Quiet for years, Chinese hacking group resumes global attacks
A Chinese government-linked hacking group that was thought to be dormant has been quietly targeting companies and government agencies for the last two years, harvesting data after stealing passwords and circumventing two-factor authentication intended to prevent such attacks, according to researchers.
FBI alerts businesses to 2 ransomware strains
The FBI has issued an alert to businesses about the MegaCortex and LockerGoga ransomware, both of which are being used against large corporations to encrypt data. Hackers are thought to be lying low for months after gaining access to corporate networks
–
possibly exfiltrating data
–
before deploying MegaCortex or LockerGoga to lock devices for ransom.
Cyber remains top risk in OFR 2019 review, insurers question claims exposure
The Office of Financial Research’s
annual report to Congress
assesses financial stability. For several years, respondents to a survey of industry leaders have ranked cyber risk as the top risk facing the financial system. Geopolitical risk almost always has ranked second. Brexit risk has come in third or fourth in recent years.
Think twice before using that public device charging station
The risks of using Wi-Fi in public spaces such as airports are well-known, but using charging stations for a phone, tablet or laptop can be just as dangerous, writes Jim Calloway, a blogger and director of the Oklahoma Bar Association Management Assistance Program. Picking up malware or ransomware from a public USB charger has become so common that it has a name: juice jacking.