Before diving into the latest cybersecurity news, I want to start on a solemn note. My thoughts and prayers – and the heartfelt sentiments of the cybersecurity community – go out to the team at American Airlines and the families impacted by that devastating crash near Reagan National Airport. Reports indicate the helicopter collision claimed the lives of several people, including three servicemen. It’s a reminder of how fragile life is.
As I travel regularly, it hits home personally. My wife always waits for my “I landed safely” message, and seeing the coverage in D.C. underscores that we cannot take anything for granted. Let’s keep those affected in our hearts.
Now, let’s shift into what you tuned in for – a deep dive into the cybersecurity headlines. Grab your coffee and join me for our usual coffee-cup cheers as we get started.
Wiz Research and the Deep Seek Exposure
Responsible disclosure is a cornerstone of security, and Wiz Research exemplified that by notifying Deep Seek of a publicly exposed ClickHouse database. Although Deep Seek fixed it, Wiz was able to see a million lines of highly sensitive logs, chat histories, keys, and backend details. This raises serious concerns about how fast-scaling startups might leave security behind.
Beyond the direct data exposure, I highlighted how Deep Seek’s architecture (using the Russian-developed, open-source ClickHouse database) was open for infiltration. As we’ve said many times, startups often delay hiring a CISO until later funding rounds. In this case, the vulnerability was swiftly patched, but it’s a cautionary tale of how move-fast-and-break-things can hurt a company’s credibility.
Italian Regulators Scrutinize Deep Seek
Italy’s data privacy authority has demanded answers from Deep Seek regarding what data it collects, how it collects it, and where it’s stored. They’ve given the company twenty days to respond, and given Italy’s history of blocking platforms that don’t comply (as was the case with OpenAI), all eyes are watching.
Moreover, there are questions about links between Deep Seek and ByteDance (TikTok), reinforcing the notion that in China, all major tech companies have ties to the government. This underscores the challenge with Chinese startups: they often operate with state interests in mind.
Zyxel Vulnerability Exploited
A critical command injection vulnerability in Zyxel’s CPE devices is actively under attack. GrayNoise observed exploitation attempts from multiple IP addresses, and because Zyxel has not released a patch for the relevant CVE, the best immediate mitigation could be to isolate or remove these devices from your environment. Blocking suspicious IPs only goes so far, as attackers often pivot quickly.
New Mirai Botnet Variant: AquaBot
A fresh Mirai derivative, dubbed AquaBot, is targeting Mitel SIP phones with unpatched firmware (version 6.3.0.1020). This botnet is being used as a DDoS-as-a-service, and it persists by concealing its code from antivirus measures. The bigger picture is the cyclical rise of Mirai variants; every time we see one shut down, another emerges with new exploits.
Texas AG’s Lawsuit Against Kia and Data Brokers
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking aim at Kia for allegedly selling driver data to third parties without consumer notification. This raises concerns about insurance premiums being unfairly hiked based on private driving data. Texas filed a similar lawsuit against General Motors and is determined to use its existing data privacy laws to protect consumers.
I stressed how the lack of a strong federal data privacy law complicates matters. A national framework could ensure that every consumer knows precisely how their data is used and sold, eliminating patchwork state-by-state enforcement.
Major Cybercriminal Websites Seized
In a coordinated international operation (Operation Talent), authorities seized several major sites, including Nulled, Cracked, Cellex, and Stark RDP, all known forums for cybercriminal activity. Though these takedowns are significant wins, we know the nature of cybercrime is decentralized – new forums inevitably pop up, but it’s a reminder that the good guys keep up the pressure.
Lazarus Group’s Hidden Admin Layer
North Korea’s Lazarus Group is back under scrutiny, with SecurityScorecard finding a centralized web-based admin platform used to oversee compromised systems. This platform allows them to deliver payloads, manage exfiltrated data, and coordinate infiltration of cryptocurrency entities and software developers worldwide.
Notably, the group lures victims through fake recruiter job offers, especially targeting crypto developers. Their dual motive? Cryptocurrency theft to fund Pyongyang’s regime and infiltration of corporate networks.
Poland Accuses Russia of Election Meddling
Polish officials allege that Russian intelligence agencies, such as the GRU and FSB, have been recruiting Polish citizens online to spread disinformation in upcoming elections. Payments range from around $3,130 to $4,170. Warsaw promises harsh penalties for anyone caught cooperating. Given Poland’s historical experience with Soviet control, the government is particularly vigilant about any Russian influence.
Industry News: Tenable Buys Vulcan Cyber
Tenable’s latest move is a $150 million deal to acquire Vulcan Cyber. This acquisition strengthens Tenable’s exposure management platform, offering more robust capabilities for risk prioritization and remediation. We’re seeing a trend of best-in-suite expansions – large players absorbing smaller, specialized companies to offer comprehensive packages to their clients.
Looking Ahead: CISA’s Role, New Administration Shifts
Coming up on Saturday’s extended segment, I’ll discuss the evolving role of CISA under the new administration. Senator Mark Warner’s pointed question during the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hearing about keeping the “cyber team at HHS” suggests significant policy shifts might be brewing in Washington. We’ll see how that shapes our federal approach to cybersecurity.
Action List
Review Your Deep Seek Usage: If you or your partners utilize Deep Seek, assess any potential exposure and monitor regulatory developments in Italy.
Patch Devices & Segregate Zyxel: Until a fix is issued, isolate vulnerable Zyxel CPE devices from critical systems.
Check Mitel Firmware Versions: Update Mitel SIP phone firmware to circumvent the AquaBot Mirai variant.
Audit Data-Sharing Practices: Confirm that your organization’s data-sharing adheres to all relevant privacy regulations.
Monitor DDoS and Threat Feeds: Keep tabs on new criminal websites that replace the ones seized in Operation Talent.
Train Staff on Phishing & Recruitment Scams: Lazarus Group’s tactics emphasize social engineering. Educate employees about LinkedIn or email job approaches.
Follow Legislative Developments: Keep an eye on data privacy laws at the state and federal levels.
Thank you for tuning in. Stay safe out there, and remember: we’re all in this together as we tackle new challenges in the cyber realm.
Until next time, stay cyber safe!
✅ Story Links:
https://www.wiz.io/blog/wiz-research-uncovers-exposed-deepseek-database-leak
https://therecord.media/italian-regulator-deepseek-info-collection
https://www.darkreading.com/endpoint-security/mirai-variant-aquabot-exploits-mitel-phone-flaws
https://therecord.media/texas-warns-kia-about-sharing-driver-info-to-data-brokers
https://www.securityweek.com/nulled-other-cybercrime-websites-seized-by-law-enforcement/
https://therecord.media/poland-accuses-russia-of-recruiting-citizens-online-for-election-meddling
https://www.securityweek.com/tenable-to-acquire-vulcan-cyber-for-150-million/
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