Cybersecurity Summary

Scammers are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence in schemes targeting holiday shoppers. Security experts warn that consumers should remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to these AI-driven fraud tactics.

Meanwhile, a federal magistrate judge has rejected the bid for freedom by former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters, who was convicted for orchestrating a data breach scheme. In ransomware news, multiple gangs are employing a packer-as-a-service platform named Shanya to evade endpoint detection and response tools, indicating an evolution in their tactics.

A report from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network reveals that ransomware gangs extorted over $2.1 billion between 2022 and 2024, with activity peaking in 2023 before a decline in 2024. Additionally, cybersecurity researchers have identified malicious packages in Microsoft Visual Studio Code's Marketplace designed to steal developer data, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in software development environments.

Lastly, new Android malware families such as FvncBot and SeedSnatcher are reported to have enhanced data theft capabilities, underscoring the persistent threats in mobile security.