Insights

Cyvex Security researchers have been monitoring an uptick in banking malware activity over the past quarter. New variants like DarkBanker and SwiftStealer are aggressively targeting European financial institutions, luring victims through convincing phishing emails and malicious mobile apps. Many attacks begin with an innocuous-looking email claiming to be from a legitimate bank. Once the user opens the attachment or clicks the embedded link, the malware installs silently and tries to steal account credentials. Our threat intelligence team has seen similar campaigns spread across Germany, France, and Italy, each leveraging localized lures to increase credibility. The latest variants are also making use of hidden virtual network computing (VNC) modules. These allow attackers to proxy a user’s session from inside their organization, bypassing certain multi-factor authentication schemes. Financial security teams should pay close attention to any suspicious lateral movement combined with anomalous remote desktop sessions. Incident responders can reference recent advisories from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (<a href="https://www.enisa.europa.eu">ENISA</a>) for recommended mitigation strategies. Keeping endpoint detection and response tools up to date is critical, as many strains attempt to disable security software immediately upon execution. For organizations looking to strengthen their defenses, we offer detailed threat briefings and malware reverse-engineering reports. You can request more information from our <a href="/contact">contact page</a> or follow the latest industry analysis on security sites like <a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com">BleepingComputer</a>. As always, employees should remain cautious about unsolicited attachments and links, especially those referencing financial accounts. Training staff on how to spot phishing attempts remains one of the most effective methods of reducing exposure. By combining awareness with layered technical controls, businesses can minimize the risk posed by modern banking malware.

Our weekly security roundup gathers notable incidents and highlights emerging trends so you don't have to scour dozens of sites for the latest news. This week saw several high-profile ransomware events targeting healthcare providers across the United States. According to information shared by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (<a href="https://www.cisa.gov">CISA</a>), attackers exploited unpatched remote desktop services to gain an initial foothold. Once inside the networks, they moved laterally and encrypted sensitive patient data, demanding hefty payments for decryption keys. Hospitals affected are working with law enforcement, but recovery efforts are ongoing. Meanwhile, software vendors released critical patches addressing newly discovered vulnerabilities in widely used email platforms. Administrators are urged to apply these updates immediately, as proof-of-concept exploits have already appeared online. If you rely on third-party IT services, confirm that your provider has deployed the patches. Our team has a step-by-step checklist available on our <a href="/blog/phishing-simulation-guide">Knowledge Hub</a> that outlines best practices for verifying patch status and monitoring for suspicious activity. In more positive news, an international law enforcement operation successfully disrupted a major phishing-as-a-service network. Details were provided in a press conference and mirrored on reputable sources like <a href="https://www.scmagazine.com">SC Media</a>. The operation seized servers and arrested key operators, temporarily hindering the distribution of phishing kits around the globe. For a deeper dive into how these underground services operate, check out our analysis of <a href="/blog/banking-malware-trends">banking malware trends</a>, which explains how stolen credentials are frequently monetized via similar infrastructure. Looking ahead to next week, we'll continue monitoring for follow-up attacks and newly released security advisories. Stay tuned for updates on our blog, and reach out if you need tailored assistance responding to any of the issues mentioned above.

Cyvex's new ThreatSync module uses machine learning to flag unusual behavior across endpoints and cloud workloads, giving defenders minutes, not hours, to contain intrusions. The release comes as attackers begin weaponizing generative AI for faster phishing and lateral movement.\n\nEarly adopters report a 35% reduction in dwell time after integrating ThreatSync into their security stack. For a closer look at how ThreatSync integrates with existing SIEM tooling, visit our solutions page or contact us for a demo.

Each year the global cybersecurity community waits with anticipation for the publication of our Annual Threat Report. This comprehensive document provides a snapshot of the most significant attack trends, breakthrough techniques, and lessons learned from the past twelve months. In 2024, we saw a surge in supply chain compromises, where adversaries targeted widely used software components to gain footholds in multiple organizations at once. Notable examples include attacks on major managed service providers and open-source libraries trusted by thousands of developers. The report also dedicates a chapter to the continuing rise of ransomware. While high-profile cases dominate headlines, many small and medium businesses remain the primary targets. They often lack the resources for robust incident response or negotiating with criminal groups. To illustrate the broader impact, we partnered with <a href="https://www.recordedfuture.com">Recorded Future</a> to compile statistics on average ransom demands, downtime, and the cost of rebuilding systems. The numbers are sobering: some companies experienced weeks of disruption and millions in recovery expenses. However, there are bright spots, including new public-private partnerships aimed at dismantling ransomware infrastructure. Another key section addresses the evolving threat of nation-state espionage. Sophisticated intrusions continue to strike sectors such as energy, defense, and technology. We include case studies detailing how attackers used zero-day vulnerabilities and living-off-the-land techniques to remain undetected for months. For additional insights, see our companion research at <a href="https://cyvex.io/blog/nation-state-espionage">Nation-State Espionage Operations</a>. By studying these events, security teams can better identify early warning signs and implement defenses before intrusions escalate. Download the full report from our <a href="/contact">contact page</a> or follow industry updates from partners like <a href="https://www.mitre.org">MITRE</a>. We encourage you to share feedback or request a custom briefing to dive deeper into the findings. Staying informed is essential to building a resilient security strategy for the year ahead.

Phishing simulations are a proven method to measure employee awareness and improve your overall security posture. When run correctly, these tests reveal how users respond to suspicious emails and help organizations tailor their training programs. Our guide walks you through the process of launching an effective campaign while minimizing negative effects on staff morale. Begin by securing leadership buy-in and clearly communicating that simulations are designed to educate, not punish. Transparency fosters trust and ensures employees take the results seriously. Start small by crafting simple email templates that mimic common phishing techniques, such as urgent password reset requests or fraudulent invoices. When designing messages, try to replicate real-world scenarios your staff could encounter. Popular frameworks like <a href="https://github.com/gophish/gophish">GoPhish</a> make it straightforward to track who clicked or submitted credentials. For additional context, review guidance from <a href="https://www.nist.gov">NIST</a> on training and awareness best practices. Once your test is prepared, launch it quietly and monitor the responses. Collecting results is only half the battle. It's important to provide constructive feedback to participants. A short training module or live discussion can reinforce the indicators they may have missed. Our <a href="/blog/weekly-security-roundup">Weekly Security Roundup</a> often includes examples of trending phishing lures you can incorporate into future tests. By repeating simulations regularly and gradually increasing complexity, you build a more resilient workforce. Metrics from these campaigns can also inform your security program; for example, if a high percentage of users fall for credential-harvesting pages, prioritize multi-factor authentication and user education. Remember to celebrate improvements as they happen. Recognizing departments that show progress encourages continued vigilance. Ultimately, phishing simulations should foster a culture where employees feel empowered to report suspicious activity and know exactly how to respond. Through persistence and transparency, you can transform potential weaknesses into collective strength.