Security News
Three of the principals of an Australian scheme that offered free payroll services to tech contractors have been found guilty of conspiring to defraud the Commonwealth and conspiring to deal with the proceeds of crime. Plutus Payroll claimed it could offer a free service because it was paid in advance by employers that hired contractors, and was not obliged to make income tax payments instantly.
Pro-Russian scammers using social engineering and impersonation to trick prominent western commentators into conducting recorded video calls have kicked these campaigns "Into high gear" over the past 12 months, according to security researchers. Once their targets bite the email lure, and agree to follow-up hoax video calls, TA499 kicks things off with a serious question or two.
In brief A Russian national has been hit with a five-count indictment alleging he smuggled hardware and software used for counterintelligence operations out of the US to the Russian Federal Security Service and North Korea. He's being charged with conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, two counts of conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act and smuggling.
A new ransomware group going by the name 'DarkBit' has hit Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, one of Israel's leading research universities. The ransom note posted by DarkBit is littered with messaging protesting tech layoffs and promoting anti-Israel rhetoric, as well as the group demanding a $1.7 million payment.
A new ransomware group going by the name 'DarkBit' has hit Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, one of Israel's leading research universities. The ransom note posted by DarkBit is littered with messaging protesting tech layoffs and promoting anti-Israel rhetoric, as well as the group demanding a $1.7 million payment.
The Chinese surveillance balloon that drifted across the US last week looks set to spark a new round of sanctions against Middle Kingdom tech firms. Ned Price, the State Department spokesperson said on Thursday, "We're exploring taking action against PRC entities linked to the PLA that supported the balloon's incursion into US airspace."
We have so little reason to trust what's on offer or those offering it. The state has to take on that role - usually late, usually badly, and usually against the wishes of those who like their crimes kept in the private sector, but usually to better effect than the alternatives.
With ransomware and security vulnerabilities and other hazards a seemingly never-ending threat, what can organizations and tech leaders expect this year in the arena of cybercrime? Here are 10 predictions from cybersecurity experts. "If the past few years have been defined by ransomware attacks from organized hacking groups, we are now entering an era in which an increasing number of threats will come from state-sponsored actors seeking to disarm global economies," said Asaf Kochan, co-founder and president of cloud security provider Sentra.
In remarks made to Indian outlet The Economic Times, minister of state for electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the government's plan was to "Crack down on enemies of India, state actors, those with vested interests, child sexual abuse, and religious incitement" - but not on general news or comment. Over the weekend, the minister also raised the topic of having Big Tech pay to link to news stories published by India's media.
An ex-General Electric engineer has been sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of stealing the US giant's turbine technology for China. New York resident Xiaoqing Zheng, 59, who used to be employed at GE Power and specialized in turbine sealing technology, was convicted of conspiracy to commit economic espionage at the end of March after a jury trial in the Northern District of New York courthouse.