Cybersecurity Brief – 2025-09-28
Major Incidents or Breaches
- An app previously used to dox critics of Charlie Kirk reportedly exposed the personal information of its own users.
- A ransomware gang has stolen data on 8,000 preschoolers.
- Microsoft has blocked Israel’s military from using its cloud services for surveillance purposes.
Newly Discovered Vulnerabilities
- The call-recording app Neon has paused operations due to the discovery of security vulnerabilities.
Notable Threat Actor Activity
- China-linked threat actors are conducting ongoing campaigns targeting telecommunications and manufacturing sectors in Central and South Asia, distributing a new variant of PlugX malware.
- Fake Microsoft Teams installers, distributed via SEO poisoning and search engine advertisements, are being used to infect Windows devices with the Oyster backdoor, facilitating initial access for attackers.
- Two Dutch teenagers were arrested for attempting to spy on Europol on behalf of Russia, reportedly using hacking devices.
Trends, Tools, or Tactics of Interest
- Malvertising and SEO poisoning are being actively used to distribute malware, specifically through fake installers for widely used software such as Microsoft Teams.
- Data center operators are increasingly retrofitting nuclear bunkers, mines, and underground facilities to enhance physical security for critical digital infrastructure.
Regulatory or Policy Developments
- Microsoft’s decision to block Israel’s military from using its cloud services for surveillance reflects ongoing scrutiny and policy enforcement regarding the use of cloud infrastructure in sensitive geopolitical contexts.