AI used in Aur0ra ransomware testing and execution


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:

  • State of ransomware in 2025

    May 7, 2025

    With the International Anti-Ransomware Day just around the corner on May 12, Kaspersky explores the ever-changing ransomware threat landscape and its implications for cybersecurity. According to Kaspersky Security Network data, the number of ransomware detections decreased by 18% from 2023 to 2024 – from 5,715,892 to 4,668,229. At the same time, the share of users affected ...

  • Cyber Criminal Proxy Services Exploiting End of Life Routers

    May 7, 2025

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is issuing this announcement to inform individuals and businesses about proxy services taking advantage of end of life routers that are susceptible to vulnerabilities. When a hardware device is end of life, the manufacturer no longer sells the product and is not actively supporting the hardware, which also means ...

  • Proof-of-Concept Released for SysAid On-Premise

    May 7, 2025

    In March 2025, SysAid released updates addressing XML (extensible markup language) external entity vulnerabilities and an OS command injection vulnerability in its on-premise platform. SysAid is an IT service management platform. Cyber Security firm watchTowr Labs has released proof-of-concept exploit code for four vulnerabilities, which were addressed in SysAid’s March 2025 release. The first two vulnerabilities, ...

  • Android fixes 47 vulnerabilities, including one zero-day – update as soon as you can!

    May 6, 2025

    Google has patched 47 vulnerabilities in Android, including one actively exploited zero-day vulnerability in its May 2025 Android Security Bulletin. Zero-days are vulnerabilities that are exploited before vendors have a chance to patch them—often before they even know about them. The May updates are available for Android 13, 14, and 15. Android vendors are notified of ...

  • MicroDicom Releases DICOM Viewer Software Update

    May 6, 2025

    The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released an Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Medical Advisory for a vulnerability found in MicroDicom DICOM Viewer. DICOM Viewer is an application for primary processing and preservation of medical images in DICOM format. CVE-2025-35975 has a CVSSv3 base score of 8.8 and is an ‘out-of-bounds write’ vulnerability, which means ...

  • Lampion Is Back With ClickFix Lures

    May 6, 2025

    Unit 42 researchers recently uncovered a highly focused malicious campaign targeting dozens of Portuguese organizations, particularly in the government, finance and transportation sectors. This campaign was orchestrated by the threat actors behind Lampion malware, an infostealer that focuses on sensitive banking information. This malware family has been active since at least 2019. During our investigation, we ...