As botnets continue to evolve, so do the techniques required to detect them. While Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption is widely adopted for secure communications, botnets leverage TLS to obscure command-and-control (C2) traffic. These malicious actors often have identifiable characteristics embedded within their TLS certificates, opening a potential pathway for advanced detection techniques.
In first-of-its-kind research, Rapid7’s Dr. Stuart Millar, in collaboration with Kumar Shashwat, Francis Hahn and Prof. Xinming Ou, at the University of South Florida, studied the use of AI large language models (LLMs) to detect botnets’ use of TLS encryption by analyzing embedding similarities to weed out botnets within a sea of benign TLS certificates.
Read more…
Source: Rapid7
Related:
- 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 ...
- Kaspersky GReAT uncovers attack targeting government-only Windows system in Asia
October 29, 2026
Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) has uncovered an attack targeting a customized version of Windows 10 used exclusively by government organizations in an Asian country. The attackers used legitimate software components to launch NetamLoader, a previously unknown malware framework that can receive and run additional code while concealing its activity. The team presented ...
- Hacker stole personnel data about thousands of Homeland Security employees, including CBP and ICE agents
October 28, 2026
Personally identifiable information belonging to thousands of U.S. Department of Homeland Security employees has been published online after a hacker stole reams of data in a previously undisclosed breach at the government department earlier this year. The breach includes names, job titles, and work contact information, such as email addresses, cell phone numbers, and office locations, ...
- A security flaw in these widely used barcode scanners could open up warehouses and stores to cyberattack
October 28, 2026
Researchers find Bluetooth flaws in warehouse barcode scanners that could provide a foothold into enterprise networks. Attackers could spoof scanner input, inject keystrokes, and potentially pivot to ransomware or data theft. Kaspersky urges stronger device authentication, network segmentation, and stricter security controls for warehouse infrastructure. Read more… Source: TechRadar News Sign up for the Cyber Security Review Newsletter The latest cyber ...
- Rogue AI agent engages ‘Skynet mode’ to search the internet for exposed LLMs to hijack and run malware attacks
October 26, 2026
Researchers uncovered an autonomous AI attack campaign that hijacks exposed AI agents and infrastructure. The malicious “Skynet” agent deployed cryptominers, stole credentials, and recruited new AI systems autonomously. Security teams are urged to secure AI endpoints, restrict permissions, and protect high-value API keys. Read more… Source: TechRadar News Sign up for the Cyber Security Review Newsletter The latest cyber security news ...
- Patient records exposed in Quest breach
October 26, 2026
Quest Diagnostics has confirmed that an unauthorized party accessed a system healthcare providers use to order laboratory tests and view results, affecting personal information and patient records. Quest is a major US laboratory testing company whose services help healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Those services range from routine laboratory testing to specialized testing in ...