SUMMARY A global operation, led by INTERPOL, nets over 5,500 cybercriminals and seizes $400 million in stolen funds.…

****SUMMARY****

*   **Global Crackdown:** INTERPOL’s Operation HAECHI V led to 5,500 arrests across 40 countries.

*   **Major Recovery:** $400 million in stolen funds were intercepted and recovered.

*   **Cybercrime Targets:** Focus on voice phishing, crypto scams, and business email compromise.

*   **Key Tool:** INTERPOL’s I-GRIP initiative played a vital role in tracking illicit funds.

*   **Collaboration Wins:** Success attributed to international law enforcement cooperation.

A global operation, led by **INTERPOL**, nets over 5,500 cybercriminals and seizes $400 million in stolen funds. Learn about the latest tactics used by cybercriminals and how law enforcement agencies are fighting back.

In a coordinated global effort, law enforcement agencies from 40 countries have successfully dismantled a vast network of cyber criminals, leading to the arrest of over 5,500 individuals and the seizure of more than $400 million in illicit funds.

This development follows the agency’s recent success with “**Operation Serengeti**,” which arrested over 1,000 cybercriminals and dismantled significant cybercrime networks across multiple African countries just last week.

Operation HAECHI V, the fifth iteration of a successful South Korean government-sponsored cyber-policing initiative was a five-month operation spanning from July to November 2024. It targeted a range of cyber-enabled frauds including voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, illegal online gambling, business email compromise, and e-commerce fraud.

INTERPOL’s Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) initiative was instrumental in intercepting stolen funds and bringing criminals to justice. The agency also issued a Purple Notice, alerting countries about a new cryptocurrency fraud involving stablecoins and member countries were warned about an emerging USDT Token Approval Scam.

One of the most significant achievements of the operation was the dismantling of a sprawling voice phishing syndicate operating in East Asia with collaborated efforts from South Korean and Chinese agencies. This syndicate, responsible for defrauding over 1,900 victims of a staggering $1.1 billion, employed sophisticated tactics such as impersonating law enforcement officials and using counterfeit identification.

I-GRIP helped agencies intercept stolen funds sent to cybercriminals, preventing losses and leading to the arrest of additional suspects. In one notable case, the Singapore Police Force, in collaboration with authorities in Timor Leste, successfully intercepted $39.3 million of a $42.3 million sum stolen from a Singaporean company through a **business** **email compromise** (BEC) fraud.

In addition, in the UK’s Channel Islands, the Guernsey Financial Intelligence Unit intercepted £ 2 million ($ 2.5 million) in funds also stolen via BEC through an I-GRIP request to Portugal. This demonstrates the effectiveness of I-GRIP in combating cross-border cybercrime.

The arrest of over 5,500 individuals is certainly a commendable achievement, but it’s likely lower-level call centre operators targeting fewer victims for smaller pay-outs, said **Toby Lewis**, Global Head of Threat Analysis at Darktrace.

_“_These groups target high volumes of victims for smaller payouts, rather than the larger ransomware payouts we see from more sophisticated actors, explained Toby._“_ _“_These are operations that typically operate at scale, stealing 1,000s of USD at a time, which then adds up, rather than a smaller number of big-time operations such as ransomware, which may net 100,000s of USD per target._“_

_“_The stablecoin romance scams show criminals adapting classic social engineering for the crypto era – combining emotional manipulation with cryptocurrency’s complexity to trick victims into granting account access,_“_ Lewis stated, sharing his response on Operation HAECHI V with Hackread.com.

Nevertheless, it will have a positive impact in **reducing cybercrimes**. The operation’s success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies worldwide, as well as the effective use of Interpol’s I-GRIP initiative.  

Right from the control room (Interpol)

INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing the growing threat of cybercrime. “The borderless nature of cybercrime means international police cooperation is essential,” he said. “The success of this operation shows what can be achieved when countries work together.”

Lee Jun Hyeong, Head of Korea’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Seoul, praised the dedication and professionalism of law enforcement officers worldwide. “Our efforts not only brought criminals to justice but also achieved significant progress in intercepting and recovering illicit funds,” Hyeong noted in Interpol’s **press release**.

1.  **INTERPOL Arrests 41, Takes Down 22,000 Malicious IPs**
2.  **Interpol Nets $300 Million, Arrests 3,500 in Cyber Crime Bust**
3.  **Op Narsil – INTERPOL Busts Decade-Old Child Abuse Network**
4.  **INTERPOL Dismantles Infamous ’16shop’ Phishing-as-a-Service**
5.  **Interpol Busts Human Traffickers Luring Victims with Fake Job Ads**

Op HAECHI V: Interpol Arrests 5,500 Cybercriminals, Recovers $400 Million

The playbooks that accompany your incident response plan provide efficiency and consistency in responses, help reduce downtime and dwell time, and can be a cost-saving and reputational-saving measure for your organization.

James Bruhl, Director of Cyber Threat Intelligence, DefenseStorm

December 2, 2024

5 Min Read

Source: Yee Xin Tan via Alamy Stock Photo

COMMENTARY

When discussing an incident response (IR) library, it's not about the number of books on a shelf related to incident response planning, how to create plans and playbooks, or the latest theories or frameworks. It's about your actual incident response plan and its accompanying playbooks. Does your organization even have them, or, if something happens, do you just rely on someone from the IT department to handle it? Unfortunately, the latter scenario is often the case. Even if playbooks exist, they usually haven't been updated in years — and that's if anyone can find them or remember where they're kept. Let's explore the difference between various IR plans and playbooks, emphasizing the importance of playbooks and providing some basic guidance on how to construct them. 

**What Is an Incident Response Plan?**

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) defines an IR plan as "a written document, formally approved by the senior leadership team, that helps your organization before, during, and after a confirmed or suspected security incident. Your IR plan will clarify roles and responsibilities and provide guidance on key activities. It should also include a list of key people who may be needed during a crisis." Essentially, it provides overall guidance for workflow when an incident occurs. 

Incident playbooks, on the other hand, should be part of the IR plan. They provide procedural guidance for specific incidents, helping to standardize responses and detailing actions to remediate specific incidents. Most organizations usually have some form of IR plan stored somewhere, but playbooks are often where documentation is lacking. 

Several reasons why playbooks are essential include: 

*   Standardization: They help standardize actions for a given incident. While each incident may have unique qualities, some standard steps can be documented and applied to nearly every case. For example, in an email account compromise, the compromised account should usually be disabled. 
    

*   Efficiency: Playbooks help decrease downtime by eliminating the need to find the one person who knows how to disable an account or isolate a host. A well-written playbook allows most people in similar roles to complete these actions. 
    
*   Confidence and trust: They build confidence and trust within the organization that incidents will be handled consistently and appropriately. 
    

*   Preparedness: Playbooks enhance overall preparedness and help companies comply with reporting guidelines. 
    

*   Cost reduction: Limiting downtime reduces the monetary cost of an incident (e.g., fines, penalties, legal costs) and mitigates reputational damage. According to IBM's "2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report," IR planning and testing, including playbook creation, are among the top three most effective cost mitigators. The report states that the average cost of a breach is now $4.45 million, with a difference of $1.49 million (34.1%) between organizations with high levels of IR planning and those with little to none. Additionally, organizations with a functioning and tested IR plan reduced dwell time by 54 days. 
    

**Creating Playbooks**

At their most basic, playbooks are procedural documents — a step-by-step guide on how to complete specific actions tied to an overall incident. Let's use a malware infection on a typical user workstation as an example. You get a notification of a malware detection — now what? 

*   Initial analysis: Who does the initial analysis, and using what tools/resources? What questions need to be answered at this phase to determine the next steps? 
    
*    Containment: How and who does this? Document the process and checks to ensure containment. 
    
*   Backup check: Check backups for infection and cleanliness before restoration. Determine how far back to restore from, how to restore, and what tools to use. 
    
*   Removal: How to remove the malware, what tools are used, a step-by-step guide, and how to verify removal. Decide whether to wipe and reimage or attempt manual removal. 
    

The above is not all-inclusive but provides a brief example of the type of information, steps, and considerations that could go into a malware removal playbook. This example can and should be expanded and made more granular. Using screenshots in your playbooks is also recommended. Generally, when constructing a playbook, you can follow an outline like this: 

*   Introduction: What are you solving for? What is the playbook for? 
    

*   Roles and responsibilities: Who is doing what and who is responsible for completing steps? 
    

*   Incident response phases: Tools used, how-tos, identification, containment, eradication, recovery, after-action. 
    

*   Communication Plan: Who should be notified, when to notifiy different teams, legal counsel and attorney client privilege considerations, C-suite notification, etc. 
    

The structure of this outline may be modified depending on the specific type of incident for which you are developing a playbook. 

**Topics for Crafting Playbooks**

Develop playbooks for every potential security issue imaginable. Some scenarios include malware infection, phishing attacks, account compromise, data breach, data loss prevention, insider threats, denial-of-service attacks, lost or stolen devices, unauthorized access incidents, and misconfigurations. 

Once playbooks are in place, ensure those who need to use them know where to find them. They are useless if no one knows where they are when needed. Regularly test and review them to ensure tooling and processes are still applicable. Do this at least twice a year.  

Ultimately, the importance of playbooks to accompany your IR plan cannot be understated. They provide efficiency and consistency in responses, help reduce downtime and dwell time, and can be a cost-saving and reputational-saving measure for your organization. 

**About the Author**

Director of Cyber Threat Intelligence, DefenseStorm

James Bruhl is the director of cyber threat intelligence at DefenseStorm, bringing 15 years of extensive experience as a dedicated law enforcement officer, where he acquired valuable skills in crime prevention, evidence collection, investigative techniques, and crisis management. He transitioned to the field of digital forensics, incident response, and cybersecurity, and in his role, he honed his skills in analyzing digital evidence, identifying cyber threats, and implementing robust security measures specializing in forensic examinations on various devices to uncover critical information and support investigations. He began at DefenseStorm as a security engineer and was then appointed director of cyber threat intelligence. James plays a vital role in incident response teams, coordinating efforts to mitigate the impact of breaches, identify vulnerabilities, and implement strategies to prevent future attacks. He continues to share his expertise by conducting training sessions, participating in conferences, and writing articles on topics related to digital forensics, incident response, and cybersecurity.

Incident Response Playbooks: Are You Prepared?

Microsoft is readying a new release of Windows in 2025 that will have significant security controls, such as more resilient drivers and a "self-defending" operating system kernel.

Source: mundissima via Shutterstock

Microsoft is making sweeping changes to its Windows operating system (OS) in the wake of this past summer's flawed CrowdStrike update, which caused millions of commercial devices to crash and cost customers billions of dollars in downtime.

The incident was a major impetus for the new Windows Resiliency Initiative, introduced and outlined during a session at last week's Microsoft Ignite conference. Microsoft officials said the changes are being made based on what they learned from the July 19 event, resulting in what they promised to be a more reliable and secure OS in 2025.

David Weston, Microsoft's vice president of enterprise and OS security, identified three objectives intended to make Windows more secure: faster and simpler recovery times, more resilient drivers, and tools and changes to how the OS kernel is secured to make it "more effective and self-defending."

The changes will also affect software developers and third-party security tool providers.

"We're working together across the industry and will improve reliability, based on lessons from July, with new changes and standards in the OS," said Pavan Davuluri, corporate VP for Windows and devices at Microsoft.

The new Windows release is being designed to resist malware and script attacks with stronger controls for applications and drivers, while improved identity protection aims to prevent phishing attacks. Microsoft is also establishing a new approach to privilege access management, Davuluri said.

Microsoft will release a preview of the new release to Windows Insiders next July. It will include tighter controls over what applications and software drivers are permitted to run, stronger identity management, quick machine recovery, personal data encryption for folders, and improved OS management and configuration capabilities.

The release is poised to arrive just as Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 2025. Although Microsoft has been encouraging customers to upgrade to Windows 11, which was released in 2021, on an ongoing basis, nearly 61% of all PCs worldwide still have Windows 10, according to Statcounter.

**Enabling Security Partners to Build Outside the Kernel**

Further, tied to its long-term Secure Future Initiative announced a year ago, Microsoft is moving to safer programming languages by incrementally shifting from C++ to Rust. A new Windows Resilient Security Platform will enable third-party security product developers to build their products outside of the kernel, Weston explained.

"We're ensuring this platform will enable security solution providers to have the access they need to detect and respond to threats without introducing complexity into the kernel," he said. "This change will help end-user protection and antivirus products provide a high level of security and easier recovery."

While the moves should make Windows more resilient to attacks, Forrester senior analyst Paddy Harrington would like to see Microsoft tighten access even further.

"I would much prefer it if Microsoft bit the bullet and put the walls back up. That would mean recoding for everyone who messes in the kernel driver world, including Microsoft, but it's a safer method of operation," says Harrington, who first opined on that point in a July blog post.

**Post-Incident Security Summit in Redmond**

Two months after the CrowdStrike incident, Microsoft hosted its Windows Endpoint Security Ecosystem Summit, in Redmond, Wash., with security vendors and representatives of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on hand to discuss how to make the OS more resilient.

Leading into the meeting, Weston indicated that an examination of Windows crash reports signaled the need to change how kernel drivers are deployed.

"Since kernel drivers run at the most trusted level of Windows, where containment and recovery capabilities are, by nature, constrained, security vendors must carefully balance needs like visibility and tamper resistance with the risk of operating within kernel mode," Weston wrote in a July 27 post.

Following the summit, CISA last month published its Safe Software Deployment white paper, co-authored by the FBI, the Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre, and the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative.

Omdia principal analyst Andrew Braunberg says that Microsoft is one of numerous vendors that have issued statements of support for CISA's Secure by Design pledge. However, it remains to be seen if it will follow through.

"It will be interesting to see if there is any change in behavior from Microsoft and other large software companies because of \[Donald\] Trump's win \[of the U.S. presidential election\]," Braunberg says. "These companies may reassess the external benefits of this support given a reduced, or eliminated, CISA under the new administration. There are international drivers for embracing Secure by Design principles, such as the EU Cyber Resiliency Act, but CISA has been the primary advocate in the US."

Nevertheless, Weston described CISA as playing an essential role in determining Microsoft's revamped security and resiliency standards for Windows endpoints.

"They are providing a framework for the whole IT industry to ensure that all partners, customers, and organizations are able to stay ahead of evolving security threats," he said.

Among the vendors at Microsoft's summit was CrowdStrike, which signaled it is endorsing Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative.

"Microsoft's initiatives build on the discussions CrowdStrike participated in at the Windows Endpoint Security Summit in September, and we welcome innovations that enhance resiliency for our shared customers," a CrowdStrike spokesperson said. "The entire industry benefits when we collaborate to create a more resilient and open ecosystem that strengthens security for all."

Endpoint protection provider ESET is offering conditional support for Microsoft's initiative.

"In general, we support this evolution if it demonstrates measurable improvements to stability and strongly stress this must be on condition that any change must not weaken security, affect performance, or limit the choice and differentiation between cybersecurity solutions for customers," says ESET CTO Juraj Malcho.

**Shifting to Trusted Apps and Drivers**

Because many attacks result from users who download malicious or unsafe apps and drivers, Microsoft is adding Smart App Control and App Control for Business to Windows. These features use artificial intelligence to let administrators employ policies that require verified applications, according to Weston. He noted that Microsoft already offers this through App Locker, but it is complicated to manage.

A feature called "robust app control" will ensure that only verified apps can run, eliminating attacks from malicious attachments and socially engineered malware, he added.

**Thwarting Identity-Based Attacks and Overprivileged Accounts**

According to Microsoft's Entra ID data, more than 600 million identity attacks occur every day, 99% of which are password-based. In response, Microsoft has hardened its Windows Hello multifactor authentication capability, which uses biometrics. Microsoft has extended Windows Hello support for passkeys.

As part of its latest Windows Insider build, last week Microsoft released a preview of updates to its implementation of the WebAuthn APIs that will enable plug-in support for passkeys. In the coming months, Microsoft said third-party password managers will work with the native Windows passkey provider using Windows Hello. 

The new Windows release will also aim to reduce attacks resulting from users who have too many privileges and organizations that have insufficient privilege controls, which, according to Microsoft's Digital Defense report, are the cause of 93% of ransomware attacks.

A new feature called "administrator protection" will give employees standard user permissions by default "so they can still make Windows system changes, including app installation, but only when necessary and only after authorizing the change using Windows Hello," Weston said. "Admin protection will be incredibly disruptive to attackers, as they no longer have elevated privileges by default, and it will help ensure that employees do not use malware and remain in control of Windows."

According to Forrester's Harrington, the new app control approach should help organizations lock down their endpoints.

"I think there will be plenty of businesses who still go to third parties because of the flexibility those solutions bring," he says. "But this is a good move by Microsoft to breathe life back into the app control solution. For all those functions, I would have liked to see these moves earlier in the Windows 11 releases, but with Windows 10 going end-of-service next year, the timing works to give more enterprises reasons to move to Windows 11."

**About the Author**

Contributing Writer

Jeffrey Schwartz is a journalist who has covered information security and all forms of business and enterprise IT, including client computing, data center and cloud infrastructure, and application development for more than 30 years. Jeff is a regular contributor to Channel Futures. Previously, he was editor-in-chief of Redmond magazine and contributed to its sister titles Redmond Channel Partner, Application Development Trends, and Virtualization Review. Earlier, he held editorial roles with CommunicationsWeek, InternetWeek, and VARBusiness. Jeff is based in the New York City suburb of Long Island.

Microsoft Boosts Device Security With Windows Resiliency Initiative

The scourge of “malvertising” is nothing new, but the tactic is still so effective that it's contributing to the rise of investment scams and the spread of new strains of malware.

Malicious digital advertisements and “SEO poisoning” that gets those ads to prime spots in search results have been mainstays of the digital scamming ecosystem for years. But as online crime evolves and malicious trends like “pig butchering” investment scams and infostealing malware proliferate, researchers say that so-called “malvertising” is still a key technique for scammers—and still a growing problem.

Instances of malvertising in the US were up 42 percent month-over-month in fall 2023 and increased another 41 percent from July to September of this year, according to data from the security firm Malwarebytes. The company says that scammers typically cycle through the advertising accounts used for malvertising quickly, and 77 percent of the accounts are only used once. The bulk of the activity, though, traces back to South Asia and Southeast Asia, Malwarebytes says, with 90 percent of the ad fraud coming from Pakistan and Vietnam, according to the researchers' telemetry. But as with many components of the digital crime ecosystem, malvertising is often offered as a service where cybercriminals from around the world can purchase ads that distribute their malware or lead potential victims to a malicious website of their choosing.

Jérôme Segura, senior director of threat intelligence at Malwarebytes, emphasizes that a particularly effective place for potential victims to encounter malicious ads is in search results, where sponsored marketing content gains legitimacy just by showing up on the same page as legitimate search results. Such malicious ads can even end up getting prime placement in the layout of search results.

“Scammers are using the power of internet and advertising technology, which allows really immense targeting of the right victim. They can get the right ad with the right intent in front of them at the right time,” Segura says. “The fact that scammers are continuing to spend money on advertising shows that these scams are working and they’re getting a return on their ad spend.”

Malvertising has been and continues to be used in phishing attacks and credit card scams, as well as for distributing malware like cryptominers and ransomware. But researchers are increasingly seeing it being used to infect victims with infostealers as well. And researchers from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report that malicious ads have been incorporated into pig butchering and other investment scams, and even romance scams.

“Malvertising is a cyberattack technique that injects malicious code within digital ads,” UNODC notes in a recent report on evolving cybercrime tactics. “Difficult to detect by both internet users and publishers, these infected ads are usually distributed to consumers through legitimate advertising networks. Because ads are displayed to all website visitors, virtually every page viewer is at risk of infection.”

Researchers regularly see malicious ads in search results representing themselves as coming from legitimate businesses and organizations. Whether it's a regional municipality, a utility like a power company, or a big business, people will use search engines simply to pull up the URL of an organization. And if the first results or the most convenient results to click on are ads, scammers have the opportunity to buy this real estate.

“The volume of these things is immense,” says Sean Gallagher, the senior threat researcher at Sophos. “Search engines like Google will say they check the content of ads to ensure they’re safe, but the thing is that attackers are using ad delivery networks and can redirect the URL after the ad is paid for.”

Google is clearly aware that malicious ad activity is growing and evolving. The company specifically addresses misleading and fraudulent ad activity in its policies, including a “misrepresentation policy,” and says that it takes numerous approaches to vetting ads and detecting malvertising. Attackers have continued to develop circumvention methods, though, to avoid having their ads flagged or removed. In 2023, Google blocked or removed about 5.5 billion ads and suspended more than 12.7 million advertiser accounts.

The company has also taken steps over the years to label ads clearly and delineate them in the search results layout. Still, any search engine that’s supported by ads ultimately has the two types of content side by side, especially on mobile, where users have limited screen space.

“We expressly prohibit ads that attempt to circumvent our enforcement by disguising the advertiser’s identity to deceive users and distribute malware," Google spokesperson Nate Funkhouser told WIRED in a statement. “When we identify an ad that violates this policy, we remove it and suspend the associated advertiser account as quickly as possible.”

Sophos' Gallagher points out that criminals can often get the most for their money when buying ads for more unique searches, where they can dominate the ad space and get to the top of the results more organically. But both Sophos and Malwarebytes researchers also regularly see malicious ads running against frequent searches like those for Google, Walmart, Disney+, Slack, Lowe’s, and Apple. Segura even says that Malwarebytes itself has to invest heavily in buying search engine ads just to keep malvertising at bay for the company's brand.

“We have to defend our brand so much,” he says. “People take advantage of that.”

Malicious Ads in Search Results Are Driving New Generations of Scams

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a far-off dream—it’s here, changing the way we live. From ordering coffee to diagnosing diseases, it’s everywhere. But while you’re creating the next big AI-powered app, hackers are already figuring out ways to break it.
Every AI app is an opportunity—and a potential risk. The stakes are huge: data leaks, downtime, and even safety threats if security

A Guide to Securing AI App Development: Join This Cybersecurity Webinar

Despite advancements in cybersecurity tools, human vulnerability remains the weakest link, with phishing among the most dangerous forms…

Despite advancements in cybersecurity tools, human vulnerability remains the weakest link, with phishing among the most dangerous forms of social engineering. The FBI’s **Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)** identifies phishing as the most commonly reported type of cybercrime, with around 300,000 incidents in 2023 alone resulting in financial losses exceeding $18.23 million. 

Even employees are aware of these risks, even if they lag when it comes to actually ensuring the integrity of their data and access credentials. A recent industry survey found that **71% of working adults** have admitted to risky behaviour, which can include reusing or sharing a password, clicking on links from unverified sources, or giving credentials to untrustworthy websites or apps. Virtually all of these people engage in risky behaviour with full knowledge of the dangers involved.

This discrepancy between awareness and action is therefore a significant challenge. It is essential to **train employees to recognize** and properly deal with phishing attempts. One of the most effective ways to address this is through phishing simulations, which provide a practical and measurable approach to enhancing how employees identify and act on phishing attacks. 

By simulating real-world scenarios, organizations can establish a culture in which each team member can be an active participant in improving cybersecurity.

****Phishing Simulation’s Role and How It Works****

Simulated phishing attacks replicate real-world threats to test employee responses. Unlike passive training methods such as online educational modules or presentations, **phishing simulation can immerse users** in practical scenarios. Going beyond simple emails, simulations now offer advanced algorithms to tailor phishing emails based on organizational context, user behaviour, and other scenarios, which increases the effectiveness of training.

Platforms that provide this service also offer detailed analytics on employee performance, identifying high-risk individuals or departments. These insights allow organizations to implement targeted training, addressing gaps in knowledge or behaviour. Moreover, when simulation tests take place throughout people’s ongoing work, it can reinforce genuine cybersecurity awareness, fostering a culture of vigilance across the team.

Attack scenarios are executed with varying degrees of complexity. For instance, emails are crafted to resemble legitimate communications, often using common phishing tactics like spoofed domains, urgent requests, or enticing offers. These emails prompt employees to interact, asking them to **click on unknown links** or to provide credentials to unauthorized parties. Failing to identify the simulated phishing email, such as when a user clicks a link or logs in to a spoofed site, then triggers educational feedback, serving up micro-lessons explaining the red flags and consequences of such actions.

Organizations can customize simulations to address industry-specific threats. For example, finance teams might encounter simulated spear-phishing attempts targeting financial data, while HR teams might face phishing emails related to payroll fraud. Sophisticated platforms can also integrate threat intelligence, ensuring simulations evolve alongside real-world attack trends.

****The Benefits of Simulation-Based Training****

One of the most significant advantages of phishing simulations is behavioural conditioning. Regular exposure to simulated phishing attempts trains employees to recognize and respond appropriately to phishing threats. 

This repeated practice not only reinforces awareness but also develops instincts for identifying malicious attempts. For instance, it is reported that industries with higher engagement in phishing simulations, such as financial services, achieved reporting rates of up to 29%, indicating **increased employee awareness** and proactive reporting behaviours.

Phishing simulations also play a crucial role in compliance and reporting. Industries bound by stringent regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA, require organizations to maintain robust cybersecurity training programs. Simulations provide tangible evidence of these efforts, demonstrating compliance during audits. 

By incorporating simulations into their training regimes, companies can fulfil legal obligations while simultaneously building a more security-conscious workforce.

Another key benefit is cost efficiency. Cyberattacks can lead to significant financial losses. IBM’s 2024 **Cost of a Data Breach Repor**t reveals that the global average cost of a data breach is $4.88 million. Thus, preventing just one successful breach can potentially save organizations millions in losses, regulatory penalties, lawsuits, and other costs.

Lastly, an enhanced security posture helps reduce downtime caused by cyberattacks. A successful phishing attempt can lead to operational disruptions that might require extensive recovery efforts. By training employees to identify and report phishing attempts, organizations can minimize disruptions, ensuring business continuity and protecting their bottom line.

****Strategies for Achieving Maximum Impact****

Despite their advantages, phishing simulations face challenges. Employees may feel tricked or resentful, perceiving simulations as punitive rather than educational. To address this, organizations should focus on transparency and communication, framing simulations as a learning opportunity rather than a test to foster cooperation.

Additionally, simulations must strike a balance between realism and ethical boundaries. Overly deceptive tactics can harm trust within the organization. Clear policies and ethical guidelines ensure simulations remain constructive. Organizations also need to establish protocols, such as debriefing, to ensure a collaborative environment and to incorporate lessons learned into further simulation activities.

To maximize the effectiveness of phishing simulations, organizations should implement a structured approach. Start with a baseline assessment to gauge the current level of phishing awareness among employees. This initial evaluation provides a clear starting point and helps identify specific weaknesses that need attention.

Next, regular and varied simulations should be conducted at unpredictable intervals to maintain employee vigilance. By keeping simulations unpredictable, employees remain alert and less likely to become desensitized. Additionally, the simulations should cover a wide range of scenarios to address different phishing tactics, such as email scams, spear phishing, and social engineering, ensuring employees are prepared for all types of attacks.

It is also important to use data-driven adjustments. Analytics from simulations should be used to refine training programs, focusing on areas where employees struggle the most. 

Engaging leadership involvement in the simulations can further strengthen the training. When leadership participates, it sets a positive example and reinforces the importance of cybersecurity across the organization, reducing vulnerabilities like **CEO fraud** or whale phishing.

Finally, establish a continuous feedback loop. After each simulation, provide immediate feedback to employees through debriefing, highlighting key lessons and areas for improvement. This ensures that the learning process remains ongoing.

****The Takeaway****

Phishing simulation can be an impactful component of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy. It bridges the gap between theoretical training and real-world applications. Organizations can use this proactive stance to enhance awareness, empower the workforce, and build a resilient cybersecurity culture.

1.  **4 Ways For Employees To Distinguish Phishing Attacks**
2.  **99% of UAE’s .ae Domains Exposed to Phishing, Spoofing**
3.  **GitLoker-Linked GoIssue Phishing Tool Targets GitHub Users**
4.  **Phishing Attacks Bypass Microsoft 365 Email Safety Warnings**
5.  **Future of Phishing Email Training for Employees in Cybersecurity**

Why Simulating Phishing Attacks Is the Best Way to Train Employees

AI is transforming business in 2025, from hyper-personalization to ethical AI. Success lies in mastering it to enhance innovation, efficiency, and trust while staying competitive.

Let’s admit it, everyone is tired of hearing about Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s the tech world’s favourite trendy term, and for good reason: AI has transformed everything from how we shop to how businesses make decisions. But here’s the catch; when AI is everywhere, the real challenge is making it work smarter for your organization.

In 2025, success won’t come from simply using AI but from mastering it to maximize efficiency and innovation. The companies that thrive will be the ones leveraging AI to its fullest potential, ensuring it serves their unique goals while staying ahead of competitors.

****Hyper-Personalization: Goodbye, One-Size-Fits-All****

In 2025, the days of generic marketing and cookie-cutter customer experiences will feel as outdated as flip phones. AI-powered hyper-personalization will allow businesses to deliver uniquely tailored interactions, making every customer feel like their needs are front and center.

Picture this: a coffee shop chain uses AI to analyze customer behaviour, weather patterns, and local trends to suggest not just what drink you might want, but also when you’re most likely to need it. The result? A customer experience so seamless it feels intuitive.

Businesses that embrace this level of personalization will see increased customer loyalty and engagement. On the flip side, those who cling to outdated strategies risk becoming invisible in a competitive market.

****Generative AI: Creativity Meets Efficiency****

Generative AI has come a long way from simple chatbots and image generators. In 2025, it will be a cornerstone of business operations, especially in marketing, design, and content creation.

Need an ad campaign? AI can draft multiple variations in minutes, tailored to specific demographics. Designing a product prototype? AI tools can generate concepts faster than traditional processes ever allowed.

However, the true value of generative AI lies in complementing—not replacing—human creativity. By handling repetitive tasks and providing fresh ideas, AI lets teams focus on innovation and strategy. Businesses that balance human ingenuity and AI efficiency will stand out in a crowded marketplace.

****AI-Augmented Workforces: Empowering Employees, Not Replacing Them****

The narrative that AI will eliminate jobs has given way to a more nuanced truth: AI is here to enhance human potential. By taking over repetitive and mundane tasks, AI frees up employees to focus on higher-value work.

Imagine a project manager using AI tools to predict project timelines, allocate resources, and flag potential risks—all in seconds. Or a customer service representative equipped with AI-powered insights to resolve complex queries faster and with greater accuracy.

In 2025, successful businesses will invest in training their workforce to work alongside AI, maximizing productivity while fostering innovation. The organizations that recognize this partnership as an asset will reap the rewards of a more engaged and efficient team.

****AI in Cybersecurity: Staying One Step Ahead****

As cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated, businesses can no longer rely on reactive security. In 2025, AI will be the backbone of proactive cybersecurity strategies, identifying and mitigating risks before they escalate.

AI systems can analyze network activity in real time, flagging anomalies that could indicate a breach. Unlike traditional methods, these systems learn and adapt continuously, staying ahead of evolving threats.

But it’s not just about security; it’s about trust. Customers are increasingly aware of data privacy concerns, and businesses that adopt strong AI-driven security measures will not only protect their assets but also win the confidence of their clients.

****Edge AI: Speed, Privacy, and Efficiency****

Edge AI is a game-changer, processing data directly on devices instead of relying on centralized cloud servers. This means faster decisions, enhanced data privacy, and less dependence on constant connectivity.

Consider a self-driving car that uses edge AI to analyze its surroundings and make split-second decisions, or a smart factory where edge devices optimize production lines in real-time. For businesses, this technology translates to lower latency, improved efficiency, and better customer experiences.

In 2025, adopting edge AI will give companies a competitive edge by allowing them to respond faster and more effectively to real-world demands.

****Ethical AI: Trust Is the New Currency****

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in our lives, questions around ethics and transparency are impossible to ignore. Algorithmic bias, lack of explainability, and data misuse can erode trust in AI systems and the businesses that use them.

In 2025, companies that prioritize ethical AI practices will lead the way. This means conducting regular audits to identify biases, ensuring algorithms are transparent, and engaging openly with stakeholders about how AI is used.

Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a business imperative. Companies that get this right will build stronger relationships with customers, employees, and regulators alike.

****Sustainability Through AI****

AI isn’t just revolutionizing business processes; it’s also helping companies reduce their environmental impact. AI can cut waste, conserve resources, and align with global sustainability goals by optimising operations.

For instance, logistics companies are using AI to streamline delivery routes, reducing fuel consumption. Retailers are employing AI to forecast demand more accurately, minimizing overproduction. Even agriculture is benefiting, with AI tools monitoring soil health and improving crop yields.

According to Relevant Software, as of November 2024, approximately 35% of companies worldwide have integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations, with an additional 42% exploring its potential applications

For your information, Relevant Software is an ML/AI software development company, that leverages the power of AI and analytics to help businesses adopt solutions that drive efficiency while advancing sustainability.

****Conclusion: Thriving in an AI-Saturated World****

In 2025, AI won’t just be a competitive advantage, it will be a necessity. From hyper-personalized customer experiences to ethical governance and sustainability, businesses that embrace AI thoughtfully and strategically will lead their industries.

The true value of AI lies in how thoughtfully and strategically it is implemented. Those who view AI as an opportunity to enhance human creativity, streamline decision-making, and drive efficiencies will gain a significant edge. Conversely, businesses that fail to adapt or view AI as a passing trend risk falling behind.

The future of business is undeniably AI-driven. The question is: will you harness its power or risk being left behind?

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Top AI Trends of 2025 Businesses Should Be Ready For

Whether it's detecting fraudulent activity, preventing phishing, or protecting sensitive data, AI is transforming cybersecurity in ridesharing.

Source: Askar Karimullin via Alamy Stock Photo

COMMENTARY

Picture yourself standing on a busy street corner, smartphone in hand. With just a few taps, you summon a car that will arrive in minutes. This seemingly simple action has now become a daily routine for millions of Americans across the country. But as ridesharing apps offer unparalleled convenience, they also face growing concerns about security and data protection. As a result, these platforms are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to fortify their defenses and ensure the safety of both riders and drivers.

Beneath the surface of this seamless user experience lies a complex ecosystem of AI algorithms working tirelessly to keep every journey safe and secure. Whether it's detecting fraudulent activity, preventing phishing attempts, or protecting sensitive data, AI is fundamentally transforming the cybersecurity landscape in ridesharing.

**AI-Driven Identity Verification**

Security starts at the very first step of the ridesharing journey — identity verification. Both riders and drivers must be authenticated to ensure a secure experience. However, verifying millions of users poses a substantial challenge. That's where AI steps in as a powerful tool for combating identity fraud.

Driver Authentication: AI-powered facial recognition systems use computer vision to compare selfies taken by drivers with their government-issued IDs. This process ensures that the person behind the wheel matches the registered account. To enhance security, these platforms implement periodic re-verification through biometric checks, preventing fraudulent actors from using stolen accounts to access the platform.

Rider Authentication: Currently, riders are authenticated through basic checks such as validating email addresses, phone numbers, and payment methods. However, the potential for AI in rider verification extends far beyond these initial steps. In the future, AI systems could incorporate more sophisticated predictive modeling to detect anomalies in user activity — for example, unusual patterns in booking history or device usage could flag compromised accounts, enabling platforms to intervene before any security breach occurs.

**Detecting Fraud and Phishing Attacks**

One of the most pervasive threats in digital platforms today is phishing. With the rise of sophisticated phishing schemes aimed at ridesharing users — whether to steal credentials or payment information — ridesharing apps have embraced AI-driven systems to detect and block malicious attempts in real time.

Fraud and Phishing Detection: Fraudsters often exploit vulnerabilities like stolen payment information or fake driver profiles to manipulate the system for unauthorized gains. Meanwhile, phishing campaigns attempt to trick users — both drivers and riders — into revealing sensitive details. AI tackles these threats by:

*   Identifying Suspicious Behavior: AI models flag irregularities, such as unusual login locations, sudden changes in ride patterns, or attempts to manipulate driver or payment profiles.
    
*   Blocking Phishing Attempts: Sophisticated algorithms analyze signals like abnormal contact rates, high cancellation frequencies, and sequential anomalies to detect and prevent phishing schemes.
    
*   Responding Swiftly to Threats: When anomalies are detected, AI systems react in real time by locking compromised accounts, intercepting fraudulent actions, and mitigating risks before they escalate.
    
*   Payment Security: AI also plays a critical role in securing payment transactions. Using machine learning, ridesharing platforms can detect anomalies in payment processing, such as transaction tampering or repeated failed payments, that could indicate fraudulent activity. Payment gateways are closely monitored for suspicious transactions, and any deviations from typical user behavior are flagged for further review.
    

**Real-Time Threat Monitoring**

While preemptive security measures like identity verification and encryption are essential, ridesharing platforms must also continuously monitor for real-time threats during rides. Here, AI-driven systems act as vigilant guardians, ensuring safety throughout the journey.

*   Monitoring for Suspicious Behavior: AI systems monitor ongoing trips, flagging erratic behavior such as deviations from planned routes or excessive speed. By using GPS data, machine learning models can identify unsafe driving patterns and alert both the rider and driver to potential issues. This real-time monitoring not only ensures physical safety but also acts as a safeguard against hijacking or driver impersonation.
    
*   Emergency Response Systems: Ridesharing platforms have integrated AI-enhanced emergency features into their apps, allowing users to access help instantly. One-tap emergency buttons are backed by AI-driven systems that can instantly share real-time ride data, including location and driver information, with authorities or emergency contacts. In addition, AI models can analyze data from encrypted dashcams and provide insights into incidents that require rapid intervention, ensuring that support arrives as quickly as possible.
    

**AI, the Guardian of Ridesharing Security**

Looking ahead, AI will play a pivotal role in enhancing the security and privacy of ridesharing platforms. As the amount of personally identifiable information (PII) grows, AI systems will continue to evolve, strengthening encryption, anomaly detection, and proactive threat monitoring. Machine learning models will not only monitor for emerging cyber threats, such as phishing and fraud, but also predict and flag high-risk behaviors like frequent ride cancellations or erratic driving. By deprioritizing these risky matches, AI ensures a safer experience for both riders and drivers.

With the integration of real-time cyber threat intelligence, AI will adapt to new attack methods, staying one step ahead of cybercriminals. Predictive analytics will help identify potential risks before they escalate, allowing ridesharing platforms to take action early. AI's ability to monitor and mitigate threats in real time, coupled with its capacity for proactive threat prediction, will provide a resilient, adaptive security framework.

As ridesharing services continue to transform urban mobility, the role of AI in ensuring security and privacy will only grow. AI will enable platforms to address increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity challenges, providing a robust foundation for privacy, safety, and trust in a rapidly evolving digital world. Through its continuous innovation, AI will not only make rides more convenient but will also create a safer, more secure environment for users worldwide.

**About the Author**

Machine Learning Engineer, Lyft

Rachita Naik is a Machine Learning Engineer at Lyft in New York with a Master's in Computer Science from Columbia University. Passionate about leveraging machine learning to solve real-world problems, she has developed a diverse skill set through academic projects and professional experience. At Lyft, she works on algorithms to optimally match riders with drivers, enhancing marketplace efficiency and profit. Rachita thrives in fast-paced environments and is always eager to learn new technologies to improve her work.

How AI Is Enhancing Security in Ridesharing

Python has emerged as a powerful ally in combating rising cybersecurity threats and tracking cybercrime through tools leveraging…

Python has emerged as a powerful ally in combating rising cybersecurity threats and tracking cybercrime through tools leveraging **threat intelligence**. With its versatility and powerful libraries, experts today can create solutions that run large algorithms and enhance searchability and scalability.

****Unmatched Versatility in Threat Detection****

Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, and tools must stay ahead to counter them effectively. Python stands out with its versatility and a wide range of libraries tailored for cybersecurity. For instance, Scapy allows developers to analyze network packets, identifying suspicious behaviours before they can cause harm. Additionally, Python can be used to create predictive models to detect and mitigate threats using frameworks like TensorFlow.

****Real-life use cases highlight Python’s potential****

Python is incredibly useful in real-world cybersecurity. For network monitoring, tools like **Pyshark** leverage Python to decode and analyze network traffic for anomalies. Automated penetration testing benefits from Python scripts that streamline server and application vulnerability scans. In malware analysis, the Python-based **YARA** library plays a crucial role in identifying patterns of malicious code, making it an invaluable tool for threat detection.

Beyond technical strength, Python’s simplicity makes it easy for cybersecurity teams of different levels of expertise to work together. **Python software development services** are used by developers and analysts alike to easily integrate threat detection into existing systems.   

****Why Python Outshines Other Languages in Cybersecurity**  **

Python isn’t the only programming language out there—so what sets it apart? Its rich ecosystem, ability to quickly prototype, and cross-platform compatibility make it stand out from languages like Java or C++. Python enables rapid development of tools that can respond to threats in real-time, a critical factor in combating modern cyber risks.

Stay tuned as we explore how Python accelerates incident response and powers proactive defence systems, helping organizations stay ahead of security threats worldwide.

****Python’s Role in Accelerating Incident Response**  **

Quick action is necessary for incident response to limit the damage. The automation of repetitive tasks and real-time analysis make Python an ideal tool for this. Its simple syntax enables teams to write scripts that respond to threats quickly and resolve the issues faster.  

****Key ways Python aids incident response****

Python plays a vital role in incident response by streamlining critical tasks. Libraries like Loguru help parse server logs to identify irregularities, while Python scripts enable real-time alerts when threats are detected.

Tools like **Beautiful Soup** automate data extraction from compromised systems, and custom scripts can isolate infected systems to prevent the spread of malicious activity. These capabilities make Python an invaluable asset in managing and mitigating cyber threats effectively.

Python software development service helps organizations improve their incident response, reducing downtime and protecting their critical assets. Thanks to Python’s robust capabilities, teams can accelerate risk mitigation and manage what was once a potential crisis as an ordinary event.    

****Proactive Defense Through Python Development**  **

Python isn’t just reactive—it’s also a proactive tool for combating threats right from the start. With its extensive libraries and frameworks, cybersecurity teams can build predictive analytics tools to identify potential vulnerabilities and detect unusual patterns, keeping organizations one step ahead of attackers.

For instance, Python integrates seamlessly with AI tools for real-time anomaly detection. Developers can create algorithms to monitor network behavior and trigger instant alerts when deviations occur. Additionally, Python’s flexibility allows it to integrate easily with existing security infrastructures without stretching budgets.

By leveraging Python, businesses can reduce the risk of breaches, maintain stakeholder trust, and strengthen their overall security posture. Its proactive capabilities transform cybersecurity from a reactive necessity into a strategic advantage, enhancing digital protection at every level.

****Key Advantages of Python in Cyber Defense**  **

Python is a powerhouse in cybersecurity, offering developers and organizations unmatched efficiency in tackling complex security challenges. With extensive libraries like Cryptography and Hashlib for secure encryption and hashing, Python ensures data protection is seamless.

Furthermore, its cross-platform support allows it to work effortlessly across Windows, Linux, and macOS without compromising security. Python’s user-friendly syntax accelerates tool development and reduces deployment time, while its vast and active community continuously updates resources to address evolving threats. This combination of features makes Python a key factor for cybersecurity solutions.

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How Python Software Development Enhances Cyber Defense

Qualified applicants must be able to test ransomware encryption and find bugs that might enable defenders to jailbreak the malware.

Source: TippaPatt via Shutterstock

Businesses are not the only organizations looking for skilled cybersecurity professionals; cybercriminals are also advertising for individuals capable of creating dark AI models and penetration-testing products — that is, ransomware — to reduce the chance of defenders finding ways to circumvent the scheme.

In advertisements on Telegram chats and forums — such as the Russian Anonymous Marketplace, or RAMP — ransomware affiliate groups and initial access providers are seeking cybersecurity professionals to help find and close holes in their malware and other attack tools, security firm Cato Networks stated in its "Q3 SASE Threat Report." In the past, the firm's threat researchers have noted advertisements seeking developers capable of creating a malicious version of ChatGPT.

The search for more technical talent highlights the recent success of law enforcement and private companies in taking down botnets and helping defenders recover their data, says Etay Maor, chief security strategist at Cato Networks.

"They definitely want to make sure that all the effort they're putting into their software is not going to be turned over when somebody finds a vulnerability," he says. "They're really stepping up their game in terms of approaching software development, making it closer to what an enterprise would do than what is typically seen today from other development groups."

The search for better software security is the latest sign of technical evolution among cybercriminal groups. In Southeast Asia, cybercriminal syndicates have grown from illegal gambling and drug cartels into enterprises that rake in more than $27 billion a year, fueling improvements in money laundering, technical development, and forced labor.

**Penetration Testing Just the Latest**

As cybercriminal groups grow, specialization is a necessity. In fact, as cybercriminal gangs grow, their business structures increasingly resemble a corporation, with full-time staff, software development groups, and finance teams. By creating more structure around roles, cybercriminals can boost economies of scale and increase profits.

Currently, the top ransomware groups are LockBit, RansomHub, PLAY, Hunters International, and Akira — all likely using more structured roles and cybercriminal services to operate efficiently, according to a 2024 review of the top ransomware groups by threat intelligence firm Recorded Future, now part of Mastercard International.

"These emerging groups and platforms bring new and interesting ways to attack so organizations need to be on their toes and adjust their cybersecurity accordingly," the company stated in a blog post. "As they evolve, understanding their modus operandi and targets will be key to mitigating the impact."

New cybercriminals groups are always appearing, and that also means new opportunities for skilled cybercriminals. The first half of 2024 saw 21 new ransomware groups appear in underground forums, although many of those new groups are likely rebranded versions of previous groups that had splintered. Overall, 68 groups posted more than 2,600 claimed breaches to leak sites in the first six months of the year, a 23% increase over the same period in 2023, according to cybersecurity firm Rapid7.

Most malware and tools created by the groups use C or C++ — the programming language used in 58 samples — but the use of more modern, memory-safe languages is growing, with Rust used in 10 samples and Go used in six samples, according to a report released by Rapid7, which noted "the complexity of the ransomware business model, with groups coming and going, extortion tactics intensifying, builders and code 'leaking' — and all the while, the overall scope of the threat only expanding."

**More Aggressive Defense**

Finally, some groups required specialization in roles based on geographical need — one of the earliest forms of contract work for cybercriminals is for those who can physically move cash, a way to break the paper trail. "Of course, there's recruitment for roles across the entire attack life cycle," Maor says. "When you're talking about financial fraud, mule recruitment ... has always been a key part of the business, and of course, development of the software, of malware, and end of services."

Cybercriminals' concerns over software security boil down to self-preservation. In the first half of 2024, law enforcement agencies in the US, Australia, and the UK — among other nations — arrested prominent members of several groups, including the ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware group and seized control of BreachForums. The FBI was able to offer a decryption tool for victims of the BlackCat group — another reason why ransomware groups want to shore up their security.

Current geopolitical disruptions, which can lead to highly skilled people unemployed, are making it more likely that cybercriminals groups will be able to convince legitimate cybersecurity professionals to take a risk and do illegal work, Cato Networks' Maor says.

"There's people ... losing jobs in Eastern Europe because of the current war situation, so unfortunately you see that in the underground forums, where you have smart people there, who — at the end of the day — need to put food on the table," he says. "If that means they have to resort to jobs that are not necessarily super legal, if that's what they need to do to pay the bills, then they'll pop up on these forums and be like, 'Hey, I worked for this company. I have this knowledge ... and I can offer access.'"

**About the Author**

Veteran technology journalist of more than 20 years. Former research engineer. Written for more than two dozen publications, including CNET News.com, Dark Reading, MIT's Technology Review, Popular Science, and Wired News. Five awards for journalism, including Best Deadline Journalism (Online) in 2003 for coverage of the Blaster worm. Crunches numbers on various trends using Python and R. Recent reports include analyses of the shortage in cybersecurity workers and annual vulnerability trends.

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