Author Archives: BrianKrebs

This Service Helps Malware Authors Fix Flaws in their Code

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Almost daily now there is news about flaws in commercial software that lead to computers getting hacked and seeded with malware. But the reality is most malicious software also has its share of security holes that open the door for security researchers or ne’er-do-wells to liberate or else seize control over already-hacked systems. Here’s a look at one long-lived malware vulnerability testing service that is used and run by some of the Dark Web’s top cybercriminals. Continue reading This Service Helps Malware Authors Fix Flaws in their Code→

This Service Helps Malware Authors Fix Flaws in their Code

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Almost daily now there is news about flaws in commercial software that lead to computers getting hacked and seeded with malware. But the reality is most malicious software also has its share of security holes that open the door for security researchers or ne’er-do-wells to liberate or else seize control over already-hacked systems. Here’s a look at one long-lived malware vulnerability testing service that is used and run by some of the Dark Web’s top cybercriminals. Continue reading This Service Helps Malware Authors Fix Flaws in their Code→

U.S. Secret Service: “Massive Fraud” Against State Unemployment Insurance Programs

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A well-organized Nigerian crime ring is exploiting the COVID-19 crisis by committing large-scale fraud against multiple state unemployment insurance programs, with potential losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a new alert issued by the U.S. Secret Service.

A memo seen by KrebsOnSecurity that the Secret Service sent to field offices around the United States this week says the ring has been filing unemployment claims in different states using Social Security numbers and other personally identifiable information (PII) belonging to identity theft victims, and that “a substantial amount of the fraudulent benefits submitted have used PII from first responders, government personnel and school employees.” Continue reading U.S. Secret Service: “Massive Fraud” Against State Unemployment Insurance Programs→

Microsoft Patch Tuesday, May 2020 Edition

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Microsoft today issued software updates to plug at least 111 security holes in Windows and Windows-based programs. None of the vulnerabilities were labeled as being publicly exploited or detailed prior to today, but as always if you’re running Windows on any of your machines it’s time once again to prepare to get your patches on. Continue reading Microsoft Patch Tuesday, May 2020 Edition→

Ransomware Hit ATM Giant Diebold Nixdorf

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Diebold Nixdorf, a major provider of automatic teller machines (ATMs) and payment technology to banks and retailers, recently suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted some operations. The company says the hackers never touched its ATMs or customer networks, and that the intrusion only affected its corporate network. Continue reading Ransomware Hit ATM Giant Diebold Nixdorf→

Meant to Combat ID Theft, Unemployment Benefits Letter Prompts ID Theft Worries

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Millions of Americans now filing for unemployment will receive benefits via a prepaid card issued by U.S. Bank, a Minnesota-based financial institution that handles unemployment payments for more than a dozen U.S. states. Some of these unemployment applications will trigger an automatic letter from U.S. Bank to the applicant. The letters are intended to prevent identity theft, but many people are mistaking these vague missives for a notification that someone has hijacked their identity. Continue reading Meant to Combat ID Theft, Unemployment Benefits Letter Prompts ID Theft Worries→

Tech Support Scam Uses Child Porn Warning

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A new email scam is making the rounds, warning recipients that someone using their Internet address has been caught viewing child pornography. The message claims to have been sent from Microsoft Support, and says the recipient’s Windows license will be suspended unless they call an “MS Support” number to reinstate the license, but the number goes to a phony tech support scam that tries to trick callers into giving fraudsters direct access to their PCs. Continue reading Tech Support Scam Uses Child Porn Warning→

Europe’s Largest Private Hospital Operator Fresenius Hit by Ransomware

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Fresenius, Europe’s largest private hospital operator and a major provider of dialysis products and services that are in such high demand thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been hit in a ransomware cyber attack on its technology systems. The company said the incident has limited some of its operations, but that patient care continues. Continue reading Europe’s Largest Private Hospital Operator Fresenius Hit by Ransomware→

How Cybercriminals are Weathering COVID-19

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In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a boon to cybercriminals: With unprecedented numbers of people working from home and anxious for news about the virus outbreak, it’s hard to imagine a more target-rich environment for phishers, scammers and malware purveyors. In addition, many crooks are finding the outbreak has helped them better market their cybercriminal wares and services. But it’s not all good news: The Coronavirus also has driven up costs and disrupted key supply lines for many cybercriminals. Continue reading How Cybercriminals are Weathering COVID-19→

Would You Have Fallen for This Phone Scam?

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You may have heard that today’s phone fraudsters like to use use caller ID spoofing services to make their scam calls seem more believable. But you probably didn’t know that your bank may be making it super easy for thieves to impersonate the bank, by giving away information about recent transactions on your account via automated, phone-based customer support systems. Continue reading Would You Have Fallen for This Phone Scam?→