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:

  • Massive New Jersey cybersecurity breach leads to thousands of stolen SSNs

    December 7, 2024

    The social security numbers, driver’s licenses, payroll, health and other personal details of Hoboken city workers were among the data stolen in a “massive” cybersecurity breach last month. According to a list of thousands of stolen files obtained by The Jersey Journal, every department in City Hall — ranging from payroll to construction, health, and animal ...

  • Jamaica: Police charge 6 people in connection with cyber attack on account of bank customer

    December 7, 2024

    The six people arrested last week in connection with a multi-million dollar cyber attack on the account of a customer of the National Commercial Bank, have been charged. This was disclosed by Dane Nicholson, Head of the Anti-Fraud Committee of the Jamaica Banker’s Association, who said the suspects were charged on Thursday and are booked to ...

  • International operation against ‘phone phishing’ gang in Belgium and the Netherlands

    December 6, 2024

    Europol has supported Belgian and Dutch authorities in an international operation against a ‘phone phishing’ gang that has led to the arrest of 8 suspects. On the action day, law enforcement also carried out 17 searches in different locations in Belgium and the Netherlands. Although most of the criminal activities took place in Belgium, the main ...

  • US critical infrastructure hit once again by a new group on the scene

    December 6, 2024

    Storm-0227, a Chinese state-sponsored advanced persistent threat (APT) actor started targeting critical infrastructure organizations, as well as government entities, in the United States. The group abuses software vulnerabilities and engages in spear phishing attacks to gain access to people’s devices. Once they get the access, they deploy different Remote Access Trojans (RAT) and other malware to ...

  • MOONSHINE Exploit Kit and DarkNimbus Backdoor Enabling Earth Minotaur’s Multi-Platform Attacks

    December 5, 2024

    Trend Micro researchers have been continuously monitoring the MOONSHINE exploit kit’s activity since 2019. During our research, they discovered a MOONSHINE exploit kit server with improper operational security: Its server exposed MOONSHINE’s toolkits and operation logs, which revealed the information of possible victims and the attack tactics of a threat actor we have named Earth ...

  • Black Basta Ransomware Campaign Drops Zbot, DarkGate, and Custom Malware

    December 4, 2024

    Beginning in early October, Rapid7 has observed a resurgence of activity related to the ongoing social engineering campaign being conducted by Black Basta ransomware operators. Rapid7 initially reported the discovery of the novel social engineering campaign back in May, 2024, followed by an update in August 2024, when the operators updated their tactics and malware payloads ...