Pundits predict Trump will overhaul U.S. cybersecurity policy. Experts examine escalating cybersecurity threats facing the U.S. energy sector. Palo Alto Networks patches a pair of zero-days. Akira and SafePay ransomware groups claim dozens of new victims. A major pharmacy group is pressured to pay a $1.3 million ransomware installment. Threat actors are exploiting Spotify playlists and podcasts. An alleged Phobos ransomware admin has been extradited to the U.S. Rapper “Razzlekhan” gets 18 months in prison for her part in the Bitfinex cryptocurrency hack. On today’s Threat Vector, David Moulton speaks with Assaf Dahan, Director of Threat Research at Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex team, about the rising cyber threat from North Korea.  Swiss scammers send snail mail. 

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Threat Vector Segment

On this segment of Threat Vector, host David Moulton speaks with Assaf Dahan, Director of Threat Research at Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex team, about the rising cyber threat from North Korea. To hear the full conversation between David and Assaf, listen to Cyber Espionage and Financial Crime: North Korea’s Double Threat, and catch new episodes of Threat Vector every Thursday on your favorite podcast app! 

Selected Reading

More Spyware, Fewer Rules: What Trump’s Return Means for US Cybersecurity (WIRED)

How to remove the cybersecurity gridlock from the nation's energy lifelines (CyberScoop)

Palo Alto Patches Firewall Zero-Day Exploited in Operation Lunar Peek (SecurityWeek)

SafePay ransomware: Obscure group uses LockBit builder, claims 22 victims (SC Media)

Akira Ransomware Drops 30 Victims on Leak Site in One Day (SecurityWeek)

Gang Shaking Down Pharmacy Group for Second Ransom Payment (GovInfo Security)

Spotify abused to promote pirated software and game cheats (Bleeping Computer)

Suspected Phobos Ransomware Admin Extradited to US (Infosecurity Magazine)

Heather ‘Razzlekhan’ Morgan sentenced to 18 months in prison, ending Bitfinex saga (The Record)

Now Hackers Are Using Snail Mail In Cyber Attacks—Here’s How (Forbes) 

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