Tag: windows
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Windows shortcut weaponized in Phorpiex-linked ransomware campaign
Phorpiex as the distribution layer: Forcepoint attributed the email distribution in this campaign to the Phorpiex botnet, also known as Trik. Phorpiex has been operating for more than a decade and is known for maintaining a large global footprint capable of delivering spam at scale. In this campaign, infected systems within the botnet are used…
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Windows shortcut weaponized in Phorpiex-linked ransomware campaign
Phorpiex as the distribution layer: Forcepoint attributed the email distribution in this campaign to the Phorpiex botnet, also known as Trik. Phorpiex has been operating for more than a decade and is known for maintaining a large global footprint capable of delivering spam at scale. In this campaign, infected systems within the botnet are used…
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Socelars Malware Targets Windows Systems to Steal Sensitive Data
Security researchers are tracking Socelars, an information-stealing Trojan aimed at Windows users that focuses on quietly harvesting browser-based access rather than damaging files. The malware is designed to collect authenticated session data and other system identifiers that can let attackers reuse a victim’s existing “logged-in” state to reach online services.”‹ Public reporting has linked Socelars to…
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Windows Error Reporting Flaw Allows Attackers to Elevate Privileges
A newly documented Windows vulnerability, CVE-2026-20817, impacts the Windows Error Reporting Service (WER) and enables local privilege escalation. The issue matters because WER runs as NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM, so any mistake in its permission checks can become a direct path to full device takeover.”‹ Researchers explain that WER listens for client requests over an ALPC port…
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Attackers Weaponize Windows Shortcut Files to Deploy Global Group Ransomware
A high-volume phishing campaign leveraging the Phorpiex botnet has been distributing GLOBAL GROUP ransomware through weaponized Windows shortcut files. The attack begins with an email attachment named Document.doc.lnk. Windows’ default behavior of hiding known file extensions makes this shortcut appear as a legitimate Word document to unsuspecting users. Attackers enhance deception by borrowing icons from…
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Node.js LTX Stealer Emerges as New Threat to Login Credentials
A new, sophisticated malware campaign dubbed >>LTX Stealer.<< This malware represents a shift in attacker techniques, utilizing legitimate software frameworks and cloud services to hide its activities and steal sensitive user data. By mimicking standard Windows processes, LTX Stealer is designed to operate quietly, making it difficult for traditional antivirus systems to detect. The malware…
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Windows 11 Pro/Home: So nutzen wir Bitlocker ganz ohne Microsoft-Kontozwang
Wenn Microsoft online gespeicherte Bitlocker-Schlüssel an das FBI weitergibt, ist es wohl Zeit, die Kommandozeile in Windows 11 zu öffnen. First seen on golem.de Jump to article: www.golem.de/news/windows-11-pro-home-so-nutzen-wir-bitlocker-ganz-ohne-microsoft-kontozwang-2602-205107.html
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New RecoverIt Tool Abuses Windows Service Failure Recovery to Execute Malicious Payloads
A new offensive security tool named >>RecoverIt<< has been released, offering red teamers a stealthy method for lateral movement and persistence by abusing the Windows Service recovery mechanism. The tool circumvents traditional detection methods that focus on monitoring service creation and binary paths. For years, attackers have moved laterally across networks by creating or modifying…
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Detecting Ransomware Using Windows Minifilters to Intercept File Change Events
Tags: cyber, detection, encryption, endpoint, github, malicious, ransomware, strategy, tool, windowsA security researcher has released a new proof-of-concept (PoC) tool on GitHub designed to stop ransomware at the deepest level of the operating system. Part of a broader Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) strategy named >>Sanctum,<< the project demonstrates how defenders can use Windows Minifilters to detect and intercept malicious file encryption before it destroys…
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UK Construction Firm Hit by Prometei Botnet Hiding in Windows Server
Cybersecurity firm eSentire’s TRU break down the Russian Prometei botnet attack on a UK firm, detailing its TOR usage, password theft and decoy tactics. First seen on hackread.com Jump to article: hackread.com/uk-construction-firm-prometei-botnet-windows-server/
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Microsoft Starts Testing Built-In Sysmon Monitoring in Windows 11
Microsoft is rolling out native Sysmon support in Windows 11 Insider builds, giving security teams built-in system monitoring with optional activation. The post Microsoft Starts Testing Built-In Sysmon Monitoring in Windows 11 appeared first on TechRepublic. First seen on techrepublic.com Jump to article: www.techrepublic.com/article/news-windows-11-native-sysmon-support/
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CISA Alerts Exploited React Native Community Security Flaw
Tags: cisa, cyber, cybersecurity, exploit, flaw, infrastructure, injection, kev, risk, vulnerability, windowsThe Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has officially added a critical security flaw affecting the React Native Community CLI to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Identified as CVE-2025-11953, this vulnerability is an Operating System (OS) command injection flaw that poses severe risks to development environments, particularly those running on Windows infrastructures. The addition to the KEV…
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Hackers Exploit Windows Screensaver to Deploy RMM Tools, Gain Remote Access
A new spear phishing campaign that weaponizes a forgotten file type to bypass modern defenses. Attackers are luring victims into downloading Windows screensaver (.scr) files, which silently deploy legitimate Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software to establish persistent control over targeted systems. The campaign utilizes a simple yet effective delivery mechanism designed to evade reputation-based…
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Hackers Exploit Windows Screensaver to Deploy RMM Tools, Gain Remote Access
A new spear phishing campaign that weaponizes a forgotten file type to bypass modern defenses. Attackers are luring victims into downloading Windows screensaver (.scr) files, which silently deploy legitimate Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software to establish persistent control over targeted systems. The campaign utilizes a simple yet effective delivery mechanism designed to evade reputation-based…
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Microsoft actually does something useful, adds Sysmon to Windows
After years of bolting AI onto everything, Redmond remembers admins exist First seen on theregister.com Jump to article: www.theregister.com/2026/02/04/microsoft_adds_sysmon_to_windows/
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EnCase Driver Weaponized as EDR Killers Persist
The forensic tool’s driver was signed with a digital certificate that expired years ago, but major security gaps allowed Windows to load it. First seen on darkreading.com Jump to article: www.darkreading.com/threat-intelligence/encase-driver-weaponized-edr-killers-persist
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Attackers exploit decade”‘old Windows driver flaw to shut down modern EDR defenses
The kill list excluded Huntress: The EDR killer binary used in the Huntress-observed attack packed a 64-bit Windows executable and a custom encoded kernel driver payload, which it decoded into OemHwUpd.sys and installed as a kernel-mode service. Because Windows still honors its cryptographic signature, the attackers were able to load the driver.Once the vulnerable driver…
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LockBit 5.0 Unveils Cross-Platform Threats for Windows, Linux ESXi Systems
The inner workings of LockBit 5.0, a sophisticated ransomware variant targeting Windows, Linux, and VMware ESXi systems simultaneously. This latest version represents a significant evolution in the cyber threat landscape, demonstrating how ransomware operators are refining their tools to maximize damage across diverse enterprise environments. LockBit operates on a >>Ransomware-as-a-Service<< (RaaS) model, where a core…
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New Hacking Campaign Exploits Microsoft Windows WinRAR Vulnerability
Researchers at Check Point link ‘Amarath-Dragon’ attacks to prolific Chinese cyber-espionage operation First seen on infosecurity-magazine.com Jump to article: www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/hacking-exploits-windows-winrar/
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WatchGuard VPN Client Flaw on Windows Enables SYSTEM”‘Level Command Execution
WatchGuard has released a critical security update for its Mobile VPN with IPSec client for Windows to address a privilege escalation vulnerability. The flaw, originating in the underlying software provided by NCP engineering, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the highest available privileges on a compromised machine. The vulnerability is tracked as NCPVE-2025-0626 (WatchGuard Advisory…
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Microsoft to Integrate Sysmon Threat Detection Natively into Windows 11
Microsoft has officially begun rolling out native System Monitor (Sysmon) functionality to Windows 11, marking a significant shift for threat hunters and security operations centers (SOCs). Released via the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26300.7733 (Dev Channel) on February 3, 2026, this update embeds the popular Sysinternals tool directly into the operating system’s optional features.…
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Attackers Use Windows Screensavers to Drop Malware, RMM Tools
By tapping the unusual .scr file type, attackers leverage executables that don’t always receive executable-level controls, one researcher noted. First seen on darkreading.com Jump to article: www.darkreading.com/application-security/attackers-use-screensavers-drop-malware-rmm-tools
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Windows Shutdown Bug Spreads to Windows 10, Microsoft Confirms
Microsoft confirms a Windows bug preventing some PCs from shutting down or hibernating after January 2026 updates. A fix is still pending. The post Windows Shutdown Bug Spreads to Windows 10, Microsoft Confirms appeared first on TechRepublic. First seen on techrepublic.com Jump to article: www.techrepublic.com/article/news-windows-shutdown-bug-secure-launch-vsm/
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Microsoft rolls out native Sysmon monitoring in Windows 11
Microsoft has started rolling out built-in Sysmon functionality to some Windows 11 systems enrolled in the Windows Insider program. First seen on bleepingcomputer.com Jump to article: www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-rolls-out-native-windows-11-sysmon-security-monitoring/
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Russian hackers exploited a critical Office bug within days of disclosure
One campaign, two infection paths: ZScaler found that exploitation of CVE-2026-21509 did not lead to a single uniform payload. Instead, the initial RTF-based exploit branched into two distinct infection paths, each serving a different operational purpose. The choice of dropper reportedly determined whether the attackers prioritized near-term intelligence collection or longer-term access to compromised systems.In…
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Zero trust in practice: A deep technical dive into going fully passwordless in hybrid enterprise environments
Tags: access, attack, authentication, backup, breach, business, cloud, compliance, credentials, cybersecurity, data, endpoint, group, Hardware, identity, infrastructure, lessons-learned, network, password, phishing, phone, risk, service, technology, update, windows, zero-trustArchitecture decisions: Hybrid authentication flows and Windows Hello for Business: Once your prerequisites are in place, you face critical architectural decisions that will shape your deployment for years to come. The primary decision point is whether to use Windows Hello for Business, FIDO2 security keys or phone sign-in as your primary authentication mechanism.In my experience,…
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Chrome Flaws Enable Arbitrary Code Execution and System Crashes
Google has released a new Stable Channel update for Chrome (version 144.0.7559.132/.133) on February 3, 2026, addressing two high”‘severity vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes. The update is rolling out gradually for Windows, macOS, and Linux users. According to Google’s security advisory, both vulnerabilities were discovered recently and could be exploited…
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Microsoft Takes Major Security Step by Disabling NTLM Authentication by Default
Microsoft is making a significant move to strengthen Windows security by phasing out NTLM (New Technology LAN Manager). This legacy authentication protocol has been part of Windows for over 30 years. The company plans to disable NTLM by default in upcoming Windows releases, replacing it with more secure Kerberos-based alternatives. NTLM is an old authentication…