- REGIN – Top-tier espionage malware that Symantec and Kaspersky reports indicate was created by a nation state has been described as a highly sophisticated back door-type Trojan that is customizable with an extensive range of capabilities depending on the target. Stay tuned to Crossroads Blog this week for an in-depth look at “The Five Ws of Regin,” but until then, read the full reports here: Symantec; Kaspersky. As for which nation state is responsible for this malware, reports are inconsistent. While most articles circulating the news cycle claim uncertainty, the following reports attribute Western Sources: Wired; Intercept; The Guardian.
- An Egyptian Cyber Army is the hacktivist group behind ISIS propaganda attacks online, according to an article by Mashable. With its anti-ISIS stance, the group seems to join “a motley crew of hacktivists who are trying to counter the terrorist group’s influence on the Internet,” according to the article. The article points out that it is unclear whether the group is sanctioned by the Egyptian Government.
- Fears are growing that Iran will unleash cyber warfare on U.S. companies if negotiators are unable to reach a nuclear deal that would require Tehran to limit its nuclear program, according to The Hill. According to the article, the companies that could be targeted include U.S. financial firms, oil and gas companies, and water filtration systems. While researchers cited in the article describe Iran as a close fourth behind the U.S., Russia and China in terms of its ability to launch cyber attacks, they make up for their lagging position in their apparent willingness to go on the offensive.
- The Globe and Mail recently reported the findings of a study by The Citizen Lab into human rights groups targeted by state-sponsored hackers. The four year study examined eight groups engaged in “rights issues related to China and Tibet” and two larger human-rights groups operating globally. According to the report, a powerful hacking team run by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is thought to be responsible for targeting one China-focused group and one international rights group. For the full report, click here. For a link to the actual study behind the report, click here.
Current Affairs, cyber attack, Cyber Espionage, Cyber Exploitation, Egyptian Cyber Army, hackers, hacktivist, Iran, regin
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