Cyber Daily 3/9/2024: Best of the Week ??

Law enforcement agencies deny involvement in the recent AlphV/BlackCat ransomware group's "shutdown," suggesting it may be an elaborate exit scam amidst suspicions raised by cybercriminals and experts. Moldova warns of Russian hybrid attacks. More than 18,000 people associated with New Jersey law enforcement filed a class action lawsuit against LexisNexis.

Click Here Podcast from Recorded Future News

110. North Korean Missiles in Ukraine and Kim Jong-uns new swagger

We talk to a team of open source analysts and weapons inspectors who have pieced together how Pyongyang avoided sanctions to get Russia missiles it needs for the battle in Ukraine and look at why Kim Jung-un is feeling hes got his groove back.

The latest skirmish over internet freedoms in Pakistan began over the weekend and flamed out by Monday, but it exposed the country's deep tensions over what people can see online. On Satudray, a member of Pakistan's Senate submitted a resolution demanding the ban of popular social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) in the country. Why it matters:

1. The erosion of Internet freedoms in Pakistan remains a critical concern. Despite withdrawal of a recent Senate resolution proposing a ban of popular social media platforms, experts warn that the nation's internet freedoms are under increasing threat. This highlights the deep-seated tension within the country regarding what individuals can access and share online.
2. Pakistan's existing legislation is a tool for control. The country's government leverages laws such as the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to impose stiff penalties for online criticism of authorities, often targeting independent journalists. The government also employs extensive power to restrict or interrupt online services, demonstrating an increasing suppression of digital spaces.
3. Internet shutdowns create more than just communication issues. Shutdowns, particularly those that impact mobile connectivity, disproportionately affect low-income communities who rely on mobile internet. The suspension of social media and internet services during periods of political unrest elucidates a strategic use of such bans by the government. These measures essentially censor dissenting voices, limit access to information and compromise public participation in essential activities like elections.Europol, DOJ, NCA deny involvement in recent AlphV/BlackCat ‘shutdown’

Several of the law enforcement agencies involved in the takedown of one of the most prolific ransomware groups denied involvement in a new notice posted to the gang’s leak site — adding weight behind rumors from experts and cybercriminals that the group was attempting to carry out an elaborate exit scam. Why it matters:

1. Law enforcement agencies, including the DOJ, Europol, and the NCA, deny involvement in the recent shutdown notice posted by the AlphV/BlackCat ransomware group, suggesting it may be an exit scam.
2. Despite previous takedowns, the gang attempted to regain criminal affiliates' trust but allegedly stole a ransom obtained from a major healthcare provider, prompting suspicions of an exit scam.
3. Cybersecurity experts confirm the scam, noting the use of a fake seizure notice as a novel twist in ransomware exit strategies, while law enforcement efforts against such groups receive mixed assessments regarding their effectiveness in combating ransomware.

Moldova's national intelligence agency warned Tuesday that it believes Russia plans to launch hybrid attacks against the country ahead of its upcoming elections, which will include a referendum on joining the European Union. During a press conference, the country’s chief of intelligence, Alexandru Musteata, said that Moscow plans to cause social conflicts in Moldova, including in the Russia-controlled Moldovan region of Transnistria and the autonomous region of Gagauzia. Why it matters:

1. Moldova's national intelligence agency warns of Russian hybrid attacks targeting the country ahead of its presidential election and EU referendum.
2. Russia aims to cause social conflicts, discredit pro-European candidates, and compromise the referendum on joining the EU, using tactics like social media manipulation and cyberattacks.
3. Moldova has experienced escalating tensions with Russia since the Ukraine war, with previous accusations of destabilization efforts. Moldova has bolstered its cybersecurity measures, including a new law, with assistance from Estonia.

More than 18,000 people associated with New Jersey law enforcement filed a class action lawsuit against LexisNexis Risk Data Management, LLC on Monday, alleging that after they asked for their information to remain private, the data broker retaliated against them by freezing their credit and falsely reporting them as identity theft victims. Why it matters:

1. Alleged Retaliation: The lawsuit accuses LexisNexis of retaliating against New Jersey law enforcement personnel who requested their personal information to be removed by freezing their credit and falsely reporting them as identity theft victims, allegedly damaging their credit histories.
2. Legal Violations: LexisNexis faces allegations of violating Daniel's Law, a New Jersey statute aimed at protecting the privacy of law enforcement officials and their families, by allegedly failing to honor takedown requests for personal data and continuing to publish sensitive information despite requests for removal.
3. Ongoing Harm: Despite obligations to promptly lift credit freezes upon request, the lawsuit claims that LexisNexis has prolonged the process, causing significant ongoing harm to the affected individuals, including potential denial of essential financial, insurance, and health services.

Navigating Global Conflict Scenarios in 2024

Join us for a live intelligence briefing where our panel of expert analysts from Insikt Group will discuss four major global conflict scenarios anticipated for 2024. Our panel will dissect the risks of escalation, emphasizing the critical role of communication and calculation in maintaining stability. Here's what we'll cover:

• Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Analyzing the likelihood of NATO-linked escalation amidst communication risks.
• China-Taiwan Relations: Exploring China's strategies and the potential for armed conflict with Taiwan.
• Israel-Hamas Dynamics: Gaining insights into the possibility of conflict expansion, and the involvement of Iran and Hezbollah.
• Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Tensions: Examining ongoing conflicts and the potential for broader regional destabilization.