Ah, the ever-tempestuous Middle East, where conflicts extend beyond the physical battlefield into the digital realm. Hacktivist groups and state-sponsored hackers are joining the fray, turning critical infrastructure into virtual battlegrounds. Disturbing reports emerge of compromised systems, painting a grim picture of the region's cybersecurity landscape.

In a scene straight out of a cyber thriller, a notorious threat actor group, known to frequent our weekly insights, has been making waves. They've allegedly breached a major gas station company, flaunting their access by sharing screenshots of control panels for petrol and diesel storage, along with temperature controls. As if that weren't enough, they've also flexed their digital muscles by showcasing videos of havoc wreaked upon a prominent energy provider's power grid.

The damage doesn't stop there. Reports detail the group's interference with transformers and electrical cables, prompting the affected company to scramble for hefty generators while parts of their network undergo a digital makeover. And it's not just the power grid feeling the heat; screenshots of access to water waste treatment plants have also made their way online. One can't help but wonder why these critical systems aren't tucked away behind the digital equivalent of a fortress wall – you know, the old 'air-gapping' trick.

Meanwhile, across the pond, America's favorite pipeline is making headlines once again. Fresh off the heels of a devastating ransomware attack in 2021, this vital artery supplying half of the east coast's oil finds itself in the crosshairs once more. A new ransomware gang, with a penchant for digital mischief, has managed to snag 2.9 GB of sensitive files. While they haven't pulled the trigger on encryption or disrupted operations (yet), the stolen loot includes contracts, employee emails, and even staff photographs – talk about a digital treasure trove.

But here's the kicker: despite the FBI's best efforts, the gang's spam-delivery infrastructure remains stubbornly operational. These 'Qakbot' affiliates seem unfazed by law enforcement's attempts to shut them down, continuing their nefarious activities like cyber cockroaches that just won't quit. It's a stark reminder that even in the face of adversity, the digital underworld persists, lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

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THIS MONTHS SPOTLIGHT, VULNERABILITY CHAT & PRIVACY HEADLINES

Additional concern to those already worried about their safety.
https://breachaware.com/research/additional-concern-to-those-already-worried-about-their-safety
A total of 20 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 10,408,754 leaked accounts containing a total of 26 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Malindo Air, Kupi VIP, Stealer - RedLine 0352, Trident Crypto [2] and Stealer - Mixed Logs 0355.

At least their password hashing is up to scratch.
https://breachaware.com/research/at-least-their-password-hashing-is-up-to-scratch
A total of 20 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 3,005,349 leaked accounts containing a total of 26 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Dymocks, Dolly, XM, VN Game Forum and Clara Hair.

A leading Russian bank has experienced a major security incident.
https://breachaware.com/research/a-leading-russian-bank-has-experienced-a-major-security-incident
A total of 19 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 10,186,872 leaked accounts containing a total of 14 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Muzhiwan, Legendas.TV, Zipmex, SevenRooms and American Kennel Club.

Threat actors brought 20 Polish trains to a sudden standstill.
https://breachaware.com/research/threat-actors-brought-20-polish-trains-to-a-sudden-standstill
A total of 20 breaches were found and analysed resulting in 6,109,641 leaked accounts containing a total of 21 different data types. The breaches found publicly and freely available included Duolingo, Games Planet, Vesi Cash, Stealer - 0337 Mixed Logs and Free-Lance.