Chinese State Hackers Exploit Windows Drivers for Malware

🛡️ 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 A sophisticated wave of malware linked to Chinese state hackers is now exploiting legitimate Windows drivers to bypass security systems and neutralize antivirus protections. Once embedded, the attackers deploy stealthy backdoors to grant them full control over the system. They can execute arbitrary commands, exfiltrate sensitive data, and operate undetected at the kernel level. This isn’t just a technical headache, it’s strategically devastating. By hijacking the very tools users rely on for protection, Chinese APTs are redefining the threat landscape and 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝘀. When malware disables your security stack and buries itself deep in the OS, traditional recovery methods are slow, fragile, and too dependent on compromised infrastructure. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀? 🕵️♂️ 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 hides the Recovery Device from access when connected, even at the kernel-level. 🕒 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘂𝗽 daily backups complete quickly, resulting in less exposure. 🔒 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗲𝗿 automatically excludes common malware hideouts, like temp folders, downloads, and browser caches. 🧊 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 the Recovery Device can optionally boot into a safe environment where malware scanning is provided. 🧠 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 Attackers are now using legitimate security tools to conduct attacks. They’re not just evading detection, they’re weaponizing trust. That’s why recovery can’t just rely solely on traditional cloud-based tools. You need a parallel, isolated, and instantly bootable fallback... not just backups, but operational continuity. If you're building infrastructure for resilience, auditability, and user empowerment, it's time to rethink recovery as a first-class feature, not a last resort. @The Managed Service Providers Association of America® #cybersecurity #ransomware #backup #technology

🔒 New Version of ToneShell Backdoor with Enhanced Features and Broader Reach 📌 Executive Summary A new variant of the ToneShell malware has been detected, an advanced backdoor that has incorporated improved functions to evade detection and expand its remote control capabilities. Developed in C++, this malware uses obfuscation techniques and encrypted communication to operate stealthily on compromised systems. Its primary objective is to establish persistent access, steal information, and allow remote execution of commands. 🛡️ Key Features - Encrypted Communication: Uses encryption algorithms to protect its communication channels with command and control (C2) servers. - Advanced Persistence: Integrates into the system through mechanisms that allow it to reactivate after reboots. - Remote Command Execution: Enables attackers to execute arbitrary instructions on the infected device. - Evasion of Detection: Employs anti-analysis techniques to hinder identification by security solutions. ⚠️ Impact and Risks ToneShell represents a significant threat to organizations, as it facilitates unauthorized access to corporate networks and can be used as a backdoor for more complex attacks, such as ransomware or theft of confidential data. Its continuous evolution suggests that threat actors are investing in improving their tools. 🔍 Security Recommendations - Keep all systems and software updated. - Implement security solutions capable of detecting malicious behaviors. - Monitor network traffic for suspicious communications. - Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training. For more information visit: https://enigmasecurity.cl 💙 Support our informative work by donating at: https://lnkd.in/er_qUAQh 👥 Connect and discuss cybersecurity: https://lnkd.in/eGvmV6Xf #ToneShell #Cybersecurity #Malware #Backdoor #ThreatIntelligence #Infosec #InformationSecurity #CyberThreats #Ransomware #DataProtection 📅 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:01:52 +0000 🔗Subscribe to the Membership: https://lnkd.in/eh_rNRyt

🏭 They’re Weaponizing RMM. Your Org Is Next! New threat intelligence shows attackers are dropping Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) tools via phishing lures, fake browser updates, meeting invites, even “party e-cards”, to gain persistent access and deliver malware, information stealers, and ransomware. These campaigns AREN'T targeting consumers. They’re going after your enterprise tech stack, servers, and production systems. Think about what that means: once RMM tools are in, attackers bypass endpoint protections, move silently, and often cross from your corporate IT environment into OT/industrial operations. Traditional OT tools watching only PLC or ICS traffic are blind to this. Detection is delayed. Damage multiplies. PhishCloud Inc. Cyber Fusion Center Strategies stops these evolving threats cold: ✔ Real-time visibility across every vector: email, web, remote tools, OT systems. See what’s coming before it lands. ✔ AI-driven threat correlation: detect suspicious RMM activity, unusual remote access, credential misuse, even when it looks innocuous. ✔ Unified incident response: aligned playbooks for IT, OT, and security teams for fast, coordinated action when every minute counts. ✔ Strengthened human layer protection: reinforce warning, training, and real context for every user interaction, not just compliance checklists. RMM is the Trojan horse of modern phishing campaigns. If your alerts are still siloed, your team is reacting, not defending. PhishCloud Inc. CFC gives you the visibility, speed, and unified control to stop weaponized RMM in its tracks. Can your OT and IT leverage see the first signs? If not, now is the moment to fuse them. PhishCloud Inc. CFC is how you stop being the next headline. #Phishing #RMMTools #OTSecurity #ITSecurity #CyberFusion #PhishCloud #ThreatDetection https://lnkd.in/deC5WuUs

🏭 They’re Weaponizing RMM. Your Org Is Next! New threat intelligence shows attackers are dropping Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) tools via phishing lures, fake browser updates, meeting invites, even “party e-cards”, to gain persistent access and deliver malware, information stealers, and ransomware. These campaigns AREN'T targeting consumers. They’re going after your enterprise tech stack, servers, and production systems. Think about what that means: once RMM tools are in, attackers bypass endpoint protections, move silently, and often cross from your corporate IT environment into OT/industrial operations. Traditional OT tools watching only PLC or ICS traffic are blind to this. Detection is delayed. Damage multiplies. PhishCloud Inc. Cyber Fusion Center Strategies stops these evolving threats cold: ✔ Real-time visibility across every vector: email, web, remote tools, OT systems. See what’s coming before it lands. ✔ AI-driven threat correlation: detect suspicious RMM activity, unusual remote access, credential misuse, even when it looks innocuous. ✔ Unified incident response: aligned playbooks for IT, OT, and security teams for fast, coordinated action when every minute counts. ✔ Strengthened human layer protection: reinforce warning, training, and real context for every user interaction, not just compliance checklists. RMM is the Trojan horse of modern phishing campaigns. If your alerts are still siloed, your team is reacting, not defending. PhishCloud Inc. CFC gives you the visibility, speed, and unified control to stop weaponized RMM in its tracks. Can your OT and IT leverage see the first signs? If not, now is the moment to fuse them. PhishCloud Inc. CFC is how you stop being the next headline. #Phishing #RMMTools #OTSecurity #ITSecurity #CyberFusion #PhishCloud #ThreatDetection https://lnkd.in/efz-5NMR

What is EDR and How Does Antivirus Support It? Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a powerful cybersecurity approach designed to detect, investigate, and respond to threats on devices like laptops, desktops, and servers. This diagram from Bahati Group breaks EDR down into four key components: 💡 Threat Intelligence – Insights into emerging threats. This is the brain behind EDR. It gathers data from global threat feeds, past incidents, and behavioral patterns to predict and identify emerging threats. Why it matters: It helps EDR stay ahead of attackers by recognizing new tactics and malware variants. 🛡️ Detection – Identifying suspicious activity (where AV plays a key role). This is where suspicious activity is identified. EDR monitors endpoints for anomalies like unusual file changes, unauthorized access, or strange behavior. How AV helps: Antivirus (AV) software strengthens the Detection phase by identifying and blocking known malware before it can cause harm. When combined with EDR, AV helps create a layered defense that protects against both known and unknown threats. Investigation – Analyzing incidents to understand impact. Once a threat is detected, EDR tools dive deeper to understand what happened, how it happened, and what systems were affected. Why it matters: This helps security teams make informed decisions and prevent future incidents. Response – Taking action to neutralize threats. EDR takes action — isolating infected devices, removing malicious files, or alerting security teams. Why it matters: Quick response limits damage and restores system integrity. Stay proactive. Secure your endpoints with us by sending an email to helpdesk@bahatisupport.co.za #CyberSecurity #EDR #Antivirus #DigitalSafety #BahatiGroup #EndpointProtection

🚨 Industrial Cyber Threats: Q2 2025 Snapshot Kaspersky’s latest report shows a mixed picture for industrial cybersecurity: • Threats were blocked on 20.5% of ICS computers globally in Q2 — slightly lower than last quarter, but still far too high. • Regional disparities are stark: from 11.2% in Northern Europe to nearly 28% in Africa. • Top attack vectors remain familiar: the internet, phishing emails, and removable media. • Encouragingly, ransomware, spyware, and worms showed a modest decline — with self-propagating malware at its lowest since 2022. 💡 Why this matters for business leaders: Industrial environments are high-value targets. A single compromise can disrupt operations, supply chains, and customer trust. Declining numbers don’t mean declining risk — adversaries are refining methods and shifting to stealthier entry points. ✅ The priority for CISOs and executives: • Focus on early-stage detection (phishing, web threats). • Invest in region-specific and sector-specific defenses. • Build resilience — because prevention alone is no longer enough. #CyberSecurity #OTSecurity #ICS #RiskManagement #IndustrialSafety Read more here- https://lnkd.in/g7TdRm2W

In today’s cybersecurity landscape, malware persistence techniques represent some of the most challenging threats defenders face. These tactics allow attackers to embed malicious code deeply within systems, surviving reboots, credential changes, and removal efforts, enabling extended access and control. Persistence methods such as abusing scheduled tasks (e.g., Windows Task Scheduler or Linux cron jobs), tampering with boot and logon scripts (like systemd units or init.d), creating or modifying services, and manipulating user accounts ensure malware remains active long-term. The consequences of such stealthy footholds are profound. Extended dwell times grant attackers opportunities to exfiltrate sensitive data gradually, evade detection, and move laterally across networks. This persistence complicates incident response, increasing the time and effort needed to identify and eradicate threats. Combating persistence demands a layered, proactive security approach. Regular patching closes exploitable vulnerabilities, while File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) reveals unauthorized changes to critical files and configurations. Continuous user activity and log monitoring can detect suspicious account activities or privilege escalations. System hardening, disabling unused services and applying strict policies, cuts attack surfaces further. Additionally, threat hunting and advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools, like Wazuh, enable security teams to uncover subtle anomalies indicative of persistence. Wazuh’s capabilities are well-tailored for this battle: active response features automate containment actions such as disabling suspect accounts or stopping unauthorized services; comprehensive FIM and configuration assessments flag system tampering; log analysis identifies behavioral anomalies; and vulnerability detection highlights weak spots attackers might exploit. This evolving threat environment calls for organizations to shift from reactive defenses to intelligence-driven, automated, and multi-layered protection strategies. The race against increasingly sophisticated persistence techniques will be won by those embracing continuous vigilance and innovation within their security architectures. Explore how Wazuh’s integrated platform enhances resilience against these stealthy malware techniques and helps to safeguard critical assets over the long haul. Original insights available at: hxxps://www[.]bleepingcomputer[.]com/news/security/defending-against-malware-persistence-techniques-with-wazuh/ Don't just take our word for it, read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eZjXB7zB #SECURITYOPERATIONS #BLUETEAM #CYBERSECURITY #SOC #DIRECTOROFAI

The evolution of Endpoint Security is a story of adaptation, each stage building on the lessons of the one before it. In the late 1980s through the mid 2000s, antivirus defined the frontline of defense. It scanned files on each endpoint and matched hashes against a central database, blocking known viruses, worms and trojans. However, it had a critical weakness, anything new and unknown slipped through the cracks. By 2007, the Endpoint Protection Platform signaled a shift. It combined next generation antivirus with host firewall, intrusion prevention, application control and device use policies in a single agent. Layered prevention methods like vulnerability shielding and behavioral controls were added, making endpoints less dependent on signatures alone. From 2013 onward, Endpoint Detection and Response redefined the approach. Instead of focusing only on prevention, EDR continuously recorded process activity, network connections and system changes. Security teams gained the ability to hunt threats in real time and perform forensic investigation. Fileless attacks and stealthy intrusions could be detected, and defenders could pivot laterally to contain them. It was a shift from building walls, to shining lights inside the system. By 2018, Extended Detection and Response expanded the scope even further. XDR ingested and correlated telemetry not just from endpoints but also from networks, cloud, email and identity systems. It unified cross layer analytics and automated playbooks, giving security teams a centralized view to detect, prioritize and remediate threats across the entire infrastructure. This marked the transition from siloed defenses to integrated ecosystems, where insights from one layer could inform protection across many. Each stage represents a response to the growing sophistication of attackers. What began with scanning files for known signatures, has grown into a discipline that integrates signals from every layer of the enterprise. #Cybersecurity #EndpointSecurity #EDR #XDR #InfoSec #ThreatDetection #SecurityOperations #CyberResilience #NetworkSecurity #CloudSecurity

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a game changer in cybersecurity today. Antivirus on its own isn’t enough anymore. Today’s attacks are smarter, they hide inside laptops, servers, and mobile devices and can slip past basic scans unnoticed until they cause serious damage. EDR fixes this by watching all your endpoints constantly, 24/7, looking for signs of trouble early. This includes weird file changes, strange network activity, or attempts to gain higher access than allowed. Catching these early can stop an attack before it spreads. Why does EDR matter? 1. Continuous Monitoring: Unlike old-school antivirus that checks files only occasionally, EDR keeps an eye on everything happening on your devices all the time. 2. Automated Investigation and Response: When something suspicious pops up, EDR tools don’t just alert you, they investigate automatically and can respond quickly by blocking or isolating the threat to limit damage. 3. Deep Forensics: EDR collects detailed info about everything happening on endpoints. This lets your team analyze how the attacker got in, what they did, and how to stop it next time. But installing EDR isn’t enough. Your security team must know how to use it fully, investigating alerts carefully and responding fast makes all the difference. Attackers are constantly evolving. Endpoint security through EDR isn’t optional anymore. It gives you the speed, control, and visibility you need to stop attacks before they turn into breaches. Invest in the right tools, train your team well, and make endpoint security a real priority. That’s how you stay ahead. #Cybersecurity #EDR #IncidentResponse #ITSupport #ThreatDetection #TechInsights #NetworkSecurity #EndpointSecurity #ITInfrastructure #CyberThreats

Commvault Why Cyberdeception deployments are critical! Traditional defenses like firewalls and antivirus are critical, but they’re no longer enough. Attackers are getting in — the real question is, how quickly can you spot them before they cause damage? With Commvault ThreatWise; Uncover and eliminate cyberthreats the moment they begin. See Threats Sooner – Before Data is Compromised! While traditional honeypots are complex, hard to scale, and difficult to manage; Commvault ThreatWise changes the game. -Easy-to-deploy deception technology. -Realistic decoys that attackers can’t ignore. -Instant alerts when intruders engage. -Fully integrated with Commvault’s data protection & recovery. With Commvault ThreatWise, you don’t just detect threats — you’re ready to bounce back with clean, recoverable data. Cybersecurity is about stopping attacks. Cyber resilience with Commvault ThreatWise is about surviving them. #Cyberresilience, #Commvault