As we approach the year’s end, cyber threats continue to evolve at an alarming pace. From nonprofits facing ransomware attacks to hackers exploiting AI for malicious purposes, the cybersecurity landscape remains dynamic. This edition of the HopeNet Cyber Recap dives into the latest incidents and trends you need to know to stay informed and protected.
AIDS Vaccine Non-Profit Targeted in Hacker Attack
A nonprofit dedicated to AIDS vaccine research recently suffered a cyberattack, disrupting operations and potentially compromising sensitive donor and research data. This incident highlights the growing threat to organizations working in healthcare and global research.
Read more on CyberNews
PowerSchool Hacker Claims to Have Stolen Data of 62 Million Students
A hacker claims to have accessed data from 62 million students by targeting PowerSchool, a widely used education technology platform. The breach raises serious concerns about the security of student data and the need for stronger safeguards in the education sector.
Read more on BleepingComputer
December 2024 Saw Record Number of Ransomware Attacks
The number of ransomware attacks reached a record high in December 2024, with a sharp increase in incidents targeting healthcare and education. Experts emphasize the importance of proactive measures, such as regular backups and incident response planning, to mitigate damage.
Read more on SecurityWeek
GhostGPT Offers AI-Coding and Phishing Assistance for Cybercriminals
GhostGPT, a malicious AI tool, is being used by cybercriminals to write malware and generate convincing phishing emails. The rise of AI-powered cyber tools underscores the importance of staying updated on emerging threats and adapting defenses accordingly.
Read more on SCWorld
Employees’ Sensitive Data Found in GenAI Prompts
A recent study reveals that sensitive employee information is being inadvertently leaked through generative AI prompts used in the workplace. Companies are urged to implement guidelines on the use of AI tools to prevent accidental data exposure.
Read more on Dark Reading
OpenAI Impersonation Attack Targets ChatGPT Users
A new phishing campaign involves attackers impersonating OpenAI to trick ChatGPT users into revealing sensitive information. This highlights the importance of verifying communication sources and being cautious with unsolicited emails and links. THIS IS A GREAT IDEA FOR YOUR NEXT PHISHING CAMPAIGN!
Read more on Medium
Allegheny Health Network Reports Cybersecurity Incident
Allegheny Health Network has disclosed a cybersecurity incident that affected its operations and may have exposed patient data. This adds to the growing list of healthcare organizations targeted by cybercriminals in 2024.
Read more on JDSupra
Conduent Confirms Cybersecurity Incident Behind Recent Outage
Conduent, a business process services company, has confirmed that a cybersecurity incident caused a recent service outage. The company is investigating the attack and implementing additional security measures.
Read more on BleepingComputer
SonicWall Warns About Critical Vulnerability
SonicWall has issued an advisory about a critical vulnerability affecting its devices. Users are strongly urged to apply the latest patches immediately to prevent potential exploitation.
Read more on CyberNews
HopeNet reviews a variety of security news sources so you do not have to! This list is curated specifically for churches, nonprofits, and other Organizations of Hope. The headlines and our added comments are meant to provide enough to get an overview of recent happenings, but links are also provided for readers that want to explore certain topics deeper.
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