In May 2026, Counter Threat Unit™ (CTU) researchers published a report on an AI-orchestrated post-exploitation framework that tested the capabilities of multiple vendors’ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, including the Sophos agent. Following a testing phase, Sophos analysts observed the same infrastructure hosting Cobalt Strike in support of Aur0ra ransomware (also known as Aurora ransomware) operations. Sophos analysis has revealed that the GOLD OGRE cybercriminal group, which operates Aur0ra ransomware, extensively uses AI to conduct attacks. The tools and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) observed by Sophos analysts align with third-party reporting of AI usage in similar compromises.
Read more…
Source: Sophos
Sign up for the Cyber Security Review Newsletter
The latest cyber security news and insights delivered right to your inbox
Related:
- The most used lateral movement hacking tools across enterprise infrastructures
November 2, 2026
The statistics compiled from detection alerts* within Kaspersky Anti Targeted Attack (KATA) reveal the hacking tools most often used for lateral movement across enterprise infrastructures, highlighting the pressing need for reliable network security solutions to protect corporate environments. Recent investigations into cyber-espionage groups show that attackers increasingly avoid detectable malware, choosing instead to blend into legitimate ...
- Germany says lawmakers’ iPhones may have been hacked with spyware
November 2, 2026
The German government is warning politicians and public figures that they were targeted by government-backed spyware, days after Apple began sending out notifications warning victims that their iPhones may have been hacked. Germany’s federal cybersecurity office, known as the BSI, said in a note over the weekend that it had become aware that members of the ...
- AI-driven attacks on educational organizations in Latin America and Africa
November 2, 2026
Kaspersky Threat Research has uncovered attacks on educational organizations in Latin America and Africa in which attackers used artificial intelligence to help direct activity inside compromised networks. Researchers traced reconnaissance, credential theft, movement between computers and data collection, including activity that compromised highly privileged administrator accounts. The attackers used CyberStrikeAI, an open-source penetration-testing framework that combines ...
- Inside the underground fake review trade
November 2, 2026
Recently, our team exposed sophisticated scam kits designed to steal sensitive data and trick consumers. But underground marketplaces are not just for malware and stolen passwords. They also offer services designed to manipulate your opinion of the products and services you buy every day. In our latest research, we examined cybercrime forums where sellers advertise illicit ...
- North Korean hackers blamed for stealing record $6.3B in Binance breach
October 30, 2026
Hackers working for the North Korean regime have been blamed for a record cryptocurrency heist following a cyberattack at crypto exchange Binance. The hackers stole at least $6.3 billion in crypto from the company’s wallets, though about half of that amount was frozen as the stolen crypto traveled across various blockchains, according to security researchers. The ...
- AI used in Aur0ra ransomware testing and execution
October 29, 2026
In May 2026, Counter Threat Unit™ (CTU) researchers published a report on an AI-orchestrated post-exploitation framework that tested the capabilities of multiple vendors’ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, including the Sophos agent. Following a testing phase, Sophos analysts observed the same infrastructure hosting Cobalt Strike in support of Aur0ra ransomware (also known as Aurora ...