need to be aware of and responsible for their role as well.
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telephone scams
Canada Cyber Crime RCMP Spoofing telephone scams

Scammers Impersonate Thunder Bay RCMP in New Phone Spoofing Scheme

 



Phone number of the RCMP used in scams across Thunder Bay. The local Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment is warning residents of Thunder Bay about a phone scam. Scammers are spoofing the official RCMP number, 807-623-2791, which will have calls that appear to be from the police when they actually are not. The RCMP has issued a public alert to raise awareness and try to prevent potential fraud.

How the Spoofing Scam Works

Spoofing is a technique by which fraudsters mask their real phone numbers through technology, making it seem as though the call is coming from a trusted source. In this case, they are masquerading as the Thunder Bay RCMP in an attempt to intimidate or defraud unsuspecting victims. The fraudsters might use the RCMP's name to give their requests a semblance of legitimacy. These requests usually demand sensitive personal information or money.

The RCMP clears the air on its communication practices

As far as the spoofing cases are concerned, the RCMP states that neither them nor any government institution will ever ask for a fee in an odd manner such as Bitcoin, gift cards, or cash collections. In fact, police will never visit your home to collect money as a reason a family member is behind bars. According to the RCMP, it does not seek social insurance numbers, birthdays, or phone numbers via phone call.

How to Verify an RCMP Call 

 In case somebody is doubtful whether a call claiming that it is from her detachment is genuine or not, then she must hanger and call again at 807-623-2791 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Therefore, he will know if that was the genuine call or an attempt by a scammer.

Role of RCMP in Ontario

Another thing the public should be aware of is that the RCMP does not deal with local law enforcement in Ontario but rather deals with issues involving federal law, such as national security, border integrity, organised crime, and financial crimes, including cybercrime and money laundering.

What to Do if You Suspect a Scam

If you believe you are a target, the best action is to hang up. Victims of telephone scams are advised to contact either their local police service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to report the incident, helping investigators to track and follow up on ongoing schemes.

By knowing how to validate government calls and remaining vigilant, the citizens will be able to guard themselves against spoofing scams and other fraudulent schemes.


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vigilance
Cyber Fraud Cyber Threats Cybersecurity Data Theft phishing Scams Sensitive Information Spear Phishing Spoofing vigilance

The Evolution of Phishing Emails: From Simple Scams to Sophisticated Cyber Threats

 

Phishing emails have undergone significant changes over the past few decades. Once simple and easy to detect, these scams have now evolved into a sophisticated cyber threat, targeting even the most tech-savvy individuals and organizations. Understanding the development of phishing attacks is key to protecting yourself from these ever-evolving cyber dangers.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, phishing emails were quite basic and easily identifiable. One of the most well-known scams was the "Nigerian Prince" email. These messages claimed to be from foreign royalty or officials, offering large sums of money in return for a small processing fee. The common signs included poor language, unrealistic promises, and large financial rewards—elements that eventually made these scams easy for users to recognize and dismiss.

As people became aware of these early scams, phishing attacks shifted focus, aiming to steal sensitive financial information. By the mid-2000s, attackers began impersonating banks and financial institutions in their emails. These messages often used fear-inducing language, such as warnings of account breaches, to pressure recipients into handing over personal details like login credentials and credit card information. During this time, phishing attempts were still marked by clear warning signs: poorly written emails, generic greetings, and inaccurate logos. However, as technology advanced, so did the attackers' ability to produce more convincing content.

The evolution of phishing took a major step forward with the introduction of spear phishing. Unlike traditional phishing, which targets a broad audience, spear phishing focuses on specific individuals or companies. Attackers gather personal information through social media and public records to craft emails that appear highly legitimate, often addressing the victim by name and referencing workplace details. This tailored approach makes the scam more believable and increases the chances of success.

Phishing emails today have become highly sophisticated, utilizing advanced techniques such as email spoofing to mimic trusted sources. Attackers frequently impersonate colleagues, supervisors, or official entities, making it difficult for users to tell the difference between genuine and malicious messages. Modern phishing schemes often rely on psychological tactics, using fear or urgency to pressure recipients into clicking harmful links or downloading malware. This evolution reflects the growing complexity of cybercriminal activities, demanding greater awareness and stronger cybersecurity defenses.

In summary, phishing emails have evolved from basic scams to intricate, personalized attacks that are harder to detect. Being informed about these tactics and staying vigilant is critical in the digital age. If you're ever in doubt about an email’s legitimacy, contact your Information Security Team for verification.
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Spoofing
Cyber Attacks Ransomware Sensitive data SMBs Spoofing

Why SMBs Have Become Easy Prey for Cyber Criminals

 



The global phenomenon of cybercrime is emerging. And the soft targets in this regard are the small and medium-sized business enterprises. Day after day, while a few cyberattacks on big corporations capture the headlines in the news, many SMBs experience similar attacks, but these never gain much attention. However, the damage inflicted on them can be just as debilitating as those affecting the large corporations.

Actually, SMBs are so vulnerable to cyber attacks for several reasons. For instance, most SMBs cannot afford to pay for professional and effective cybersecurity solutions. As compared to large businesses that budget millions of money for cybersecurity, SMBs only spend a small amount on the protection systems hence becoming easy targets. Small businesses usually have just a few IT staff who are not as skilled in dealing with the sophisticated nature of contemporary cybersecurity threats.

Another reason is that most SMB owners do not treat cybersecurity issues seriously enough. Cybersecurity is rarely on their priority list, and owners give more attention to ready operational issues rather than long-term digital security. In this area of complacency, the wide open window to many cyber threats, including phishing attacks, malware, and ransomware attacks, counts in favour of SMBs.


Cyber Threats Amongst SMBs

Among other problems facing SMBs is ransomware. Attackers of ransomware attack by locking or exfiltrating the company's valuable data. They then send messages demanding payment for the access to the data again. In the absence of proper data backup, an SMB will be caught between a rock and a hard place-to pay the ransom or to lose all the data.

Besides the ransomware, phishing attacks targeting SMBs involve hackers impersonating legit sources for extracting sensitive information. Malware and spoofing attacks may alter or camouflage digital communications to deceive the users.

In addition, cybercriminals often use SMBs as stepping stones to access larger businesses that they associate themselves with. Therefore, hackers can leverage any security loopholes in an SMB to their bad books by using such information to act against larger attacks.


Why Cybercriminals Prefer Targeting SMBs

Cybercriminals focus on SMBs as these are comparatively softer targets. Small organisations are unlikely to be as advanced in cybersecurity matters as big ones. Although they are applying widely used tools like Microsoft Excel, Outlook or cloud services, SMBs often fail to secure those platforms properly.

Furthermore, cyber attackers know that vulnerabilities in SMB systems may eventually find a way into more harmful attacks. For example, if the attackers succeed in stealing all the client or customer data in SMBs, they can use the same stolen information at later dates to link it with other available stolen information in conducting even more devastating cyberattacks.


How Small and Medium Businesses Can Avoid Cyberattacks

Small and medium-sized organisations will need to be proactive in preventing cyberattacks. Although investment in cybersecurity software is important, it is more than this. A good starting point would be implementing some easy security protocols, such as email authentication and spam filters, but training employees on the warning signs and what to do can make all the difference.

For example, one important step that an SMB must take is the development of a cybersecurity plan. The plan should detail the procedures for maintaining access and properly handling sensitive data, including permission management and regularly backing up important files. The IT departments of the SMBs need to be very vigilant with the monitoring of access to cloud-based and locally stored data, protecting it from unauthorised access.

Since SMBs can no longer claim to be immune from cyber threats, in the digital world of today, the SMBs must crack down and invest in measures aimed at protecting their businesses against cyber threats. Make haste to ensure that appropriate security measures are put in place and guard themselves against potentially costly cyberattacks that could jeopardise their operations and reputation otherwise.


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Telecom Sector
Cyber Fraud cybercriminals DoT Fake Calls Fraud Calls Identity Fraud India Indian Government Spoofing Telecom Sector

Combatting International Spoofed Calls: India's New Measures to Protect Citizens

 

In recent times, fraudsters have increasingly used international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers to commit cybercrime and financial fraud. These calls, which appear to originate within India, are actually made by criminals abroad who manipulate the calling line identity (CLI). 

Such spoofed calls have been used in various scams, including fake digital arrests, FedEx frauds, narcotics in courier schemes, and impersonation of government and police officials. To combat this growing threat, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) in India have developed a system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls. 

This initiative aims to prevent such calls from reaching any Indian telecom subscriber. The Ministry of Communications announced that TSPs have been directed to block these calls and are already taking steps to prevent calls with spoofed Indian landline numbers. In addition to this, the DoT has launched the Sanchar Saathi portal, a citizen-centric platform designed to enhance user safety and security amid the rising threat of fraud and international call scams. This portal includes a feature called "Chakshu," which allows individuals to report suspicious calls and messages. 

Chakshu simplifies the process of flagging fraudulent communications, providing an extra layer of protection against cybercriminals. Chakshu serves as a backend repository for citizen-initiated requests on the Sanchar Saathi platform, facilitating real-time intelligence sharing among various stakeholders. The platform also provides information on cases where telecom resources have been misused, helping to coordinate actions among stakeholders. 

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted additional measures, including creating a grievance redressal platform for reporting unintended disconnections and a mechanism for returning money frozen due to fraud. These efforts aim to address the concerns of citizens who may have been inadvertently affected by the anti-fraud measures. Since its launch in May last year, the Sanchar Saathi portal has been instrumental in enhancing the security of telecom users. It has helped track or block over 700,000 lost mobile phones and detect more than 6.7 million suspicious communication attempts. 

These efforts underscore the government's commitment to safeguarding citizens from cyber threats and ensuring the integrity of telecom services. The DoT and TSPs' proactive measures, along with the Sanchar Saathi portal, represent significant steps towards protecting Indian citizens from international spoofed calls and other forms of cybercrime. By leveraging advanced technology and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, these initiatives aim to create a safer digital environment for all.
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Spoofing
Aviation Firms Data Breach Electronic Data GPS GPS Jamming Middle East Navigation Spoofing

The Menace of GPS Spoofing in Aviation

GPS spoofing has been an extraordinary difficulty for the aviation industry in recent years. A threat that looked like it would only exist in the future is now a grim reality, with malicious GPS signal tampering causing flights worldwide to be misdirected.

GPS spoofing is a phenomenon in which phony signals are transmitted to trick GPS receivers into displaying false information about the position and trajectory of the aircraft. This not only presents a serious concern about the security of air travel, but it also calls into question the resilience of our technologically advanced and globally interconnected society.

Numerous reports demonstrate the growing frequency of GPS spoofing instances, reported from India to the Middle East. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has revealed some startling information. It is an urgent advisory that airlines should follow to strengthen safety measures against signal spoofing.

The impact of GPS spoofing on aviation is far-reaching, reports shed light on how flights are being led astray, with potential consequences that extend beyond mere inconvenience. The very essence of precision in air navigation, a cornerstone of modern aviation, is under threat. Pilots and air traffic controllers, relying heavily on GPS for accurate positioning and route planning, face the daunting challenge of distinguishing between authentic signals and deceptive ones.

The Times of India emphasizes the urgency for airlines to prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) specifically addressing signal spoofing. Regulatory bodies are recognizing the need for a proactive approach to mitigate the risks associated with GPS manipulation. The article suggests that having robust protocols in place is essential to ensure the safety of air travel in the face of this emerging threat.

Reports delve into the mysterious occurrences of GPS spoofing in the skies of the Middle East, ringing alarm bells for Indian airlines. The DGCA's advisory underscores the seriousness of the situation, urging airlines to take immediate measures to safeguard their operations and passengers.

The growing danger of GPS spoofing serves as a sharp reminder of the dangers that come with our dependence on networked systems as we commemorate one year since the dawn of this technology-driven era. To keep ahead of those looking to use the digital landscape for evil, the aviation sector must quickly adapt, put in place strong countermeasures, and work with technological specialists.

GPS spoofing is becoming an increasingly serious problem, and aviation safety needs to be addressed comprehensively to keep up. It is within the industry's power to overcome these obstacles and guarantee that everyone can fly safely with increased awareness, readiness, and technical innovation.











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Ukraine
aviation Bot Traffic Cyber Security Digital era Electronic Data GPS GPS Jamming Israel New York Spoofing Ukraine

GPS Warfare: Ukraine-Israel Tensions Raise Alarms

GPS is used for navigation in almost every device in this age of rapid technological development. Israel may have been involved in recent GPS jamming and spoofing occurrences in Ukraine, according to reports that have revealed a worrying trend. These accidents constitute a serious threat to the worldwide aviation sector and a topic of regional concern. 

The New York Times recently reported on the growing instances of GPS disruptions in Ukraine, shedding light on the potential involvement of Israeli technology. According to the report, Israel has been accused of jamming and spoofing GPS signals in the region, causing disruptions to navigation systems. The motives behind such actions remain unclear, raising questions about the broader implications of electronic warfare on international relations. 

The aviation sector heavily relies on GPS for precise navigation, making any interference with these systems potentially catastrophic. GPS jamming and spoofing not only endanger flight safety but also have the capacity to disrupt air traffic control systems, creating chaos in the skies.

The aviation industry relies heavily on GPS for precision navigation, and any interference with these systems can have dire consequences. GPS jamming and spoofing not only jeopardize the safety of flights but also can potentially disrupt air traffic control systems, leading to chaos in the skies.

The implications of these incidents extend beyond the borders of Ukraine and Israel. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, disruptions in one region can reverberate globally. The international community must address the issue promptly to prevent further escalations and ensure the safe operation of air travel.

Governments, aviation authorities, and technology experts need to collaborate to develop countermeasures against GPS interference. Strengthening cybersecurity protocols and investing in advanced technologies to detect and mitigate electronic warfare threats should be a priority for nations worldwide.

Preserving vital infrastructure, like GPS systems, becomes crucial as we manoeuvre through the complexity of a networked world. The GPS jamming events between Israel and Ukraine serve as a sobering reminder of the gaps in our technology and the urgent necessity for global cooperation to counter new threats in the digital era.
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