Proofpoint has observed an increase in a technique leveraging unique social engineering that directs users to copy and paste malicious PowerShell scripts to infect their computers with malware.
Threat actors including initial access broker TA571 and at least one fake update activity set are using this method to deliver malware including DarkGate, Matanbuchus, NetSupport, and various information stealers. Whether the initial campaign begins via malspam or delivered via web browser injects, the technique is similar. Users are shown a popup textbox that suggests an error occurred when trying to open the document or webpage, and instructions are provided to copy and paste a malicious script into the PowerShell terminal, or the Windows Run dialog box to eventually run the script via PowerShell.
Read more…
Source: Proofpoint
Related:
- AdaptHealth says attackers sweet-talked their way into cloud systems and stole patient data
July 3, 2026
AdaptHealth says attackers used social engineering to breach its systems and steal sensitive patient data, including passwords associated with insurance billing. The medical equipment company disclosed the attack to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday, noting that attackers accessed internal patient management systems, document storage platforms, and external electronic health record system portals. The attack targeted an ...
- Fake Google and Cloudflare verification pages spread multiple malware families
July 2, 2026
ClickFix attacks, which trick people into running malicious commands themselves, continue to evolve. This latest campaign uses fake Google and Cloudflare verification pages to convince victims to infect their own devices. A single mistake can install malware that steals passwords and other sensitive data, gives attackers remote access to your computer, or downloads additional malware that can ...
- FBI: Cyber Criminal Group TeamPCP
July 2, 2026
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is releasing this FLASH to highlight the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and indicators of compromise (IOCs) associated with the cyber criminal group TeamPCP. TeamPCP actors have conducted large-scale software supply chain compromises by targeting widely used developers and security tools, gaining access to victim environments and extracting sensitive ...
- Politician who investigated spyware abuses had his phone hacked with Pegasus spyware
July 2, 2026
Security researchers have confirmed that a European politician had his phone hacked with the Pegasus spyware while serving on an investigatory committee probing abuses of the notorious surveillance tool. This has reignited fresh controversy over governments abusing spyware to collect information about their critics. The researchers at the University of Toronto’s digital rights unit The Citizen ...
- Hackers breached DHS information-sharing network
June 30, 2026
A key Department of Homeland Security information-sharing database was accessed by an unknown threat actor in recent weeks, potentially exposing sensitive data exchanged between federal, state, local and industry partners, according to two people familiar with the matter. DHS investigators are probing the intrusion of the Homeland Security Information Network, said both people, who spoke on ...
- ToddyCat: your hidden email assistant. Part 2
June 30, 2026
Kaspersky continue to share details on the malicious techniques and toolsets used by the ToddyCat APT group. In the first part of this report, they examined the group’s attacks aimed at stealing data from browsers, as well as from local and cloud email services. The methods used in that campaign indicated that ToddyCat was attempting ...