vpn
Ransomware gang creates tool to automate VPN brute-force attacks
The Black Basta ransomware operation created an automated brute-forcing framework dubbed ‘BRUTED’ to breach edge networking devices like firewalls and VPNs. The framework has enabled BlackBasta to streamline initial network access and scale ransomware attacks on vulnerable internet-exposed endpoints. The discovery of BRUTED comes from EclecticIQ researcher Arda Büyükkaya following an in-depth examination of the ransomware gang’s leaked […]
Privacy tech firms warn France’s encryption and VPN laws threaten privacy
Privacy-focused email provider Tuta (previously Tutanota) and the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) are raising concerns over proposed laws in France set to backdoor encrypted messaging systems and restrict internet access. The first case concerns a proposed amendment to France’s “Narcotrafic” law, which would compel providers of encrypted communication services to implement backdoors, enabling law enforcement to […]
Massive brute force attack uses 2.8 million IPs to target VPN devices
A large-scale brute force password attack using almost 2.8 million IP addresses is underway, attempting to guess the credentials for a wide range of networking devices, including those from Palo Alto Networks, Ivanti, and SonicWall. A brute force attack is when threat actors attempt to repeatedly log into an account or device using many usernames and […]
Microsoft kills off Defender ‘Privacy Protection’ VPN feature
Microsoft announced it is killing off its Privacy Protection VPN feature in the Microsoft Defender app at the end of the month to focus on other features. The tech giant’s announcement does not give a detailed explanation as to why the feature is being deprecated. However, the wording indicates the feature is not being heavily used, and the […]
What Is a VPN? Everything You Need to Know
Want to know what a VPN is? In this guide, we highlight all the benefits of a VPN, the best features to look out for, and explain how a VPN protects you. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an online privacy tool anybody can use to protect themselves online. With a VPN, you can connect to […]
Stealthy ‘Magic Packet’ malware targets Juniper VPN gateways
A malicious campaign has been specifically targeting Juniper edge devices, many acting as VPN gateways, with malware dubbed J-magic that starts a reverse shell only if it detects a “magic packet” in the network traffic. The J-magic attacks appear to target organizations in the semiconductor, energy, manufacturing (marine, solar panels, heavy machinery), and IT sectors. […]
IPany VPN breached in supply-chain attack to push custom malware
South Korean VPN provider IPany was breached in a supply chain attack by the “PlushDaemon” China-aligned hacking group, who compromised the company’s VPN installer to deploy the custom ‘SlowStepper’ malware. The hackers managed to infiltrate IPany’s development platform and insert its custom ‘SlowStepper’ backdoor on its installer (‘IPanyVPNsetup.exe’), which infected customer systems when the VPN was […]
Hackers leak configs and VPN credentials for 15,000 FortiGate devices
A new hacking group has leaked the configuration files, IP addresses, and VPN credentials for over 15,000 FortiGate devices for free on the dark web, exposing a great deal of sensitive technical information to other cybercriminals. The data was leaked by the “Belsen Group,” a new hacking group first appearing on social media and cybercrime […]
D-Link urges users to retire VPN routers impacted by unfixed RCE flaw
D-Link is warning customers to replace end-of-life VPN router models after a critical unauthenticated, remote code execution vulnerability was discovered that will not be fixed on these devices. The flaw was discovered and reported to D-Link by security researcher ‘delsploit,’ but technical details have been withheld from the public to avoid triggering mass exploitation attempts in […]
Helldown ransomware exploits Zyxel VPN flaw to breach networks
The new ‘Helldown’ ransomware operation is believed to target vulnerabilities in Zyxel firewalls to breach corporate networks, allowing them to steal data and encrypt devices. French cybersecurity firm Sekoia is reporting this with medium confidence based on recent observations of Helldown attacks. Although not among the major players in the ransomware space, Helldown has quickly grown since […]