Direct Send Exploitation & URL Rewrite Attacks: What Security Teams Must Know

Send us fan mail!Hello to all our Cyber Squirrels! In this extra-packed episode of Discarded, host Selena Larson welcomes Proofpoint Principal Research Engineer Jason Ford for his first appearance on the show. Together, they dive into two resurging email attack techniques—Microsoft 365 Direct Send abuse and URL rewrite abuse—and why defending against them requires more than just traditional email security.Jason explains what Direct Send is, why attackers exploit this legacy feature, and how it enables phishing campaigns that appear to originate from inside an organization. From QR code phishing kits to “to-do list” themed lures, Selena and Jason break down attack chains, share real-world examples, and highlight the red flags that indicate exploitation. They also explore how adversaries weaponize URL rewrites in redirect chains, to deliver malware and credential phishing. We also unpack: How Direct Send works under the hood and why legacy features are a prime targetCommon signs in email headers that reveal Direct Send abuseThe role of URL rewrites in modern phishing campaignsWhy credential phishing has overtaken malware as the go-to tacticPractical steps organizations can take—including when it makes sense to disable Direct SendThe importance of layered defenses, user education, and risk awareness across SaaS appsPredictions on which “old school” techniques might resurface nextThis episode offers a clear, actionable look at how threat actors adapt and why everything old in cybercrime eventually becomes new again. Resources Mentioned:https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/email-and-cloud-threats/attackers-abuse-m365-for-internal-phishinghttp://www.jasonsford.comhttps://github.com/jasonsford/directsendanalyzer For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.Subscribe & Follow:Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

Send us fan mail!Hello to all our Cyber Panda Bears! In this extra-packed episode of Discarded, host Selena Larson and guest host, Sarah Sabotka reunite with Staff Threat Researcher Mark Kelly to dive deep into China-aligned espionage activity—this time with a focus on Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem and the strange, stealthy tools threat actors are using to get in.Mark walks us through Proofpoint’s latest research on custom malware (yes, “Voldemort” is back), threat clusters with pun-filled names like UNK_SparkyCarp and UNK_DropPitch, and why Taiwan’s chip industry has become such a hot target. From design and manufacturing to financial analysts and supply chains, Chinese state-aligned actors are getting more creative—and more persistent.We also unpack: The “Phish & Chips” campaign and how it fits into China’s broader geopolitical strategy Why pop culture references like Voldemort and Mr. Robot keep showing up in espionage infrastructureAttribution headaches, including Proofpoint’s tracking of multiple unattributed threat clusters with UNK designators How AI, LLMs, and adversary-in-the-middle phishing are influencing espionage tactics The use of RMM tools and spoofed MacOS folders for stealth Why basic backdoors are making a strategic comeback A threat intel team’s deep love for vegetables, puns, and report titlesWhether you're tracking state-sponsored cyber activity, curious about weird malware names, or just here for the expert banter, this episode has you covered.Resources Mentioned:Phish & Chips: Chinese Espionage Activity Targeting Taiwan's Semiconductor EcosystemFor more information about Proofpoint, check out our website. Subscribe & Follow:Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

Send us fan mail!Hello to all our cyber pals! In this episode of Discarded, host Selena Larson and co-host, Tim Kromphardt, are joined by Joe Wise, Senior Threat Researcher at Proofpoint for a deep dive into the chaotic brilliance of mid-tier eCrime actors—including the elusive TA582.We explore recent activity from TA2541 and TA558—two groups known for their uncanny consistency and precision targeting—before shifting focus to TA582: a standout in today’s threat landscape. TA582’s multilayered, region-specific lures (think vintage car sales and fake speeding tickets) and complex delivery models are impressive compared to your typical cybercriminal.Topics Include:🔍 What you’ll hear:How TA2541 and TA558 maintain eerily consistent lures and targeting year after yearThe regional flavor behind lures in Latin America and Europe—especially during tax seasonWhy TA582 feels like a digital jigsaw puzzle, with simultaneous email, web inject, and compromised site vectorsA breakdown of TA582’s evolving payloads, from GhostWeaver to Interlock RATThe surprising links between threat actor collaboration, initial access brokers, and shifting loader trendsHow weird or silly variable names can enable threat actor trackingAnd yes—13 URLs that needs the Tron soundtrack playing in the background to exploreFor more information about Proofpoint, check out our website. Subscribe & Follow:Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

Send us fan mail!Hello to all our cyber detectives and pedantic CTI friends! In this episode of Discarded, host Selena Larson is joined by Greg Lesnewich, Staff Threat Researcher at Proofpoint for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most frustratingly fascinating attribution cases yet.What begins as a lighthearted rant: “10 Things I Hate About Attribution,” quickly turns into a deep dive into the murky overlap between TA829 (aka RomCom), TA289, and the elusive GreenSec cluster. From TransferLoader and malware panels to REM proxy infrastructure and attack chain similarities, Greg and Selena dissect the breadcrumb trail that led to a 25-page blog, a mountain of malware chains (Dusty Hammock? Single Camper?), and an attribution headache. Topics Include:TA829 (aka RomCom) and the elusive GreenSec cluster: What’s the difference?Vertical targeting overlap (and divergence)Malware breakdown: TransferLoader vs. RomCom and related malwareUse of REM proxy and rebrand.ly infrastructureAttribution logic and the perils of shared toolingBonus: Existential mysteries and karaoke mic commentaryThe attribution game isn’t always about getting it right—it’s about asking better questions. Join us in the mess, and keep connecting the dots.For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.Subscribe & Follow:Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

Send us fan mail!Hello to all our Cyber Pals! In this episode of Discarded, host Selena Larson and co-host Sara Sabotka are joined by Saher Naumaan and Greg Lesnewich, teammates on the espionage threat research team at Proofpoint to unravel the multifaceted—and often bizarre—world of North Korean cyber operations. The team explores:What sets DPRK’s threat actors apart from other nation-state groupsA closer look at North Korea’s cyber and physical support for Russia in UkraineHow cyber activity plays a central role in North Korea’s national strategy—not just a supporting oneThe phishing-heavy tactics of groups like TA427 (“Old Reliable”) and the emergence of oddball clusters like “Contagious Interview” and “UNK RageQuit”How North Korean actors blur the lines between espionage and financially motivated cybercrimeThe murky world of North Korean IT workers infiltrating global tech companies under false identities—raising critical questions about workplace exposure, ethics, and potential defectionsThe surprising ways some of these operatives sabotage themselves, including infections with common malware that expose their digital behaviorAnd yes, a Microsoft spoofing campaign actually using Comic SansNorth Korean cyber activity is evolving fast and they explain why it deserves far more attention than it gets.  Resources Mentioned:https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/ta406-pivots-fronthttps://spycloud.com/blog/spycloud-march-cybercrime-update/https://www.proofpoint.com/sites/default/files/threat-reports/pfpt-us-tr-threat-insight-paper-triple-threat-N-Korea-aligned-TA406-steals-scams-spies.pdfFor more information about Proofpoint, check out our website. Subscribe & Follow:Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

Send us fan mail!Hello to all our Cyber Masked Vigilantes!  In this episode of Discarded, host Selena Larson and co-host Tim Kromhardt are joined by James Emery-Callcott, a Security Researcher on Proofpoint’s Emerging Threats team, for an insider’s look at the technical, tactical, and collaborative forces shaping modern network detection.James takes us behind the curtain of rule writing, CVE coverage, and malware detection, breaking down how signatures are developed, validated, and deployed to protect against a constantly shifting threat landscape. From the fading heyday of exploit kits to the rise of infostealers and ClickFix, we explore how detections evolve—and why the most persistent threats often hinge on the fundamentals of networking.You’ll also hear how the team maps detection rules to frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK and CISA KEV, using metadata tags to reduce alert fatigue and prioritize real-world risks. James shares why this kind of tagging isn’t just technical polish—it’s operational gold.But detection doesn’t happen in a vacuum. James explains how the community—through Discord chats, support tickets, and collaborative research—plays a vital role in surfacing false positives, sharing POCs, and suggesting metadata improvements. Bonus highlights include:Why writing reliable detection rules is still too nuanced for AIThe anatomy of a CVE rollout (and the surprising role of an Xbox controller)Signature performance testing and hardware challengesWhy older vulnerabilities still matterA sneak peek at a free Suricata training series in the worksWhether it’s a shoutout to Tony for pushing tagging innovation or a nod to students eager to get started, the message is clear: everyone can contribute to better detection. Resources Mentioned:CrazyHunter: https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/25/d/crazyhunter-campaign.htmlhttps://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/emerging-threats-updates-improve-metadata-including-mitre-attck-tagsFor more information about Proofpoint, check out our website. Subscribe & Follow:Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

Send us fan mail!Hello to all our Cyber Stars! Join host Selena Larson, and guest host, Sarah Sabotka, as they sit down with Alex Pinto, Associate Director of Threat Intelligence at Verizon Business and the lead author behind the industry-defining Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR). Together, they unpack the most pressing findings from the brand new VZDBIR, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the reports are built—and what they reveal about today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape.Alex shares how the editorial strategy behind the DBIR helps translate raw data from 100+ contributors into actionable insights and compelling narratives. The conversation dives into: The surge in zero-day vulnerabilities and growing threats tied to network edge devicesWhy third-party risk is skyrocketing, and what that means for vendor relationshipsHow ransomware groups are maturing and reinvesting like modern businessesThe alarming rise of credential abuse via MFA-bypassing phishing kits and information stealersWhy identity is now the primary target—and how defenders can introduce friction without killing usabilityThe limitations of current threat categorization and whether full attack chain visualizations should be nextWhether you're here for the acronyms, the insights, or just want to win at cyber threat bingo, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the modern security landscape.🎧 Tune in to hear why “DBIR Day” matters—and how this year’s findings may be more personal than ever. Resources Mentioned:https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.

Send us fan mail!Hello to all our Cyber Spring Chickens! Join host Selena Larson, and guest host, Sarah Sabotka, as they chat with Saher Naumaan, Senior Threat Researcher at Proofpoint, for a deep dive into how modern espionage and cybercrime are increasingly blurring lines.At the center of the conversation is ClickFix—a fast-evolving social engineering technique originally used by cybercriminals but now adopted by espionage actors across at least three countries in just 90 days. We explore: how threat actors are borrowing each other’s tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), creating “muddled attribution” as espionage groups mimic high-volume e-crime methodshow these techniques are being tailored to target high-value, often non-technical individualswhat defenders can do in the face of increasingly sophisticated psychological attacks Resources Mentioned:https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/around-world-90-days-state-sponsored-actors-try-clickfixhttps://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/security-brief-clickfix-social-engineering-technique-floods-threat-landscapehttps://www.volexity.com/blog/2025/02/13/multiple-russian-threat-actors-targeting-microsoft-device-code-authentication/ For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website. Subscribe & Follow:Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

Send us fan mail!Hello to all our Cyber Spring Chickens! Join host Selena Larson and guest hosts, Tim Kromphardt and Sarah Sabotka, both Senior Threat Researchers at Proofpoint. These top sleuths crack open Proofpoint’s new Human Factor series and explore one of the most deceptively dangerous tactics in a threat actor’s playbook: the benign conversation.What exactly is a benign conversation—and why is it anything but harmless? Whether it’s a simple “Do you have a minute?” or a seemingly legit job offer, these messages are often the opening moves in complex social engineering attacks used for fraud, malware delivery, and even nation-state espionage.The team dives into:The top five fraud-related benign conversation themes, including the rise of advanced fee fraudReal-world examples of job scams, gift card requests, and a Taylor Swift-themed lureThe difference between financially motivated lures and espionage-style social engineeringHow Iranian and North Korean threat actors are perfecting the art of trust-building through impersonation and tailored messagesTOAD scams (Telephone-Oriented Attack Delivery) and the power of fear and urgencyThe critical role of spoofing in making these attacks believableThe human toll and psychological manipulation behind scams like pig butchering—and why acknowledging the abuse behind them mattersFrom hijacked contact forms and fake antivirus invoices to AI-generated phone calls and scam compounds, this episode blends serious security insight with Friday vibes and candid discussion. Whether you're a seasoned threat analyst or just here for the “lure-palooza,” you’ll walk away with a sharper eye for red flags—and a deeper understanding of the evolving cyber threat landscape. Resources Mentioned:🔍 [Read the full report] https://www.proofpoint.com/us/resources/threat-reports/human-factor-social-engineering For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website. Subscribe & Follow:Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

Send us fan mail!Hello to all our Cyber Cherry Blossoms! Join host Selena Larson and guest host, Tim Kromphardt, a Senior Threat Researcher, as they chat with Andrew Couts, Senior Editor, Security and Investigations at WIRED.Andrew shares insights into his work overseeing cybersecurity coverage and investigative reporting, collaborating with newsrooms, and uncovering the hidden threats lurking in the digital world.We dive into how cybersecurity and privacy reporting has evolved, the growing risks posed by data collection and surveillance, and the challenges of informing the public around security experimentation. We also discuss:Recent investigations on ad tech, police drone surveillance, and the unintended consequences of data trackingThe rise of "pig butchering" scams and the difficulties in shutting them downHow the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) serves as a powerful tool for uncovering hidden government actionsThe real-world dangers journalists face when reporting on cybercriminals—such as swatting and online retaliationThe double-edged sword of privacy—how encryption and digital anonymity can both protect individuals and make it harder to track cybercriminalsJoin us for a fascinating deep dive into the world of digital security, investigative journalism, and the real-life implications of living in an era where our data is constantly at risk. Resources Mentioned:Leveling Up Your Cybersecurity–WIRED Guidehttps://www.wired.com/story/phone-data-us-soldiers-spies-nuclear-germany/https://www.wired.com/story/the-age-of-the-drone-police-is-here/https://www.wired.com/story/starlink-scam-compounds/https://www.wired.com/story/alan-filion-torswats-swatting-arrest/https://www.wired.com/story/no-lives-matter-764-violence/ (Content warning: self-harm, violence) https://www.wired.com/story/the-wired-guide-to-protecting-yourself-from-government-surveillance/https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-take-photos-at-protests/ For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website. Subscribe & Follow:Stay ahead of emerging threats, and