This cybersecurity threat brief from Byer-Nichols provides an overview of the cyber threat landscape for the latter half of August 2025. It highlights the emergence of AI-powered malware like PromptLock and an increase in threats targeting MacOS and Linux systems. The brief details top ransomware variants, with Qilin maintaining its lead, and identifies the manufacturing and financial services sectors as the most impacted, primarily in the USA. Furthermore, it discusses trending adversaries, including nation-state actors like APT36, and lists actively exploited vulnerabilities, noting a concerning number of Citrix-related exploits and a critical Apple vulnerability. Finally, the report outlines trending malware such as the new 4L4MD4R ransomware and the persistent XZ backdoor, alongside key cybersecurity news stories.

https://jbyer.com/blog/byer-nichols-brief-august-31