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:
- Phorpiex malware botnet just won’t go away
May 21, 2021
The Phorpiex malware botnet has lurked around the internet for years and is used to deliver ransomware, spam email and more, but now Microsoft’s security team are taking a closer look at it. The botnet has been known for using old-fashioned worms that spread via removable USB drives and instant messaging apps, began diversifying its infrastructure ...
- US insurance giant CNA Financial paid $40 million ransom to regain control of systems: report
May 21, 2021
One of the largest insurance companies in the United States, CNA Financial, reportedly agreed to a $40 million payment to restore access to its systems following a ransomware attack. According to Bloomberg, the $40 million payment — which is $10 million more than the highest attempted demand of $30 million in 2020, already double the highest ...
- FBI: Conti Ransomware Attacks Impact Healthcare and First Responder Networks
May 20, 2021
The FBI identified at least 16 Conti ransomware attacks targeting US healthcare and first responder networks, including law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, 9-1-1 dispatch centers, and municipalities within the last year. These healthcare and first responder networks are among the more than 400 organizations worldwide victimized by Conti, over 290 of which are located in the U.S. ...
- Microsoft: Massive malware campaign delivers fake ransomware
May 20, 2021
A massive malware campaign pushed the Java-based STRRAT remote access trojan (RAT), known for its data theft capabilities and the ability to fake ransomware attacks. In a series of tweets, the Microsoft Security Intelligence team outlined how this “massive email campaign” spread the fake ransomware payloads using compromised email accounts. Read more… Source: Bleeping Computer
- Healthcare organizations in Ireland, New Zealand and Canada facing intrusions and ransomware attacks
May 20, 2021
Three healthcare institutions in Canada, Ireland and New Zealand are in the midst of security incidents this week, highlighting the perilous cybersecurity landscape within some of the world’s most important organizations. Ireland’s Department of Health was attacked twice in the last week, eventually shutting down their entire IT system after a ransomware attack last Thursday. The ...
- BazarCall: Call Centers Help Spread BazarLoader Malware
May 19, 2021
BazarLoader (sometimes referred to as BazaLoader) is malware that provides backdoor access to an infected Windows host. After a client is infected, criminals use this backdoor access to send follow-up malware, scan the environment and exploit other vulnerable hosts on the network. The threat actor behind BazarLoader uses different methods to distribute this malware to potential ...