January 28, 2025

Smiths Group Suffers Global Cyberattack

Smiths Group, a leading engineering and technology company, has experienced a significant cyberattack affecting its systems worldwide. The company swiftly isolated the impacted systems and activated business continuity plans. Shares fell by 1.7% following the incident.

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• EU Proposes Comprehensive Digital Surveillance Measures

The European Union is considering a proposal to implement widespread scanning of users' digital communications on platforms like Facebook, Signal, and WhatsApp to combat child sexual abuse material. This move has raised significant privacy and security concerns due to potential impacts on encryption and user privacy.

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• India's Central Bank Urges Enhanced Cybersecurity in Banking

Sanjay Malhotra, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, has called on banks to strengthen their cybersecurity oversight and implement systems to prevent digital fraud. He emphasized the need for increased supervision of third-party service providers to mitigate technological risks.

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• Russian Hackers Impersonate IT Staff on Microsoft Teams

Russian cybercriminals have been posing as remote IT support staff on Microsoft Teams to gain unauthorized access to networks and deploy ransomware. They initiate contact through spam emails and then use Teams to establish remote access, leading to data theft and system freezes.

Credit --> thetimes.co.uk

• Jen Easterly Reflects on Tenure as CISA Director Amid Agency Downsizing

Jen Easterly, the departing Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), discussed the agency's achievements and challenges during her tenure. She highlighted efforts against significant cyber threats and expressed concerns over the agency's future as the new administration considers downsizing.

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• Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Users Warned of AI-Driven Email Scams

Cybersecurity experts are alerting users of Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail about a new wave of email scams utilizing artificial intelligence. These scams craft highly personalized emails that appear to come from known contacts, making them difficult to detect. Users are advised to verify email senders and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

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• EPA Warns of Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in U.S. Drinking Water Systems

The Environmental Protection Agency has identified significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities in drinking water systems across the U.S., potentially affecting 193 million people. The agency urges the development of a national cybersecurity strategy and improved coordination with federal and state authorities to address these risks.

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• North Korean Spies Infiltrating Western IT Companies

North Korean agents have been securing employment within Western IT companies by using stolen identities and fabricated credentials. In one instance, a North Korean spy was hired as a remote software engineer and attempted to deploy malware on his first day, highlighting the need for stringent hiring and verification processes.

Credit --> thetimes.co.uk

• President Biden Issues Comprehensive Cybersecurity Executive Order

In his final days in office, President Biden signed an executive order aimed at strengthening federal cybersecurity. The order addresses securing communications from foreign threats, mitigating risks from AI and quantum computing, and enhancing software supply chain security. It also mandates stricter cybersecurity requirements for federal contractors.

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• Outgoing White House Cyber Director Advocates for Inclusive Hiring Practices

Harry Coker, the outgoing White House cyber director, has called for increased funding and deregulation to combat growing cyber threats. He emphasizes the importance of expanding the cybersecurity workforce by hiring individuals based on skills rather than degrees, addressing the significant talent shortage in the industry.

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