It is not uncommon these days for threat actors to use malicious search ads to distribute malware. To do that, though, they would need to know how to bypass Google's security measures by setting up decoy infrastructures.
Mandiant's Managed Defense Threat Hunting Team recently published an in-depth study of the malware distributed via what they have dubbed the "UNC2975 malvertising campaign." Users who have been tricked into clicking poisoned sponsored search engine results and social media posts ended up with computers infected with either the DANABOT or DARKGATE backdoor.
The Kimsuky Group, believed to be a North Korea-based advanced persistent threat (APT) group active since 2013, struck again several times this year. They gained notoriety for launching spear-phishing attacks on targets to gain initial access.
The WailingCrab malware has gained notoriety for its stealth. IBM X-Force security researchers recently published an in-depth analysis of the malware, which has been abusing Internet of Things (IoT) messaging protocol MQTT.
The Atomic Stealer, also known as "AMOS," first emerged in September this year by spreading on Macs disguised as popular applications. This time around, it has been wreaking more havoc in the guise of a fake browser update dubbed "ClearFake."
The concept of internationalization extends from the virtual to the physical realm. Many people wish to travel or even migrate to other countries at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, that's sometimes easier said than done given the many legal documents, including valid IDs, passports, and others required.
As long as cybercriminals remain in business, so will the number of underground marketplaces grow. And despite the crackdown on the biggest markets like Silk Road, cybercriminals will continue to strive to put up their own marketplaces, probably given their profitability. Case in point?
RedLine Stealer seems to have stolen cybercriminals' hearts as its usage has continued despite cybersecurity efforts to thwart it. Researchers have published reports about the stealer in the past, but its operators may have updated their arsenal with new domains and IP addresses to evade detection and consequent mitigation.
Rogue bulletproof hosts are part and parcel of the cybercriminal market that is hidden deep underground. Without means to easily evade detection, attribution, and incarceration, many of today's cybercriminals would not be able to continue their malicious operations.
Carding has been around since the 1980s but has evolved to the point that even less experienced cybercriminals can now launch campaigns. How? Via the carding forums that riddle the Web these days.