personal safety

Cyber-crime Increasingly Coming with Threats of Physical Violence

Cyber-crime is increasingly accompanied by threats of physical violence, with attackers targeting employees of companies under cyber-attack by accessing their personal data and issuing intimidation or actual harm threats. FBI data shows a significant rise in such incidents in the US, with nearly half of ransomware attacks including physical threats, and criminals sometimes hiring others to carry out or threaten violence as part of extortion strategies.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr71d8vyjv0o

How Fake Party Invitations Are Being Used to Install Remote Access Tools

Fake party invitations are being used in a scam to trick victims into installing ScreenConnect, a remote access tool, on their Windows computers. Victims receive emails that appear friendly and informal, leading to a seemingly innocent invitation link. Clicking the link downloads an MSI file disguised as an invitation, which silently installs ScreenConnect, allowing attackers full control of the victim's computer. The scam exploits human curiosity and urgency, often going unnoticed until suspicious behavior occurs on the system. To protect against this scam, users should be wary of unsolicited invitations, avoid running unknown MSI files, and verify invitations through other channels.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/threat-intel/2026/02/how-fake-party-invitations-are-being-used-to-install-remote-access-tools

Crypto Investors Face Violent Home Robberies

Surging cryptocurrency interest has led to a spike in violent home invasions and kidnappings targeting small-time investors. Julia Goodwin, a wealthy retiree, faced a harrowing experience when armed intruders broke into her home, demanding access to her crypto assets after initially losing a significant amount in a cyber hack. These crimes reflect a broader trend where criminals transition from digital hacks to physical attacks, often employing brutal tactics. Reports indicate over 215 physical crypto-related assaults since 2020, highlighting a shift towards targeting everyday individuals rather than just high-profile figures. The landscape is changing, as thieves adapt to the unique vulnerabilities that come with digital asset ownership.

https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2026-crypto-thieves-kidnappers/?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc2NzM3MDQ4OCwiZXhwIjoxNzY3OTc1Mjg4LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUODhWNEFLR0lGU0kwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJFN0UyN0Q2RDgyQjc0MEQzQTQzNkUzN0Y2ODE5MUNEMyJ9.gyY_IKMmtzAFYwqMBE48BWey6a0cRDPgL2J3QHfIvmU

Android Mobile Adware Surges in Second Half of 2025

Android adware surged in late 2025, with detections nearly doubling and malicious threats becoming more organized. Cybercriminals shifted from simple scams to sophisticated frameworks, employing tools like MobiDash and Triada for ongoing data theft and fraud. Users should prioritize mobile security by using trusted app stores, scrutinizing permissions, avoiding sideloaded apps, and employing real-time security software.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/mobile/2025/12/android-threats-in-2025-when-your-phone-becomes-the-main-attack-surface

New Android Malware Lets Criminals Control Your Phone and Drain Your Bank Account

New Android malware, Albiriox, allows attackers remote control of infected phones to siphon money from bank and crypto accounts. It operates as Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS), targeting over 400 financial apps globally. Albiriox employs advanced techniques like live streaming, automated clicks, and stealth operations to evade detection, making it a significant threat. Users should only install trusted apps, verify permissions, and utilize up-to-date anti-malware solutions for protection.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2025/12/new-android-malware-lets-criminals-control-your-phone-and-drain-your-bank-account

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