The ClickFix Convergence: How Threat Actors Blur the Lines

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!

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!

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 subscribe! Happy hunting!

Hello to all our Remote Cyber Pals! Join host Selena Larson and guest host, Tim Kromphardt, a  Senior Threat Researcher, as they chat with Staff Threat Researcher, Ole Villadsen, from Proofpoint. They explore the broader shift from traditional malware to commercially available tools that fly under the radar and how cybercriminals are increasingly abusing Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools (sometimes called Remote Access Software) to gain initial access in email-based attacks.   Topics Covered:The growing use of such tools like ScreenConnect, Atera, and NetSupport in cyberattacksHow threat actors are shifting from traditional malware loaders to commercially available toolsTA583’s adoption of RMM tools as a primary attack methodThe role of social engineering in phishing lures, including Social Security scamsThe impact of cybersecurity influencers and scam-baiting YouTubers on threat awarenessThe ongoing arms race between cybercriminals and defendersFrom stealthy intrusions to shifting cybercrime trends, this conversation uncovers the critical threats organizations face in 2025. Resources Mentioned: https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/remote-monitoring-and-management-rmm-tooling-increasingly-attackers-first-choice For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website. Subscribe & Follow:Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

Hello to all our Cyber Pals! Join host Selena Larson and guest hosts, Sarah Sabotka and Tim Kromphardt, both Senior Threat Researchers from Proofpoint, as they dive into the realities of current social engineering schemes —especially during high-risk times like tax season. Cybercriminals exploit fear, urgency, and excitement to manipulate victims, from IRS impersonation scams and fraudulent tax payment requests to deepfake cons and TikTok frauds.Our hosts dive into real-world examples, including:tax-themed phishing attackstech support scams targeting the elderlyjob scams leveraging Taylor Swift’s tourThey explore how AI is reshaping fraud tactics, why scammers still rely on outdated schemes like overseas financial windfalls, and how platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram play a role in modern cybercrime.Tune in to learn how these scams work, why they succeed, and—most importantly—how you can protect yourself. Check out our show notes for additional resources, and don’t forget to share this episode with friends and colleagues!For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.Subscribe & Follow:Stay ahead of emerging threats, and subscribe! Happy hunting!

Hello to all our Cyber Pals! Join host Selena Larson and guest host, Sarah Sabotka, as they speak with Kyle Eaton, Senior Security Research Engineer at Proofpoint.They explore the evolving world of image-based threat detection and the deceptive tactics cybercriminals use to evade defenses. From image lures embedded in emails, PDFs, and Office documents to the surprising ways attackers reuse visuals across campaigns, this conversation break down how detection engineering is adapting to counter new threats.There is also examination of how AI is shaping both cyber deception and detection, raising the question of how generative AI is influencing image-based security.Listeners will gain insights into real-world detection successes, persistent threats like TA505 and Emotet, and the role of instincts in cybersecurity—because, as Selena notes, sometimes good detection is all about the vibes. Key Topics Covered:Characteristics of Image-Based ThreatsGroups like TA505 and Emotet historically using recognizable image luresOneNote-Based Malware Detection (2023) & the Challenges with OneNoteShift to PDF-Based ThreatsPDF Object Hashing for Attribution & DetectionImage-Based Threat Detection InsightsGenerative AI’s Impact on Image-Based ThreatsJoin us as we uncover real-world detection wins, explore persistent threats like TA505 and Emotet, and dive into the importance of instincts in cybersecurity—because, as our guest puts it, sometimes good detection is all about the vibes.Resources mentioned:https://github.com/target/halogenhttps://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/onenote-documents-increasingly-used-to-deliver-malwareFor more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.Subscribe & Follow:Don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe to the Discarded Podcast on your favorite platform.

Hey Cyber Pals! This week we are doing a very special spotlight on a recent episode from Only Malware in the Building. Our very own, Selena Larson, also co-hosts on this fabulous podcast. Be sure to check it out and enjoy!Find more OMIB: https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/only-malware-in-the-building/9/notes—------------------------------------------------Welcome in! You’ve entered, Only Malware in the Building. Join us each month to sip tea and solve mysteries about today’s most interesting threats. Your host is Selena Larson, Proofpoint intelligence analyst and host of their podcast DISCARDED. Inspired by the residents of a building in New York’s exclusive upper west side, Selena is joined by N2K Networks Dave Bittner and Rick Howard to uncover the stories behind notable cyberattacks.Being a security researcher is a bit like being a detective: you gather clues, analyze the evidence, and consult the experts to solve the cyber puzzle. On this episode and since it is February (the month of love as Selena calls it), we talk about romance scams known throughout the security world as pig butchering. And, Rick's experiencing a bit of a Cyber Groundhog Day in his newly-realized retirement.

Hello to all our Cyber Magicians! Join host Selena Larson and guest host, Joshua Miller, as they speak with Kristina Walter, the Chief of NSA’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center.  They explore the cutting-edge collaborations between the NSA and industry partners to combat cyber threats, with a deep dive into the NSA’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center (Triple C).Kristina sheds light on the growing awareness around cyber hygiene, the importance of collective defense, and the role of partnerships between government and private sectors in tackling malicious activity. She also offers practical advice for those looking to break into government cybersecurity roles, dispelling myths about the need for a STEM background and highlighting the relevance of "core skills" like public speaking, decision-making, and risk management.Key Topics Covered:Public-private partnership success storiesNSA’s approach to global collaborationThe shift from information consumption to actionable intelligence sharingThe average American's cybersecurity concernsInsights into the collaborative efforts needed to counter cyber threatsNaming malware campaignsThe episode wraps up with tips on staying current in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, from leveraging NSA advisories to building communities for information sharing. Whether you're an aspiring cybersecurity professional or an industry veteran, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking perspectives.Resources mentioned:https://www.nsa.gov/Press-Room/Press-Releases-Statements/Press-Release-View/Article/3805947/nsa-announces-kristina-walter-as-the-new-chief-of-cybersecurity-collaboration-c/https://www.nsa.gov/Press-Room/News-Highlights/https://www.nsa.gov/Press-Room/Press-Releases-Statements/Press-Release-View/Article/3669141/nsa-and-partners-spotlight-peoples-republic-of-china-targeting-of-us-critical-i/https://www.nsa.gov/about/cybersecurity-collaboration-center/For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.Subscribe & Follow:Don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe to the Discarded Podcast on your favorite platform.

Hello to all our Cyber Magicians! Join host Selena Larson and guest host,Tim Kromphardt, as they speak with Hannah Rapetti, the Takedown Services Manager at Proofpoint. Hannah shares her fascinating journey from librarian to cybersecurity expert, detailing her path into the industry through certifications, CTFs (Capture the Flag), and the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) community.The conversation dives into real-world examples, techniques, and strategies used to identify, track, and eliminate malicious domains.Key Topics Covered:Collaborative Efforts: How teams work together to identify scam websites, gather evidence, and escalate for takedown.Tools and Techniques: Using tools like domain search, backend kits identification, and IP-based connections to uncover related sites.Challenges in Takedowns: Managing lists of hundreds of domains across multiple providers, verifying live activity, and the need for ongoing monitoring.Threat Actor Behavior: How threat actors use multiple registrars or re-register domains to evade detection.Best Practices for Organizations:Preemptively purchasing lookalike domains.Monitoring new domain registrations for suspicious activity.Educating users to identify and avoid malicious domains.Ethical Considerations: Balancing infrastructure disruption with the need for ongoing research, particularly for cyber espionage threats.Favorite Wins: Memorable investigations, such as takedowns during the Super Bowl, fake Olympics ticket scams, and real-time disruption of pig-butchering schemes.The episode highlights the importance of domain takedowns not just for individual companies but for contributing to a safer internet ecosystem. It’s a mix of practical advice, real-life stories, and insights into the ongoing battle against cybercrime.Resources mentioned:Genina Po Discarded Episodehttps://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/pig-butchers-join-gig-economy-cryptocurrency-scammers-target-job-seekers https://www.wicys.org/ https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/pig-butchers-join-gig-economy-cryptocurrency-scammers-target-job-seekers https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discarded-tales-from-the-threat-research-trenches/id1612506550?i=1000677061400 https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/security-brief-scammers-create-fraudulent-olympics-ticketing-websitesFor more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.Subscribe & Follow:Don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe to the Discarded Podcast on your favorite platform.

Hello to all our Cyber Pals! Join host Selena Larson and guest, ransomware expert, Allan Liska, CSIRT at Recorded Future, drops by to share his creative take on cyber-themed graphic novels, proving there’s nothing ransomware can’t inspire—even superheroes. In this episode, we uncover the shadowy ecosystem driving ransomware attacks, from the industrialization of cybercrime to the rise of "small-batch" threat actors redefining chaos. Explore how Operation Endgame dealt a devastating blow to malware powerhouses like Pikabot and SmokeLoader, shaking trust within underground networks and leaving cybercriminals scrambling to regroup.We’ll also decode the evolving tactics of ransomware gangs, from slick AI-powered voice disguises to the surprising shift toward consumer scams. Plus, we’ll discuss whether law enforcement’s crackdown will make ransomware too expensive for crooks, forcing them to rethink their game plans—or at least settle for less glamorous schemes like crypto theft.Don’t miss the Champagne pick that pairs perfectly with ransomware disruptions! 🥂Resources mentioned:https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/2024-crypto-crime-mid-year-update-part-1/https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace-tech/how-scammers-hijack-their-victims-brains/https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/review-attacks-associated-lapsus-and-related-threat-groups-reporthttps://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/major-botnets-disrupted-global-law-enforcement-takedownhttps://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-charges-russian-national-developing-and-operating-lockbit-ransomwarehttps://therecord.media/russian-national-in-custody-extraditedhttps://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa24-241ahttps://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/north-korean-threat-group-play-ransomware/https://therecord.media/chamelgang-china-apt-ransomware-distractionhttps://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.recordedfuture.com/research/outmaneuvering-rhysida-advanced-threat-intelligence-shields-critical-infrastructure-ransomware__;!!ORgEfCBsr282Fw!pYnNQZUQJLJTFlj5w7PcWRjyr6rh-logFnqo03_Mz19RUrK4rftQU1qbTj_iql3KNjn4Ub7a5LsDLpCJgdJQSA$For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.Subscribe & Follow:Don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe to the Discarded Podcast on your favorite platform.