Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

Warning: Replying to a "Wrong Number" Text Marks You as a Target for Scams

Attackers are using “wrong-number” texts to identify potential targets for scams, according to researchers at Malwarebytes. These texts appear to be harmless messages meant for another person, such as “Are we still on for dinner tomorrow?” or “Where’s the PowerPoint?” Recipients often try to be helpful by replying to let the person know they’ve got the wrong number.

The .vu Surge: How Threat Actors Are Exploiting Vanuatu's Domain Extension

Phishing infrastructure is built to be thrown away. When a domain gets blocklisted, scrutinized, or too hot to handle, the attackers don't stop. They just move. To them, a domain extension is just a cheap tool. They go wherever it is easiest to strike. That pattern is visible in our own telemetry. In late 2024 and early 2025, KnowBe4 Threat Lab documented a 98% spike in phishing campaigns abusing.ru domains. 1,500 unique domains, over 13,000 malicious emails, with an average domain age of just 7.4 days.

New Phishing Kit Gives Threat Actors Live View Into Attacks

A new phishing platform called “JWR” gives attackers real-time control over social engineering attacks, according to researchers at Cisco Talos. The kit livestreams the phishing page to the attacker as the victim is entering information, allowing the attacker to steer the victim’s experience and maximize the damage.

Voice Phishing Attacks Target Hedge Fund Employees

Google’s Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) is tracking a voice phishing (vishing) campaign that’s targeting hedge funds and financial firms. The researchers attribute the attacks to “UNC6671,” an extortion group formerly known as “BlackFile.” The attackers pose as IT staff informing employees of urgent, mandatory migrations.

Warning: Malicious AI Tools Are Spreading in the Criminal Underground

Criminals are now selling malicious AI tools for use in cyberattacks, according to researchers at Trellix. These tools dramatically lower the barrier for unskilled crooks to launch sophisticated attacks. “In the first half of 2026, the Trellix research team identified multiple distinct AI-related offerings across major underground forums,” the researchers write.

Attackers Use Vishing Attacks to Distribute New Android Malware

Attackers are distributing a new Android malware called “WindRelay” via phone-based social engineering attacks, according to researchers at Group-IB. The attackers call the victims, impersonating bank employees and instruct them to install a malicious app. In one instance observed by Group-IB, the scammers carried out the entire attack in just thirteen minutes.

Report: AI Chatbots Are More Effective at Building Trust Than Human Scammers

A study has found that AI chatbots can be more effective at social engineering than human scammers, WIRED reports. The researchers looked at a form of romance scam commonly known as “pig butchering,” in which scammers spend weeks or months building a relationship with the victim before tricking them into sending money for a phony investment scheme.

Human Error Remains at the Core of AI-Enabled Social Engineering

AI is making social engineering attacks significantly more effective, according to a new report from cyber insurance firm Resilience. These attacks were behind more than 85% of losses in the first half of 2026, compared to less than 20% during H1 2024. “Losses tied to phishing, social engineering, and transfer fraud have climbed from 17.7% of incurred losses in H1 2024 to 85.3% in H1 2026, the single largest increase in the report’s five half-year comparison,” Resilience says.

Securing the Tip of the Spear: Guam's Path to Human and AI Resilience

As the Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) region continues its rapid digital acceleration, Guam stands at a unique strategic intersection. Serving as a critical hub for telecommunications, government services and regional defense, the island’s cybersecurity posture is no longer just a local concern, it is a cornerstone of regional stability. I have observed a proactive shift toward onboarding various agencies to a unified security framework.