The CyberWire Daily

Apple releases emergency security updates to patch a zero-day vulnerability. CISA places election security workers on leave. Elon Musk leads a group of investors making an unsolicited bid to acquire OpenAI. The man accused of hacking the SEC’s XTwitter account pleads guilty. Law enforcement seizes the leak site of the 8Base ransomware gang.  Researchers track a massive increase in brute-force attacks targeting edge devices. Experts question the U.K. government’s demand for an encryption backdoor in Apple devices. Today’s guest is John Fokker, Head of Threat Intelligence at Trellix, joining us to discuss their work on "Blurring the Lines: How Nation-States and Organized Cybercriminals Are Becoming Alike." And it’s international day for women and girls in science.

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Today’s guest is John Fokker, Head of Threat Intelligence at Trellix, joining us to discuss their work on "Blurring the Lines: How Nation-States and Organized Cybercriminals Are Becoming Alike."

Apple fixes zero-day exploited in 'extremely sophisticated' attacks (BleepingComputer)

US cyber agency puts election security staffers who worked with the states on leave (AP News)

Elon Musk-led group makes $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI, CEO refuses and offers to "buy Twitter for $9.74 billion" (TechSpot)

OpenAI Finds No Evidence of Breach After Hacker Offers to Sell 20 Million Credentials (SecurityWeek)

Hacker who hijacked SEC’s X account pleads guilty, faces maximum five-year sentence (The Record)

8Base ransomware site taken down as Thai authorities arrest 4 connected to operation (The Record)

Edge Devices Face Surge in Mass Brute-Force Password Attacks (Data Breach Today)

U.K. Kicks Apple’s Door Open for China (Wall Street Journal)

International Day of Women and Girls in Science- United Nations (United Nations)

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A cyberattack disrupts newspaper publishing. A major AI summit takes place in Paris this week. A federal judge restricts DOGE from accessing Treasury Department systems. Cybersecurity cooperation between Canada and the U.S. remains strong. The Kraken ransomware group leaks credentials allegedly linked to Cisco. Europol urges banks to start preparing for quantum-safe cryptography. Microsoft expands its Copilot bug bounty program. The PlayStation Network (PSN) experienced a major outage over the weekend. Indiana man sentenced to 20 years for $37m cryptocurrency fraud. Our guest is Mike Woodard, VP of Product Management for App Security at Digital.ai, sharing strategies to minimize risk when implementing AI. Hunting for length and complexity in WiFi passwords. 

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Our guest is Mike Woodard, VP of Product Management for App Security at Digital.ai, sharing strategies to minimize risk when implementing AI to enhance security.

Cyberattack Disrupts Publication of Lee Newspapers Across the U.S. (New York Times)

Trump’s AI Ambition and China’s DeepSeek Overshadow an AI Summit in Paris (SecurityWeek)

Musk Team’s Treasury Access Raises Security Fears, Despite Judge’s Ordered Halt (New York Times)

In Breaking USAID, the Trump Administration May Have Broken the Law (ProPublica)

Judge: DOGE made US Treasury ‘more vulnerable to hacking’ (The Register)

Cisco Data Breach – Ransomware Group Allegedly Breached Internal Network (GB Hackers)

Europol Warns Financial Sector of “Imminent” Quantum Threat (Infosecurity Magazine)

Trade war or not, Canada will keep working with the U.S. on cybersecurity (The Logic)

Microsoft Expands Copilot Bug Bounty Program, Increases Payouts (SecurityWeek)

PlayStation Network Down; Outage Leaves Gamers Frustrated (Updated) (HackRead)

Indiana Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracies Involving Cyber Intrusion and a Massive $37 Million Cryptocurrency Theft (DataBreaches.Net)

The World's Longest and Strongest WiFi Passwords (InfoSec Write-ups) 

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Please enjoy this encore of Career Notes.

CEO and co-founder of Orca Security Avi Shua shares his thoughts on ways to succeed in cybersecurity. Avi's excitement about cybersecurity began when he was 13 as he tried to think of ways to get around the school's network security. He joined the Israeli Army's Intelligence Unit 8200 and experienced some unique cybersecurity training programs that he would eventually come to teach. Learning to solve problems on your own is a skill Avi acquired and took into his professional career. In his current position, Avi works to advance Orca's mission. He loves that his company works to reduce friction and enables security people to do their jobs. Instead of becoming of plumbers connecting things, Avi says they can do their job and become real security practitioners. We thank Avi for sharing his story with us.

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Mark Manglicmot, SVP of Security Services from Arctic Wolf, is sharing their research on "Cleopatra’s Shadow: A Mass Exploitation Campaign Deploying a Java Backdoor Through Zero-Day Exploitation of Cleo MFT Software." Arctic Wolf Labs discovered an ongoing exploitation campaign targeting Cleo Managed File Transfer (MFT) products, beginning on December 7, 2024. Threat actors used a malicious PowerShell stager to deploy a Java-based backdoor, dubbed Cleopatra, which features in-memory file storage and cross-platform compatibility across Windows and Linux.

Despite Cleo's previous patch for CVE-2024-50623, attackers appear to have leveraged an alternative access method, exploiting the software's autorun feature to execute payloads and establish persistent access.

• Cleopatra’s Shadow: A Mass Exploitation Campaign Deploying a Java Backdoor Through Zero-Day Exploitation of Cleo MFT Software

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Security concerns grow over DOGE’s use of AI. The British government demands access to encrypted iCloud accounts. Researchers identify critical vulnerabilities in the DeepSeek iOS app. Microsoft Edge uses AI to block scareware. A phishing campaign targets Facebook users with fake copyright infringement notices. Researchers discover malicious machine learning models on Hugging Face. A major data broker faces yet-another data breach lawsuit. CISA warns of a critical Microsoft Outlook vulnerability under active exploitation. Guest John Anthony Smith, Founder and Chief Security Officer at Fenix24, shares insights into why backups are the most important security control. The UK’s cyber weather report says expect light phishing with a chance of ransomware. 

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Today on our Industry Voices segment, guest John Anthony Smith, Founder and Chief Security Officer at Fenix24, shares insights into why backups are the most important security control.

For additional details, please visit this resource:

• The Reality of Resilience, Recovery, and Repeat Cyberattacks (Infographic)

Elon Musk’s DOGE feeds AI sensitive federal data to target cuts (The Washington Post)

Will DOGE Access to CMS Data Lead to HIPAA Breaches? (GovInfo Security)

Federal judge tightens DOGE leash over critical Treasury payment system access (The Register)

UK reportedly demands secret ‘back door’ to Apple users’ iCloud accounts (The Record)

NowSecure Uncovers Multiple Security and Privacy Flaws in DeepSeek iOS Mobile App (NowSecure)

Microsoft Edge update adds AI-powered Scareware Blocker (Bleeping Computer)

New Facebook Fake Copyright Notices Phishing Steals Your FB Credentials (Cyber Security News)

Developers Beware! Malicious ML Models Detected on Hugging Face Platform (Cyber Security News)

Coordinates of millions of smartphones feared stolen, sparking yet another lawsuit against data broker (The Register)

Critical Microsoft Outlook Vulnerability (CVE-2024-21413) Actively Exploited in Attacks - CISA Warns (CISA)

UK cyberattack severity to be scored by world-first group  (The Register)

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The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc.

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Chaos and security concerns continue in Washington. Spanish authorities arrest a man suspected of hacking NATO, the UN, and the US Army. A major U.S. hiring platform exposes millions of resumes. Another British engineering firm suffers a cyberattack. Cisco patches multiple vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals exploit SVG files in phishing attacks. SparkCat SDK targets cryptocurrency via Android and iOS apps. CISA directs federal agencies to patch a high-severity Linux kernel flaw. Thailand leaves scamming syndicates in the dark. Positive trends in the fight against ransomware. Our guest is Cliff Crosland, CEO and Co-founder at Scanner.dev, discusses the evolution of security data lakes and the "bring your own" model for security tools. Don’t eff with the FCC.

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Today on our Industry Voices segment, guest Cliff Crosland, CEO and Co-founder at Scanner.dev, discusses the evolution of security data lakes and the "bring your own" model for security tools. For some additional details, check out their blog on “Security Data Lakes: A New Tool for Threat Hunting, Detection & Response, and GenAI-Powered Analysis.”

Musk’s DOGE agents access sensitive personnel data, alarming security officials (Washington Post)

Union groups sue Treasury over giving DOGE access to sensitive data (The Record)

Hacker Who Targeted NATO, US Army Arrested in Spain (SecurityWeek)

Hiring platform serves users raw with 5.4 million CVs exposed (Cybernews)

IMI becomes the latest British engineering firm to be hacked (TechCrunch)

Cisco Patches Critical Vulnerabilities in Enterprise Security Product (SecurityWeek)

Scalable Vector Graphics files pose a novel phishing threat (Sophos News)

Crypto-stealing apps found in Apple App Store for the first time (Bleeping Computer)

Ransomware payments dropped in 2024 as victims refused to pay hackers (TechCrunch)

CISA orders agencies to patch Linux kernel bug exploited in attacks (Bleeping Computer)

Thailand cuts power supply to Myanmar scam hubs (The Record)

Robocallers posing as FCC fraud prevention team call FCC staff (Bleeping Computer)

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The DOGE team faces growing backlash. The Five Eyes release guidance on protecting edge devices. A critical macOS kernel vulnerability allows privilege escalation, memory corruption, and kernel code execution. Google and Mozilla release security updates for Chrome and Firefox. Multiple Veeam backup products are vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. Zyxel suggests you replace those outdated routers. A former Google engineer faces multiple charges for alleged corporate espionage. CISA issues nine new advisories for ICS vulnerabilities. A house Republican introduces a cybersecurity workforce scholarship bill. On our CertByte segment, a look at ISC2’s CISSP exam. Google updates its stance on AI weapons. 

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Welcome to CertByte! On this bi-weekly segment hosted by Chris Hare.

This week, Chris is joined by Steven Burnley to break down a question targeting ISC2®'s CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional) exam. Today’s question comes from N2K’s ISC2® CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional Practice Test.

Have a question that you’d like to see covered? Email us at [email protected]. If you're studying for a certification exam, check out N2K’s full exam prep library of certification practice tests, practice labs, and training courses by visiting our website at n2k.com/certify.

Please note: The questions and answers provided here, and on our site, are not actual current or prior questions and answers from these certification publishers or providers.

Federal Workers Sue to Disconnect DOGE Server (WIRED)

Treasury says DOGE review has ‘read-only’ access to federal payments system (The Record)

‘Things Are Going to Get Intense:’ How a Musk Ally Plans to Push AI on the Government (404 Media)

Cybersecurity, government experts are aghast at security failures in DOGE takeover (CyberScoop)

Five Eyes Launch Guidance to Improve Edge Device Security (Infosecurity Magazine)

Apple's MacOS Kernel Vulnerability Let Attackers Escalate Privileges - PoC Released (Cyber Security News) 

Chrome 133, Firefox 135 Patch High-Severity Vulnerabilities (SecurityWeek)

Critical Veeam Vulnerability (CVE-2025-23114) Exposes Backup Servers to Remote Code Execution (SOCRadar)

Router maker Zyxel tells customers to replace vulnerable hardware exploited by hackers (TechCrunch)

US cranks up espionage charges against ex-Googler accused of trade secrets heist (The Register)

CISA Releases Nine Advisories Detailing vulnerabilities and Exploits Surrounding ICS (Cyber Security News)

CISA hires former DHS CIO into top cyber position (Federal News Network)

Proposal for federal cyber scholarship, with service requirement, returns in House (The Record)

Google drops pledge not to use AI for weapons or surveillance (Washington Post)

We want to ensure that you are getting the most out of the podcast. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey as we continually work to improve the show. 

You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at [email protected] to request more info.

The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc.

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DOGE’s unchecked access to federal networks sparks major cybersecurity fears. Senator Hawley’s AI ban targets China and raises free speech concerns. Apple service ticket portal vulnerability exposed millions of users’ data. North Korean ‘FlexibleFerret’ malware targets macos via job scams and fake zoom apps. February 2025 android security update fixes 48 vulnerabilities, including exploited zero-day. Grubhub data breach exposes customer and driver information. Abandoned cloud infrastructure creates major security risks. Texas to launch its own Cyber Command amid rising cyber threats. Dell PowerProtect vulnerabilities pose critical security risks. On our Threat Vector segment, David Moulton and his guests look at the potential dangers of DeepSeek. U.S. Government is quietly altering the Head Start database. And a moment of inspiration from a spacefaring poet.

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Artificial intelligence is advancing fast, but with innovation comes risk. In this segment of Threat Vector, host David Moulton sits down with Sam Rubin, SVP of Consulting and Threat Intelligence at Unit 42, and Kyle Wilhoit, Director of Threat Research, to explore the vulnerabilities of DeepSeek, a new large language model. To listen to the full discussion, please check out the episode here or on your favorite podcast app, and tune in to new episodes of Threat Vector by Palo Alto Networks every Thursday. 

Musk’s DOGE effort could spread malware, expose US systems to threat actors (CSO Online)

As DOGE teams plug into federal networks, cybersecurity risks could be huge, experts say (The Record)

Senator Hawley Proposes Jail Time for People Who Download DeepSeek (404 Media)

Apple Service Ticket portal Vulnerability Exposes Millions of Users Data (Cyber Security News) 

N. Korean ‘FlexibleFerret’ Malware Hits macOS with Fake Zoom, Job Scams (Hackread)

Google fixes Android kernel zero-day exploited in attacks (Bleeping Computer)

GrubHub Data Breach - Customers Phone Numbers Exposed (Cyber Security News) 

Here’s all the ways an abandoned cloud instance can cause security issues (CyberScoop)

Texas to Establish Cyber Command Amid “Dramatic” Rise in Attacks (Infosecurity Magazine)

Multiple Dell PowerProtect Vulnerabilities Let Attackers Compromise System (Cyber Security News) 

‘Forbidden Words’: Github Reveals How Software Engineers Are Purging Federal Databases (404 Media) 

T-Minus Deep Space: Inspiration4 with Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor. (T-Minus Deep Space podcast)

Dr. Sian Proctor got her ticket to space after being selected for her poetry (Instagram) 

2025 SpaceCom: Interview with Dr. Sian Proctor (YouTube) 

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You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at [email protected] to request more info.

The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc.

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Federal agencies become battlegrounds in an unprecedented power struggle. XE Group evolves from credit-card skimming to exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities. WhatsApp uncovers a zero-click spyware attack linked to an Israeli firm.Texas expands its ban on Chinese-backed AI and social media apps. Data breaches expose the personal and medical information of over a million people.NVIDIA patches multiple critical vulnerabilities. Arm discloses critical vulnerabilities affecting its Mali GPU Kernel Drivers and firmware. The UK government aims to set the global standard for securing AI. Tim Starks from CyberScoop has the latest from Senate confirmation hearings. The National Cryptologic Museum rights a wrong. 

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Joining us today is Tim Starks, Senior Reporter from CyberScoop, to discuss two of his recent articles: 

Top Security Officials at Aid Agency Put on Leave After Denying Access to Musk Team (New York Times)

Exclusive: Musk aides lock workers out of OPM computer system (Reuters)

Federal Workers Block Doors of Admin Building Over Elon Musk Data Breach (DC Media Group)

Trump Broke the Federal Email System and Government Employees Got Blasted With Astonishingly Vulgar Messages (Futurism)

CISA employees told they are exempt from federal worker resignation program (The Record)

From credit card fraud to zero-day exploits: Xe Group expanding cybercriminal efforts (CyberScoop)

Israeli Firm Paragon Attack WhatsApp With New Zero-Click Spyware (Cyber Security News)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bans DeepSeek, RedNote and other Chinese-backed AI platforms (Statesman)

Hundreds of Thousands Hit by Data Breaches at Healthcare Firms in Colorado, North Carolina (SecurityWeek)

Insurance Company Globe Life Notifying 850,000 People of Data Breach (SecurityWeek)

NVIDIA GPU Display Driver Vulnerability Lets Attackers Steal Files Remotely - Update Now (Cyber Security News)

Arm Mali GPU Kernel Driver 0-Day Vulnerability Actively Exploited in the Wild (Cyber Security News)

UK Announces “World-First” AI Security Standard (Infosecurity Magazine)

Larry Pfeiffer on Bluesky (Bluesky)

• Possibly related to the Bluesky post: Trailblazers in U.S. Cryptologic History 

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Please enjoy this encore episode with Principal Research Scientist for Human Behavior at Forcepoint, Margaret Cunningham. She shares her story of how she landed in cybersecurity. With a background in psychology and counseling and not feeling that one-on-one counseling was her thing, Margaret had a transformational moment in her PhD program in applied experimental technology when she realized she could "provide helping services and good work services at a broader scale." Margaret found her professional footing at DHS's Human Systems Integration Branch of Science and Technology Department as the person who figured out how to measure how new technologies impacted human performance. Margaret points out that making connections and reading whatever you can is important to stay up to date in the field. She notes that her statistical analysis skills are an asset. She hopes to create champions in human behavior and performance in the world of technology. We thank Margaret for sharing her story with us.

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