Small business owners, secure your web shop

An online shop is more than just another way to sell your products. It comes with a responsibility to keep the web shop secure. Cybercriminals are looking to steal your customers’ credit card details, their personal data, and even your revenue. And it’s not as if using a platform that is used by...

Valley News Live exposed more than a million job seeker’s resumes

Making your own bad news is not what Valley News Live had in mind, but negligence comes at a price. Cybernews researchers found an unprotected AWS S3 bucket that belongs to Take Valley News Live, a North Dakota-based television station. Gray Television, the owner of Valley News Live, makes for th...

New AI “agents” could hold people for ransom in 2025

A paradigm shift in technology is hurtling towards us, and it could change everything we know about cybersecurity. Uhh, again, that is. When ChatGPT was unveiled to the public in late 2022, security experts looked on with cautious optimism, excited about the new technology but concerned about its...

WhatsApp says Paragon is spying on specific users

WhatsApp has accused the professional spyware company Paragon of spying on a select group of users. WhatsApp, the Meta-owned, end-to-end encrypted messaging platform, said it has reliable information that nearly 100 journalists and other “members of civil society” were targets of a spyware campai...

A week in security (January 27 – February 2)

Last week on Malwarebytes Labs: ClickFix vs. traditional download in new DarkGate campaign Cybercrime gets a few punches on the nose Microsoft advertisers phished via malicious Google ads The DeepSeek controversy: Authorities ask where does the data come from and how safe is it? These are the 10...

ClickFix vs. traditional download in new DarkGate campaign

During the past several months there have been numerous malware campaigns that use a technique something referred to as "ClickFix". It often consists of a fake CAPTCHA or similar traffic validation page where visitors are instructed to paste and execute code in order to proceed. We have started t...

Cybercrime gets a few punches on the nose

It’s not often that we get to share good news, so we wanted to grab this opportunity and showcase some progress made by law enforcement actions against cybercrime with you. Europol notified us about the take-down of two of the largest cybercrime forums in the world. With over 10 million users,...

Microsoft advertisers phished via malicious Google ads

Just days after we uncovered a campaign targeting Google Ads accounts, a similar attack has surfaced, this time aimed at Microsoft advertisers. These malicious ads, appearing on Google Search, are designed to steal the login information of users trying to access Microsoft's advertising platform...

The DeepSeek controversy: Authorities ask where does the data come from and how safe is it?

The sudden rise of DeepSeek has raised concerns and questions, especially about the origin and destination of the training data, as well as the security of the data. For those returning from a short holiday away from the news, DeepSeek is a new player on the Artificial Intelligence AI field. The...

These are the 10 worst PIN codes

Australian news outlet ABC NEWS analyzed a data set of 29 million 4-digit PIN numbers that people actually used to secure their devices, ATM withdrawals, building access, and more. What the outlet discovered is both expected and disappointing: Too many people use insecure PIN codes to protect...

Apple users: Update your devices now to patch zero-day vulnerability

Apple has released a host of security updates across many devices, including for a zero-day bug which is being actively exploited in iOS. Apple said: "A malicious application may be able to elevate privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited against...

UnitedHealth almost doubles victim numbers from massive Change Healthcare data breach

UnitedHealth says it now estimates that the data breach on its subsidiary Change Healthcare affected 190 million people, nearly doubling its previous estimate from October. In May, UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty estimated that the ransomware attack compromised the data of a third of US individuals...

A week in security (January 20 – January 26)

Last week on Malwarebytes Labs: Your location or browsing habits could lead to price increases when buying online AI tool GeoSpy analyzes images and identifies locations in seconds 7-Zip bug could allow a bypass of a Windows security feature. Update now Warning: Don’t sell or buy a second hand...

Three privacy rules for 2025 (Lock and Code S06E02)

This week on the Lock and Code podcast… It’s Data Privacy Week right now, and that means, for the most part, that you’re going to see a lot of well-intentioned but clumsy information online about how to protect your data privacy. You’ll see articles about iPhone settings. You’ll hear acronyms for...

Three privacy rules for 2025 (Lock and Code S06E02)

This week on the Lock and Code podcast… It’s Data Privacy Week right now, and that means, for the most part, that you’re going to see a lot of well-intentioned but clumsy information online about how to protect your data privacy. You’ll see articles about iPhone settings. You’ll hear acronyms for...

Texas scrutinizes four more car manufacturers on privacy issues (updated)

The Texas Attorney General’s Office has started an investigation into how Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, and Fiat Chrysler collect, share, and sell consumer data, expanding an earlier probe launched last year into how modern automakers are potentially using customer driving data. We've addressed cars and...

Warning: Don’t sell or buy a second hand iPhone with TikTok already installed

After TikTok was briefly banned in the US last weekend, an unusual phenomenon unearthed. Reportedly, people are selling iPhones that have TikTok installed for up to $25,000. This may require some explanation, so bear with me. TikTok has had a rough time in the US the last weeks. The ban we...

7-Zip bug could allow a bypass of a Windows security feature. Update now

A patch is available for a vulnerability in 7-Zip that could have allowed attackers to bypass the Mark-of-the-Web MotW security feature in Windows. The MotW is an attribute added to files by Windows when they have been sourced from an untrusted location, like the internet or a restricted zone. Th...

AI tool GeoSpy analyzes images and identifies locations in seconds

It's just become even more important to be conscious about the pictures we post online. GeoSpy is an Artificial Intelligence AI supported tool that can derive a person’s location by analyzing features in a photo like vegetation, buildings, and other landmarks. And it can do so in seconds based on...

Your location or browsing habits could lead to price increases when buying online

Companies are showing customers different prices for the same goods and services based what data they have on them, including details like their precise location or browser history. The name for this method is surveillance pricing, and the FTC has just released initial findings of a report lookin...

A week in security (January 13 – January 19)

Last week on Malwarebytes Labs: iMessage text gets recipient to disable phishing protection so they can be phished The new rules for AI and encrypted messaging, with Mallory Knodel Lock and Code S06E01 Insurance company accused of using secret software to illegally collect and sell location data ...

WhatsApp spear phishing campaign uses QR codes to add device

A cybercriminal campaign linked to Russia is deploying QR codes to access the WhatsApp accounts of high-profile targets like journalists, members of think tanks, and employees of non-governmental organizations NGOs, according to new details revealed by Microsoft. The group, which Microsoft tracks...

Avery had credit card skimmer stuck on its site for months

The consequences of a wave of credit card skimmers—which is normal around the holidays—are starting to show. Label maker Avery has filed a data breach notification, saying 61,193 people may have had their credit card details stolen. On December 9, Avery said it became aware of an attack on its...

PlugX malware deleted from thousands of systems by FBI

The FBI says it has removed PlugX malware from thousands of infected computers worldwide. The move came after suspicion that cybercriminals groups under control of the People’s Republic of China PRC used a version of PlugX malware to control, and steal information from victims' computers. PlugX h...

The great Google Ads heist: criminals ransack advertiser accounts via fake Google ads

Table of contents Overview Criminals impersonate Google Ads Lures hosted on Google Sites Phishing for Google account credentials Victimology Who is behind these campaigns? Fuel for other malware and scam campaigns Indicators of Compromise Overview Online criminals are targeting individuals and...

Insurance company accused of using secret software to illegally collect and sell location data on millions of Americans

Insurance company Allstate and its subsidiary Arity unlawfully collected, used, and sold data about the location and movement of Texans’ cell phones through secretly embedded software in mobile apps, according to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Attorney General Paxton says the companies didn't...

The new rules for AI and encrypted messaging, with Mallory Knodel (Lock and Code S06E01)

This week on the Lock and Code podcast … The era of artificial intelligence everything is here, and with it, come everyday surprises into exactly where the next AI tools might pop up. There are major corporations pushing customer support functions onto AI chatbots, Big Tech platforms offering AI...

The new rules for AI and encrypted messaging, with Mallory Knodel (Lock and Code S06E01)

This week on the Lock and Code podcast … The era of artificial intelligence everything is here, and with it, come everyday surprises into exactly where the next AI tools might pop up. There are major corporations pushing customer support functions onto AI chatbots, Big Tech platforms offering AI...

iMessage text gets recipient to disable phishing protection so they can be phished

A smishing SMS phishing campaign is targeting iMessage users, attempting to socially engineer them into bypassing Apple's built in phishing protection. For months, iMessage users have been posting examples online of how phishers are trying to get around this protection. And, now, the campign is...

A week in security (January 6 – January 12)

Last week on Malwarebytes Labs: Dental group lied through teeth about data breach, fined $350,000 AI-supported spear phishing fools more than 50% of targets US Cyber Trust Mark logo for smart devices is coming GroupGreeting e-card site attacked in "zqxq" campaign Massive breach at location data...

BayMark Health Services sends breach notifications after ransomware attack

BayMark Health Services, Inc. BayMark notified an unknown number of patients that attackers stole their personal and health information. BayMark profiles itself as North America’s largest provider of medication-assisted treatment MAT for substance use disorders helping tens of thousands of...

Google Chrome AI extensions deliver info-stealing malware in broad attack

Small businesses and boutique organizations should use caution when leaning on browser-friendly artificial intelligence AI tools to generate ideas, content, and marketing copy, as a set of Google Chrome extensions were recently compromised to deliver info-stealing malware disguised as legitimate...

Massive breach at location data seller: “Millions” of users affected

Like many other data brokers, Gravy is a company you may never have heard of, but it almost certainly knows a lot about you if you’re a US citizen. Data brokers come in different shapes and sizes. What they have in common is that they gather personally identifiable data from various sources—from...

GroupGreeting e-card site attacked in “zqxq” campaign

This article was researched and written by Stefan Dasic, manager, research and response forThreatDown, powered by Malwarebytes Malwarebytes recently uncovered a widespread cyberattack—referred to here as the “zqxq” campaign as it closely mirrors NDSW/NDSX-style malware behavior—that compromised...

US Cyber Trust Mark logo for smart devices is coming

The White House announced the launch of the US Cyber Trust Mark which aims to help buyers make an informed choice about the purchase of wireless internet-connected devices, such as baby monitors, doorbells, thermostats, and more. The cybersecurity labeling program for wireless consumer Internet o...

AI-supported spear phishing fools more than 50% of targets

One of the first things everyone predicted when artificial intelligence AI became more commonplace was that it would assist cybercriminals in making their phishing campaigns more effective. Now, researchers have conducted a scientific study into the effectiveness of AI supported spear phishing, a...

Dental group lied through teeth about data breach, fined $350,000

A US chain of dental offices known as Westend Dental LLC denied a 2020 ransomware attack and its associated data breach, instead telling their customers that data was lost due to an “accidentally formatted hard drive.” Unfortunately for the organization, the truth was found out. Westend Dental...

Some weeks in security (December 16 – January 5)

During the holiday period on Malwarebytes Labs we covered: A day in the life of a privacy pro, with Ron de Jesus Lock and Code S05E26 Task scams surge by 400%, but what are they? 5 million payment card details stolen in painful reminder to monitor Christmas spending AI-generated malvertising "whi...

“Can you try a game I made?” Fake game sites lead to information stealers

The background and the IOCs for this blog were gathered by an Expert helper on our forums and Malwarebytes researchers. Our thanks go out to them. A new, malicious campaign is making the rounds online and it starts simple: Unwitting targets receive a direct message DM on a Discord server asking...

Connected contraptions cause conniption for 2024

The holidays are upon us, which means now is the perfect time for gratitude, warmth, and—because modern society has thrust it upon us—gift buying. It’s Bluey and dig kits and LEGOs for kids, Fortnite and AirPods and backpacks for tweens, and, for an adult you particularly love, it’s televisions,...

Data breaches in 2024: Could it get any worse?

It may sound weird when I say that I would like to remember 2024 as the year of the biggest breaches. That’s mainly because that would mean we’ll never see another year like it. To support this nomination, I will remind you of several high-profile breaches, some of a size almost beyond imaginatio...

Is nowhere safe from AI slop? (Lock and Code S05E27)

This week on the Lock and Code podcast … You can see it on X. You can see on Instagram. It's flooding community pages on Facebook and filling up channels on YouTube. It's called "AI slop" and it's the fastest, laziest way to drive engagement. Like "click bait" before it "You won't believe what...

2024 in AI: It’s changed the world, but it’s not all good

A popular saying is: “To err is human, but to really foul things up you need a computer.” Even though the saying is older than you might think, it did not come about earlier than the concept of artificial intelligence AI. And as long as we have been waiting for AI technology to become commonplace...

Our Santa wishlist: Stronger identity security for kids

Sorry for the headline, but we have to get creative to get anyone to read an article on a Friday like this one, even if it is an important story. As we enter the holidays and parents begin to rest after another hectic year of shopping for their kids, Malwarebytes Labs wants to draw some attention...

‘Fix It’ social-engineering scheme impersonates several brands

More and more, threat actors are leveraging the browser to deliver malware in ways that can evade detection from antivirus programs. Social engineering is a core part of these schemes and the tricks we see are sometimes very clever. Case in point, there has been an increase in attacks that involv...

TP-Link faces US national security probe, potential ban on devices

The US government launched a national security investigation into the popular, Chinese-owned router maker TP-Link, with a potential eye on banning the company's devices in the United States. The investigation comes amid heightened tension between the US and the Chinese government, and after a...

Pallet liquidation scams and how to recognize them

Pallet liquidation scams target people looking to purchase pallets of supposedly discounted merchandise, often from major retailers like Amazon. Groups that engage in pallet liquidation sales are rampant on social media and it’s hard to discern the scammers from the legitimate ones to be honest,...

AI-generated malvertising “white pages” are fooling detection engines

This is no secret, online criminals are leveraging artificial intelligence AI and large language models LLMs in their malicious schemes. While AI tends to be abused to trick people i.e. deepfakes in order to gain something, sometimes, it is meant to defeat computer security programs. With AI, thi...

5 million payment card details stolen in painful reminder to monitor Christmas spending

Another day, another exposed S3 bucket. This time, 5 million US credit cards and personal details were leaked online. The Leakd.com security team discovered that 5 terabytes of sensitive screenshots were exposed in a freely accessible Amazon S3 bucket. An S3 bucket is like a virtual file folder i...

Task scams surge by 400%, but what are they?

An unfamiliar type of scam has surged against everyday people, with a year-over-year increase of some 400%, putting job seekers at risk of losing their time and money. The emerging threat is delivered in "task scams" or "gamified job scams." While these scams were virtually non-existent in 2020,...