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<p>Hiring remote IT freelancers and contractors can be a game-changer for flexibility, speed, and access to global talent. But that convenience also comes with risk. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a rise in cyberattacks that begin not with phishing emails or ransomware, but with fake IT workers hired to work inside an organization.</p><p>These aren’t just exaggerated headlines. North Korean threat actors, for example, have posed as software developers and security engineers to infiltrate Western companies. In one case, KnowBe4, a cybersecurity training firm, unknowingly hired a fake remote worker using stolen U.S. credentials and AI-generated visuals. Other reports confirm that malicious actors have used spoofed IPs, false resumes, and even synthetic identities to land legitimate jobs only to then use that access for espionage, data theft, or further compromise.</p><h3>The Threat Is Real, and&nbsp; its Growing</h3><p><br>Why is this happening now?&nbsp; It's partly because remote work has lowered the barriers to entry. It's much easier for someone to pass as a legitimate contractor when all communication is done online. In addatioin to that the rise of generative AI now possible to create fake video interviews, fake identities, and even synthetic voices to pass background checks or fool HR.</p><p>This isn’t limited to one region or one kind of company. Cybersecurity researchers have traced these threats to a range of industries and found tactics including fake video calls, deepfake-enhanced documentation, and stolen identities from legitimate workers on freelancing platforms. In some cases, attackers remained undetected for months quietly siphoning off data or installing backdoors for future attacks.</p><figure id="figure-d61esiumcimbgmk8bc"><img id="d61esiumcimbgmk8bc" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2059963058/photo/remote-work-from-home-video-call-and-man-with-a-laptop-internet-connection-or-conference-call.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=8XcK-2wBg_V-ZejVX5CNrv4Q85rXiIQ5P10TLglQ7l4=" alt="Remote work from home, video call and man with a laptop, internet connection or conference call. Male person, entrepreneur or speaker with a pc, conversation or webinar with conversation in a kitchen" title="Remote work from home, video call and man with a laptop, internet connection or conference call. Male person, entrepreneur or speaker with a pc, conversation or webinar with conversation in a kitchen" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Vetting Remote Workers: What Actually Works</h3><p><br>So how do you protect your business without completely cutting off access to remote talent?It starts with identity verification. That doesn’t just mean asking for an ID, it means confirming who someone really is, ideally through a live video interview. While it might feel like overkill, requiring candidates to speak face-to-face can expose red flags like voice mismatches, camera avoidance, or inconsistencies with what’s on paper.</p><p>It’s also smart to go beyond resumes and portfolios. Look for independently verified references, cross-check work history using LinkedIn or other public platforms, and ask technical questions in real time. Inconsistent answers or reluctance to demonstrate skills on a live call are warning signs.</p><p>Once someone is hired, it’s important to enforce basic security hygiene. Contractors should only have access to what they need no more, no less. Use role-based access, secure collaboration tools, and audit logs to ensure that every action can be tracked if something goes wrong. For particularly sensitive projects, require endpoint protection and ensure that devices meet your minimum security standards.</p><p>And don’t forget the basics: NDAs, training, and clearly communicated expectations around security protocols. It is important to remember that many attacks aren’t sophisticated, they succeed due to lax oversight and vague rules.</p><figure id="figure-kuts8e32imbgmj5w1"><img id="kuts8e32imbgmj5w1" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2171493606/photo/video-call-business-people-or-hands-greeting-on-laptop-in-virtual-meeting-for-discussion-on.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=MDYs3BcWNzReGUdj0-GlrtXgyqEJdgkTQtGSWVArpzU=" alt="Video call, business people or hands greeting on laptop in virtual meeting for discussion on screen in home. Wave hello, online or person in webinar for teamwork, talking and speaking of remote work" title="Video call, business people or hands greeting on laptop in virtual meeting for discussion on screen in home. Wave hello, online or person in webinar for teamwork, talking and speaking of remote work" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2171493606/photo/video-call-business-people-or-hands-greeting-on-laptop-in-virtual-meeting-for-discussion-on.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=MDYs3BcWNzReGUdj0-GlrtXgyqEJdgkTQtGSWVArpzU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Stay Cautious, Not Paranoid</h3><p><br>Hiring remote IT workers isn’t inherently dangerous. But like anything else in cybersecurity, it’s about balancing convenience with risk. A few extra steps in your vetting and onboarding process can make the difference between hiring a productive team member, or opening the door to a persistent threat actor.</p><p>As threats evolve, so should your hiring and access management strategies. Whether you’re working with a freelancer overseas or a contractor down the road, trust must be earned, and verified.</p>

The Fake IT Worker Threat: How to Vet Freelancers and Contractors

Password Cyber Security Ransomware Email Phishing Encrypted Technology, Digital Information Protected Secured Lock

<p>Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has revolutionized the cybercrime landscape, taking ransomware attacks from isolated incidents into a booming underground industry. By adopting business models reminiscent of legitimate Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, RaaS has lowered the technical barriers for cybercriminals, leading to a surge in ransomware incidents worldwide.</p><figure id="figure-33t1z0dsunmb8bbaz9"><img id="33t1z0dsunmb8bbaz9" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2178699306/photo/malware-attack-virus-alert-person-use-laptop-with-virtual-warning-sign-with-ransomware-word.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=tU-i_Cf-fDC-ILWKEFnUTBnHMHhMybeJksg_aGNa9fI=" alt="Malware attack virus alert. Person use laptop with virtual warning sign with ransomware word" title="Malware attack virus alert. Person use laptop with virtual warning sign with ransomware word" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Understanding the RaaS Business Model</h3><p>At its core, RaaS operates on a collaborative model between developers and affiliates. Developers are responsible for creating and maintaining the ransomware code. They handle software updates, infrastructure such as command-and-control servers, and sometimes even customer support services. Affiliates pay month-to-month for these ransomware kits and execute the attacks themselves, often with miniml technical knowledge.</p><p>This division of labor allows for specialization and scalability. Developers can focus on improving ransomware functionality, evading detection, and managing affiliate programs, while affiliates concentrate on social engineering, phishing, or exploiting network vulnerabilities to distribute the malware.</p><p>RaaS providers use a variety of monetization strategies. In a subscription-based model, affiliates pay monthly fees to access ransomware toolkits. In commission-based arrangements, developers receive a cut—usually between 20% and 40%—of any ransoms paid. Some platforms charge a one-time fee for lifetime access. More sophisticated services may even offer tiered levels of functionality or support.</p><p>This SaaS-like delivery of malware has contributed to a thriving underground economy where cybercrime is marketed with polished branding, user dashboards, onboarding guides, and performance analytics for affiliates.</p><h3>Notable RaaS Providers</h3><ul><li>LockBit: Launched in 2019, LockBit is one of the most active and adaptive RaaS platforms. Known for its speed and automation, LockBit provides affiliates with a clean interface and support infrastructure. It has been involved in high-profile attacks and was recently disrupted following the unmasking of its alleged operator, Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev.</li><li>REvil (Sodinokibi): REvil became infamous after targeting JBS Foods and IT software firm Kaseya. The group demanded ransoms in the tens of millions and used a profit-sharing model to attract affiliates. Russian authorities reportedly dismantled the group in early 2022.</li><li>DarkSide: This group came to international attention after its ransomware was used in the Colonial Pipeline attack. Known for its selective targeting and media-savvy tactics, DarkSide claimed to avoid attacking hospitals and non-profits. Following heightened law enforcement attention, it announced a shutdown, only to be succeeded by similar groups like BlackMatter.</li><li>Medusa: First spotted in 2021, Medusa uses both encryption and data-leak threats to coerce victims. It has targeted sectors ranging from education to critical infrastructure. Its recent attacks, including one against Houston-based MD Anderson Cancer Center, indicate ongoing operational sophistication.</li><li>BlackCat (ALPHV): Notable for being written in the Rust programming language, BlackCat offers advanced customization and stealth capabilities. It has targeted organizations like Reddit and Change Healthcare. U.S. authorities have put a $10 million bounty on the group’s leadership.</li></ul><h3>Implications of the RaaS Model</h3><p>The rise of RaaS has far-reaching implications for cybersecurity and society at large. By making ransomware accessible to virtually anyone with internet access and malicious intent, RaaS has dramatically increased the volume and geographic spread of ransomware attacks. This accessibility leads to attacks on small businesses, schools, hospitals, and municipal governments—targets that may lack robust cybersecurity defenses.</p><p>This model also complicates attribution. The separation of ransomware developers from the actual attackers makes it difficult for investigators to trace incidents back to their source. Many RaaS groups host their operations across jurisdictions and utilize cryptocurrency to obfuscate financial trails, further hindering law enforcement.</p><p>In economic terms, ransomware damages have skyrocketed. Ransom payments, downtime, remediation, legal liabilities, and reputational damage together cost organizations billions annually. Additionally, the use of double extortion—encrypting data and threatening to leak it—places victims under even greater pressure.</p><h3>Countermeasures and Defensive Strategies</h3><p>To effectively counter the RaaS threat, organizations need to adopt a layered and proactive approach to cybersecurity. Regularly backing up critical data—preferably offline—ensures recoverability without needing to pay a ransom. Employee education is essential, as many ransomware attacks begin with phishing emails or social engineering.</p><p>Timely patching of vulnerabilities is critical to shutting down known exploits used in ransomware distribution. Network segmentation can prevent malware from moving laterally across systems. Implementing a Zero Trust security architecture, which continuously verifies user identities and permissions, adds another layer of protection against unauthorized access.</p><p>Security tools such as Extended Detection and Response (XDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms help detect anomalies and respond in real time. Organizations should also participate in cyber threat intelligence-sharing communities to stay updated on emerging threats and techniques.</p><p>Government intervention and international cooperation remain vital in taking down major RaaS operations. Recent law enforcement successes show that coordinated actions—seizing servers, disrupting payment systems, and arresting key actors—can significantly impact these cybercriminal ecosystems.</p><figure id="figure-rvwzoyp4hemb8baq3c"><img id="rvwzoyp4hemb8baq3c" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1918338945/photo/ai-artificial-intelligence-security-sentinel-password-cyber-security-ransomware-email.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fp2nxh8A7jw6T1_HzQ_0gMyT_WYJZhOg-YacsFOa7dA=" alt="AI Artificial Intelligence Security Sentinel Password Cyber Security Ransomware Email Phishing Encrypted Technology, Digital Information Protected Secured Lock" title="AI Artificial Intelligence Security Sentinel Password Cyber Security Ransomware Email Phishing Encrypted Technology, Digital Information Protected Secured Lock" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1918338945/photo/ai-artificial-intelligence-security-sentinel-password-cyber-security-ransomware-email.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fp2nxh8A7jw6T1_HzQ_0gMyT_WYJZhOg-YacsFOa7dA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Ransomware-as-a-Service has transformed ransomware from a technical endeavor into a scalable business model, enabling even low-skilled actors to launch devastating attacks. As these platforms continue to evolve in sophistication and reach, organizations must stay vigilant. If your company has concerns about ransomware attacks TechHorizon Consulting's vCISO service can help. With our real time network monitoring capabilities we can protect your business from threats like ransomware and other malware attacks. If this interests you, please visit our "Contact Us" page.</p>

The Evolution of Ransomware-as-a-Service: From Underground Forums to Global Threats

<p>The FTC just finalized an order requiring GoDaddy to overhaul its cybersecurity practices. If you're running a website, or rely on one for business, this matters to you. The reason? Even large, well-resourced companies are struggling with basic security hygiene. And when they slip, customer data is at risk.</p><p>In this blog post I look at why the FTC stepped in, what went wrong, and what you can do to protect your own site.</p><h3>&nbsp;<br>What Happened with GoDaddy?</h3><p><br>Over the last few years, GoDaddy experienced multiple security breaches. In some cases, attackers were inside their systems for months, and in some cases years, before being detected. One breach in particular exposed credentials, emails, and even SSL keys belonging to over a million customers. These incidents weren’t the result of a single flaw, but a series of overlooked basics: no multi-factor authentication (MFA), poor update management, lack of monitoring, and weak segmentation between systems.</p><p>The FTC’s response was clear: GoDaddy needs to do better. The agency is now requiring the company to step up its game by putting security controls in place, regularly auditing its practices, and being more transparent when things go wrong.</p><h3>&nbsp;<br>Why This Should Matter to You</h3><p><br>If GoDaddy, with its massive infrastructure and security budget, can be breached, smaller organizations face even greater risks. And while it’s easy to think of security as someone else’s problem (especially when using third-party host), the reality is that every website owner shares responsibility.</p><p>There is good news however, many of the changes GoDaddy is now required to make are things you can implement on your own website to improve its security.</p><figure id="figure-gap9t452imb5x5z9p"><img id="gap9t452imb5x5z9p" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1467921856/photo/network-security-security-internet-technology-security-internet-data-privacy-technology.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=zdtLIX-pzjOM1VCPPyqqa2JBB868Y3WebcnHWSN6Ddw=" alt="Network security ,Security, Internet, Technology,Security, Internet, Data, Privacy, Technology,Network Security, Data, Privacy, Lock, Finance" title="Network security ,Security, Internet, Technology,Security, Internet, Data, Privacy, Technology,Network Security, Data, Privacy, Lock, Finance" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1467921856/photo/network-security-security-internet-technology-security-internet-data-privacy-technology.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=zdtLIX-pzjOM1VCPPyqqa2JBB868Y3WebcnHWSN6Ddw=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>&nbsp;<br>How to Keep Your Site Secure</h3><p><br>Lets start with the basics. Use multi-factor authentication everywhere you can, especially for admin logins, hosting dashboards, and database access. Make sure to avoid relying on text messages for MFA—authenticator apps or hardware keys are more secure and widely supported.</p><p>Make sure to keep your software updated. Whether you’re using WordPress, Joomla, or something custom-built, regular updates help close the gaps that attackers love to exploit. This includes not just your core CMS, but plugins, themes, and any server-side software.</p><p>In addation make sure your site uses HTTPS across the board. It’s no longer just about encrypting sensitive forms—modern browsers expect encrypted traffic everywhere, and free services like Let’s Encrypt make HTTPS easy to set up and manage.</p><p>Another often-overlooked piece is visibility. If you don’t know what’s happening on your site or server, you’re flying blind. Simple monitoring tools can alert you to unusual file changes or spikes in activity that could point to a compromise.</p><p>And finally, have a plan for when something does go wrong. That means regularly backing up your site and testing your ability to recover quickly. Backups aren’t helpful if you can’t actually restore them under pressure.</p><figure id="figure-bfu1474978mb5wyqdo"><img id="bfu1474978mb5wyqdo" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/689019766/photo/close-up-of-a-browser-window-showing-lock-icon-during-ssl-connection.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rp_y47gAXFFRvk5Yg9f-pAVpKVdh8-UMGsVoUHYQUvg=" alt="Close-up of a browser window showing lock icon during SSL connection" title="Close-up of a browser window showing lock icon during SSL connection" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/689019766/photo/close-up-of-a-browser-window-showing-lock-icon-during-ssl-connection.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rp_y47gAXFFRvk5Yg9f-pAVpKVdh8-UMGsVoUHYQUvg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>&nbsp;<br>Closing Thoughts</h3><p><br>The GoDaddy case should serve as a wake-up call for everyone in the digital space. It’s not about placing blame—it’s about learning from what happened and doing better ourselves. Security isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a trust issue. And trust is built by being proactive, transparent, and resilient when things don’t go as planned.</p><p>If you’re managing a website today, this is your moment to make sure you’re not just hoping things are secure—you know they are.</p>

GoDaddy’s Security Wake-Up Call — And What It Means for Your Website

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<p>Service desk employees are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals employing social engineering tactics. These attacks exploit&nbsp; IT support to gain unauthorized access to systems, often leading to significant operational disruptions and data breaches. Understanding these threats and implementing effective countermeasures is crucial for organizational cybersecurity.</p><h3>The Threat Landscape</h3><p><strong>Social Engineering Attacks</strong></p><p>Cybercriminals frequently impersonate legitimate employees, contacting service desks to request password resets or multi-factor authentication (MFA) changes. By providing stolen personal information, they convince support staff to grant access to systems. The Scattered Spider group has employed such tactics against major retailers like Marks &amp; Spencer and Co-op, resulting in significant service disruptions and data theft.</p><p><strong>AI-Driven Impersonation</strong></p><p>Artificial intelligence has enabled attackers to clone voices, making impersonation attempts more convincing. By mimicking executives or employees, they deceive service desk agents into granting unauthorized access.</p><p><strong>MFA Circumvention</strong></p><p>Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in MFA processes by requesting the enrollment of new devices. This tactic has been used to hijack accounts and divert payments, particularly in the healthcare sector.</p><figure id="figure-fkhixgi2demaycgmdm"><img id="fkhixgi2demaycgmdm" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1387702656/photo/scammer-telephoning-his-victims-while-holding-a-broken-padlock-in-his-hand-symbolizing.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rkpWAGvXY3gkNod326xiQWCON5-XUL1x75ReiXibFTs=" alt="Scammer telephoning his victims while holding a broken padlock in his hand symbolizing breached security. Concept of vishing" title="Scammer telephoning his victims while holding a broken padlock in his hand symbolizing breached security. Concept of vishing" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1387702656/photo/scammer-telephoning-his-victims-while-holding-a-broken-padlock-in-his-hand-symbolizing.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rkpWAGvXY3gkNod326xiQWCON5-XUL1x75ReiXibFTs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Real-Life Examples of Service Desk Exploits</h3><p><strong>MGM Resorts Breach</strong></p><p>In September 2023, MGM Resorts experienced a cyberattack that disrupted operations across its Las Vegas establishments. The breach originated from a call to the help desk, where attackers impersonated an employee and requested a password reset. This social engineering tactic granted them unauthorized access to systems, leading to widespread outages.</p><p><strong>Uber's MFA Fatigue Attack</strong></p><p>In 2022, Uber fell victim to an MFA fatigue attack orchestrated by the Lapsus$ hacking group. Attackers obtained employee credentials and bombarded them with repeated MFA requests. Eventually, an employee approved one of the requests, allowing the attacker access to Uber's internal systems.</p><p><strong>Twitter's 2020 Account Hijacking</strong></p><p>In July 2020, multiple high-profile Twitter accounts were compromised through a coordinated social engineering attack. Attackers manipulated Twitter employees into providing access to internal tools, enabling them to hijack accounts and post scam messages.&nbsp;</p><h3>Strengthening Service Desk Security</h3><p><strong>Implement Robust Verification Protocols</strong></p><p>Enhance identity verification by incorporating methods beyond traditional security questions. Utilize solutions that send one-time passwords to registered devices or integrate with trusted providers like Duo Security and Okta.</p><p><strong>Enforce Strict MFA Policies</strong></p><p>Require that any changes to MFA settings undergo rigorous verification processes. Avoid making exceptions, even under seemingly urgent circumstances, to prevent unauthorized access.</p><p><strong>Provide Comprehensive Training</strong></p><p>Regularly train service desk staff to recognize and respond to social engineering attempts. Emphasize the importance of adhering to verification protocols and reporting suspicious activities.</p><p><strong>Monitor and Audit Access Requests</strong></p><p>Implement systems to track and review access requests and changes. Regular audits can help identify patterns indicative of malicious activities.</p><figure id="figure-7ukreinoimaych7g0"><img id="7ukreinoimaych7g0" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1918338945/photo/ai-artificial-intelligence-security-sentinel-password-cyber-security-ransomware-email.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fp2nxh8A7jw6T1_HzQ_0gMyT_WYJZhOg-YacsFOa7dA=" alt="AI Artificial Intelligence Security Sentinel Password Cyber Security Ransomware Email Phishing Encrypted Technology, Digital Information Protected Secured Lock" title="AI Artificial Intelligence Security Sentinel Password Cyber Security Ransomware Email Phishing Encrypted Technology, Digital Information Protected Secured Lock" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1918338945/photo/ai-artificial-intelligence-security-sentinel-password-cyber-security-ransomware-email.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fp2nxh8A7jw6T1_HzQ_0gMyT_WYJZhOg-YacsFOa7dA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>As cyber threats targeting service desks become more sophisticated, organizations must proactively bolster their defenses. By understanding the tactics used by attackers and implementing comprehensive security measures, service desks can transform from vulnerable entry points into robust lines of defense. If your company is concerned about their security posture TechHorizon Consulting can help. We can help your company to achieve cybersecurity best practices and protect from cyber-attacks. If this interests you, please visit our 'Contact Us" page.</p>

Phishing for Access: The Growing Threat to IT Support Teams

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<p>Deepfake technology has rapidly evolved from a novelty to a significant cybersecurity threat. With advancements in generative AI, bad actors can now create highly convincing fake audio and video content, posing challenges for individuals and organizations alike. In this blog post I explore the rise of deepfakes, their implications, and strategies to detect and defend against them.</p><h3>The Emergence of Deepfakes</h3><p><br>Deepfakes utilize AI algorithms to fabricate realistic audio, video, or images of individuals, often without their consent. Initially used for entertainment or satire, these technologies are now exploited for malicious purposes, including fraud, misinformation, and identity theft.Teen Vogue</p><p>Recently, there has been a significant surge in voice phishing (vishing) attacks, with reports indicating a 442% increase between the first and second half of 2024. These statistics show the growing threat posed by AI-driven impersonations.</p><figure id="figure-rxgvwe9eemaw2hit4"><img id="rxgvwe9eemaw2hit4" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2147557007/photo/deepfake-concept-matching-facial-movements-face-swapping-or-impersonation.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=M8Ibf3sFSGovkFCd-hu2u1aVHwv4nK2WvuOMcR60fwA=" alt="Deepfake concept matching facial movements. Face swapping or impersonation." title="Deepfake concept matching facial movements. Face swapping or impersonation." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2147557007/photo/deepfake-concept-matching-facial-movements-face-swapping-or-impersonation.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=M8Ibf3sFSGovkFCd-hu2u1aVHwv4nK2WvuOMcR60fwA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Real-World Implications</h3><p><br>The sophistication of deepfakes has led to several high-profile incidents:</p><p>In one case, scammers used a deepfake video call to impersonate a company's CFO, convincing an employee to transfer $25 million.&nbsp; In another case , North Korean threat actors have reportedly employed deepfake technology to create synthetic identities for online job interviews, aiming to infiltrate organizations.&nbsp; These examples highlight the potential financial and reputational damages organizations can suffer due to deepfake attacks.</p><h3>Detecting Deepfakes</h3><p><br>While deepfakes are becoming increasingly difficult to identify, certain indicators can help:</p><ul><li>Visual Inconsistencies: Unnatural facial movements, mismatched lighting, or irregularities around the edges of faces.&nbsp;</li><li>Audio Discrepancies: Mismatched lip-syncing, robotic voice tones, or inconsistent background noises.</li><li>Behavioral Anomalies: Uncharacteristic speech patterns or unexpected requests during conversations.</li></ul><p>However, relying solely on human observation is insufficient. Advanced tools like Reality Defender and Trend Micro's Deepfake Inspector offer real-time detection capabilities, analyzing audio and video streams for signs of manipulation. &nbsp;<br></p><h3>Defense Strategies</h3><p><br>In order to to mitigate the risks associated with deepfakes, consider implementing the following measures:</p><ul><li>Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhance security by requiring multiple verification methods before granting access to sensitive systems or information.</li><li>Liveness Detection: Employ technologies that verify the presence of a live person during authentication processes, reducing the risk of spoofing.</li><li>Employee Training: Educate staff about the dangers of deepfakes and train them to recognize potential indicators of manipulated content.</li><li>Secure Communication Platforms: Utilize platforms that offer built-in deepfake detection and verification features to ensure the authenticity of participants</li></ul><figure id="figure-oycu5zv8pqmaw2lgkx" class=""><img id="oycu5zv8pqmaw2lgkx" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1744769333/photo/deep-fake-ai-and-face-swap-in-video-edit-deepfake-and-machine-learning-facial-tracking.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=s_yCzCNZQGMH29vooeV6gbnrLmq9p9CXD1BG_l-VGVo=" alt="Deep fake, AI and face swap in video edit. Deepfake and machine learning. Facial tracking, detection and recognition technology. Digital identity interchange. Computer software mockup." title="Deep fake, AI and face swap in video edit. Deepfake and machine learning. Facial tracking, detection and recognition technology. Digital identity interchange. Computer software mockup." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1744769333/photo/deep-fake-ai-and-face-swap-in-video-edit-deepfake-and-machine-learning-facial-tracking.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=s_yCzCNZQGMH29vooeV6gbnrLmq9p9CXD1BG_l-VGVo=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p><br>As deepfake technology continues to advance, the threat it poses to cybersecurity becomes more pronounced. Organizations must stay vigilant, adopting both technological solutions and proactive strategies to detect and defend against these sophisticated attacks. By fostering awareness and implementing robust security measures, we can better protect ourselves and our institutions from the deceptive power of deepfakes.</p>

The Rise of Deepfakes: A Growing Threat to Digital Trust

Motherboard ASUS ROG Strix Z590-F Gaming Wi-Fi

<h3>Overview</h3><p>ASUS has patched two severe vulnerabilities in its DriverHub utility—CVE-2025-3462 and CVE-2025-3463—that could be exploited together to bypass origin checks and achieve remote code execution (RCE) with administrative privileges. The flaws, disclosed by independent security researcher “Paul” (a.k.a. MrBruh), affected systems running the pre-installed ASUS DriverHub utility found on many ASUS motherboards.</p><figure id="figure-xwqcolw0hrmaobtyet"><img id="xwqcolw0hrmaobtyet" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2196629735/photo/phishing-cyber-security-fingerprint-ransomware-email-encrypted-technology-digital-information.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=A282q1eMz4aSWZf5QG51betReAEt5MsYR5XQ2VahGkw=" alt="Phishing Cyber Security Fingerprint Ransomware Email Encrypted Technology, Digital Information Protected Secured" title="Phishing Cyber Security Fingerprint Ransomware Email Encrypted Technology, Digital Information Protected Secured" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2196629735/photo/phishing-cyber-security-fingerprint-ransomware-email-encrypted-technology-digital-information.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=A282q1eMz4aSWZf5QG51betReAEt5MsYR5XQ2VahGkw=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Vulnerability Breakdown</h3><p><strong>CVE-2025-3462 – Origin Header Validation Bypass</strong><br>This flaw stems from improper validation of the HTTP Origin header in DriverHub’s background service, which listens on port 53000. Though the service was designed to only accept requests from the official domain (driverhub.asus.com), it mistakenly accepted requests from any domain containing that string, such as driverhub.asus.com.attacker.com. This oversight allowed malicious websites to interact with the service via crafted cross-origin requests.</p><p><strong>CVE-2025-3463 – Certificate Validation Weakness</strong><br>This vulnerability involved inadequate verification of digital certificates in the communication between DriverHub and the ASUS backend. The flaw allowed an attacker to spoof certificate-based trust and trick the application into accepting and executing malicious instructions delivered via forged HTTP requests.</p><h3>Combined Exploitation: Origin Bypass to RCE</h3><p>When chained, these vulnerabilities enabled threat actors to craft malicious web pages that could send privileged commands to the local DriverHub service without user awareness. If a victim visited such a website, it could lead to:</p><ul><li>Arbitrary command execution as SYSTEM</li><li>Full system compromise without downloading any files</li><li>Exploitation with minimal user interaction</li></ul><p>Because DriverHub runs in the background and users may not even know it's installed, the exploit surface is broad and stealthy.</p><h3>ASUS’s Mitigation and User Guidance</h3><p>ASUS responded by releasing security patches and urging users to update DriverHub immediately. The company confirmed that the flaws have been resolved in the latest version.</p><p><strong>Recommendations for Users:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Check for Updates:</strong> Ensure that DriverHub is updated to the latest version provided by ASUS.</li><li><strong>Monitor Network Activity:</strong> Be vigilant for unusual network behavior, which could indicate exploitation attempts.</li><li><strong>Limit Exposure:</strong> Consider disabling or uninstalling DriverHub if it's not essential for your system's operation. This must be done from BIOS settings.</li></ul><figure id="figure-00vqw9ingmaobm2b6"><img id="00vqw9ingmaobm2b6" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1918338945/photo/ai-artificial-intelligence-security-sentinel-password-cyber-security-ransomware-email.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fp2nxh8A7jw6T1_HzQ_0gMyT_WYJZhOg-YacsFOa7dA=" alt="AI Artificial Intelligence Security Sentinel Password Cyber Security Ransomware Email Phishing Encrypted Technology, Digital Information Protected Secured Lock" title="AI Artificial Intelligence Security Sentinel Password Cyber Security Ransomware Email Phishing Encrypted Technology, Digital Information Protected Secured Lock" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1918338945/photo/ai-artificial-intelligence-security-sentinel-password-cyber-security-ransomware-email.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fp2nxh8A7jw6T1_HzQ_0gMyT_WYJZhOg-YacsFOa7dA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>These vulnerabilities underscore the risks posed by background utilities that maintain elevated privileges and expose network-accessible services. ASUS users should treat this as a high-priority security issue and take remediation steps without delay. Zero-day vulnerabilities such as these can be difficult to handle for small and medium businesses, that's where TechHorizon Consulting can help. With our vCISO service we can provide real-time network monitoring and can help your business keep up with the newest vulnerabilities. If this interests you, or your small to medium business please visit our "Contact Us" page.&nbsp;</p>

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