CyberSecurity Knuggets
Jul 22, 2025
I recently came across a concerning rise in SMS blasting incidents, where devices are used to mimic mobile base stations and send mass SMS messages to unsuspecting users. These incidents have been on the rise over the past year, with reports of arrests in various countries for using SMS blasters for malicious purposes such as phishing. The ease of use and effectiveness of these devices make them attractive to cybercriminals for spreading phishing attacks and scams.
One pressing issue that requires immediate attention is the exploit already available online that Microsoft is working on patches for, although no deadline has been provided yet. Additionally, a zero-day attack on Microsoft SharePoint servers poses a significant risk to organizations, allowing attackers to access file systems and internal configurations. The situation is alarming, and swift action is needed to prevent further breaches and protect sensitive data.
In the UK, a breach of data on Afghan relocations at the Ministry of Defence has been deemed “unacceptable” by the Information Commissioner’s Office, highlighting the importance of robust data protection measures. Moreover, a major data breach in south-east Queensland has potentially compromised the personal details of thousands of individuals, requiring swift action to mitigate the impact on affected individuals. These incidents underscore the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to safeguard personal data and prevent unauthorized access.
Furthermore, reports indicate that at least 750 US hospitals faced disruptions during a CrowdStrike outage last year, emphasizing the potential impact of cyber attacks on healthcare facilities. Weak passwords have also been identified as a significant risk, with employees taking an average of 9 days to update weak passwords after detection. This gap in security poses a serious threat to organizations, necessitating stronger password policies and security awareness training to mitigate risks effectively.
Overall, these incidents serve as a reminder of the persistent and evolving threat landscape that organizations face in cyberspace. It is crucial for businesses to stay vigilant, implement robust cybersecurity measures, and prioritize security to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Immediate attention is required to address vulnerabilities and prevent further exploitation by malicious actors, ensuring the security of systems and data.
Stay Well!