Through the Lens of ISMG: A Week of Global Cyber Operations and Legal Actions | Edition 141
This week saw a series of significant cybersecurity developments across multiple fronts. Researchers reported that Russia-linked Coldriver hackers replaced exposed malware with a stealthier PowerShell variant, while North Korean threat actors infiltrated European drone manufacturers in a new espionage campaign. A China-linked group, Salt Typhoon, continued targeting telecom providers across Europe.
Analysts also warned that the United Nations' proposed cybercrime treaty, influenced by Russia and China, could enable prosecutions under vague terms. In the United States, a federal court permanently barred spyware-maker NSO Group from using its WhatsApp exploit, while separate incidents affected hospitals, telecoms and cloud services.
Russia-linked threat group Coldriver rapidly replaced its exposed malware with a stealthier PowerShell variant, using fake CAPTCHA prompts and cryptographic key-splitting to evade detection and escalate surveillance on NGOs, dissidents, and policy experts, according to new research.
North Korean hackers have been accused of running a cyberespionage campaign that infiltrated at least three European firms connected to the design and manufacturing of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, likely tied to Pyongyang's quest to produce more advanced UAVs more quickly.
The Chinese cyberespionage hackers commonly tracked as Salt Typhoon haven't stopped their campaign against global telecoms, says managed threat detection firm Darktrace. The group has made telecoms and other digital infrastructure a primary target.
The United Nations' cybercrime treaty, shaped by Russian and Chinese influence, could legitimize global digital repression by enabling prosecutions of journalists, activists and researchers under vague terms - despite U.S. opposition and mounting civil society alarm, analysts warned Thursday.
ISMG at GovWare 2025: Conversations That Defined the Future of Cybersecurity
Our editorial and studio teams captured exclusive interviews with government leaders, CISOs and industry innovators exploring the evolving intersections of AI, quantum security, cloud resilience and zero trust.
The discussions highlighted regional collaboration, the role of AI in cyber defense and strategies for strengthening identity and critical infrastructure protection across Asia-Pacific.
Upcoming #ISMGSummits
OTsec Canada 2025 marks its debut in Montréal on November 4–5, 2025, bringing together 100+ IT and OT security leaders from critical infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. Designed for collaboration and strategic learning, OTsec Canada will explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of OT cybersecurity across industries such as energy, oil & gas, transportation, healthcare, and more.
CS4CA LATAM 2025 returns to São Paulo this November for its fifth edition, uniting top ITand OT security leaders from across Latin America. Under the theme “Embedding a Culture of Security Today to Safeguard Tomorrow,” the two-day event will explore AI-driven strategies, workforce training, and national initiatives to strengthen cyber resilience and protect the region’s critical infrastructure and energy sectors.
Insights and Education for Careers in Cybersecurity
When I first began working in cybersecurity education, my background was in teaching, not security operations. Over time, I came to appreciate that this field attracts professionals from both directions - those who begin in education and learn cybersecurity, and those who bring years of industry experience into the classroom.
Read the full blog by: Brandy Harris, Ed.D.
ISMG Case Study
For Saviynt , one of the most innovative names in identity and access management (IAM), the mission was clear: move beyond awareness and generate traction that converts. Read the full case study to learn how!
That's all for today. We will be back next week.
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Have a nice day ahead!
Masters in Computer Applications/data analytics
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