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Evil Twin Attack: Protect Yourself from Wi-Fi Hacks

Don’t fall for fake Wi-Fi scams! Discover how Evil Twin Attack steal your data and learn simple, practical steps to stay safe on public networks.

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The Insider Threat: North Korean Remote Workers and the Cybersecurity Challenge

North Korean remote IT workers have emerged as a sophisticated and persistent insider threat to organizations worldwide. Leveraging the global shift to remote work, these operatives infiltrate companies under false identities, often using advanced AI-driven deception, deepfakes, and front companies to secure employment. Once inside, they exploit privileged access to steal sensitive data, facilitate cyberattacks, and, increasingly, extort organizations by threatening to leak proprietary information unless ransoms are paid.

This threat is no longer confined to the United States. Recent intelligence indicates a significant expansion into Europe and Asia, where North Korean operatives are involved in a wide range of technical projects, including web development, blockchain, and advanced AI applications.

Their activities not only violate international sanctions but also pose severe risks of espionage, data theft, and operational disruption, directly supporting the North Korean regime’s military and financial objectives.

Organizations must recognize that hiring remote IT workers now carries heightened risks and demands rigorous identity verification, vigilant monitoring, and cross-functional collaboration to detect and prevent these advanced persistent threats.

This article explores the tactics, risks, and countermeasures associated with this sophisticated threat.

The Scale of the Threat

North Korean cyber operatives have refined their tactics over the years. Initially, their main objective was to secure remote IT jobs to divert salaries and cryptocurrency to the regime. However, recent trends show an escalation in both sophistication and ambition. These IT operatives have successfully infiltrated thousands of companies worldwide.

Cybersecurity firms, such as Mandiant (Google), CrowdStrike, and DTEX Systems, along with government agencies like the FBI and CISA, report that hundreds, possibly thousands, of companies worldwide, including many Fortune 500 companies, have unknowingly hired North Korean IT workers. Some estimates indicate that nearly every major company has been targeted by job applications from these operatives. This global expansion signifies a broader and more challenging threat landscape.

How North Korean IT Workers Infiltrate Companies

North Korea’s remote work fraud is unprecedented in scale and sophistication. It relies on a synergy between cyber deception, insider access, and global logistics. Hackers create fake LinkedIn and freelance profiles using stolen or fabricated personal data. These profiles are enhanced by AI-generated photos and deepfake videos, allowing operatives to impersonate real job candidates. This combination of generative AI, identity theft, and social engineering helps bypass even rigorous hiring processes.

Once hired, operatives request work laptops to be shipped to U.S. “front” addresses. These addresses are managed by paid Americans running “laptop farms.” In these farms, dozens, sometimes up to 90, company-issued laptops stay powered on and connected. This setup allows North Korean workers to access corporate systems remotely, making it appear as though they’re in the U.S. It masks their true identities and enables continuous insider access.

The combination of AI-powered deception, complicit American facilitators, and the use of laptop farms has enabled these operatives to infiltrate companies across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Their actions siphon millions in salaries to fund North Korea’s weapons program. They secure roles in web development, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other technical fields. This coordinated approach exploits vulnerabilities in the remote work ecosystem. It makes the North Korean IT worker threat uniquely difficult for organizations to detect and counter.

Mitigation Strategies

Organizations should view the growing threat from North Korean IT workers as a call to strengthen insider risk management. The following measures can help mitigate these risks:

Establishing a Robust Insider Risk Management Program

Organizations should establish a formal insider risk management strategy. This involves establishing clear, enforceable policies, training senior leadership to recognize and address insider threats, and setting up well-defined organizational structures and governance mechanisms. Ongoing employee training is also crucial in fostering a security-conscious culture throughout the organization.

Cultivating a Security-Minded Hiring Process and Culture

Organizations must adopt rigorous, proactive measures to mitigate the threat of malicious insiders. This includes conducting thorough background checks, requiring on-camera interviews for direct candidate engagement, and reviewing employment history in detail. These steps help identify red flags that could signal ties to hostile nation-states or fraudulent credentials.

Securing Remote Work Practices

With the proliferation of remote and hybrid work models, organizations should implement stringent identity and location verification procedures for remote employees. Particular attention should be paid to anomalies, such as sudden changes in shipping addresses or resistance to in-person verification steps. Whenever feasible, organizations should require physical presence for device pickup to reinforce authenticity and reduce exposure to impersonation risks.

Monitoring Insider Risk Activities

Security teams need the right visibility, tools, and logging capabilities to detect and respond to data exfiltration or unauthorized access. Proactive detection mechanisms should be in place to prevent incidents from escalating. Additionally, organizations must incorporate insider risk considerations into their overall incident response and recovery plans to ensure a swift and coordinated response in the event of a breach.

Conclusion

The North Korean remote IT worker threat is a persistent, well-organized, and multifaceted challenge for organizations worldwide. It underscores the need for robust insider threat programs, vigilant hiring practices, and ongoing cybersecurity education to protect sensitive assets and maintain operational integrity.

Don’t let cyber threats catch you off guard. Follow Cyber News Live for real-time updates on the newest threats, trends, and defenses.

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Data Breaches News

Data breaches are on the rise, exposing sensitive information and causing financial damage. Stay informed and protect your data with strong passwords and security measures.

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The CVE Funding Crisis: How Budget Uncertainty Threatens Global Vulnerability Management

For over 25 years, the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program has stood as a cornerstone of global cybersecurity coordination. This internationally recognized system, managed by MITRE and primarily funded by the U.S. government, has enabled organizations, governments, tech giants, and open-source communities to catalog, track, and respond to cybersecurity flaws using a common language and synchronized actions.

When a new security vulnerability is discovered, the CVE program ensures that everyone, from multinational corporations to independent developers, can quickly and accurately identify the threat, assess its risk, and coordinate a response. However, in April 2025, the cybersecurity world faced a profound shock. The U.S. government’s contract with MITRE to operate the CVE program stood on the brink of expiration. This crisis casts uncertainty over the CVE program’s future, exposing a troubling fragility in the foundation of global cybersecurity resilience. The potential collapse of this critical infrastructure threatens to fragment the international response to cyber threats, leaving organizations and governments vulnerable to uncoordinated and delayed reactions.

Now, as the world grapples with a funding crisis, the cybersecurity community must urgently find ways to safeguard the integrity and continuity of the CVE program. Failure to do so may result in the loss of a system that has protected digital security for decades.

What is CVE?

CVE stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, which is a list of known, documented vulnerabilities. Established in 1999 and managed by MITRE, the CVE program provides a standardized method for identifying and publicly listing known cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Every vulnerability is assigned a unique ID (like CVE-2025-12345), making it easier for security experts, vendors, and organizations worldwide to communicate clearly. Each CVE entry includes information such as the type of vulnerability, the affected software or hardware, and its potential impact. It usually also has a short description, links to public advisories or fixes, and severity ratings when available.

The Funding Crisis and Its Immediate Impact

On April 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) was poised to end its contract with MITRE. This abrupt decision sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity community. MITRE warned that a funding lapse would have “multiple impacts on CVE, including deterioration of national vulnerability databases and advisories, tool vendors, and incident response operations. Just hours before the funding was set to expire, CISA executed an 11-month contract extension with MITRE, averting immediate disaster. This stopgap measure ensured the continuity of CVE services but left the program’s long-term future uncertain. The incident highlighted the risks of relying on a single funding source for a resource of global significance.

Long-Term Consequences of Budget Uncertainty

A lack of consistent and adequate funding for the CVE Program, or indeed for broader vulnerability management initiatives, carries severe consequences.

Operational disruption

Without ongoing CVE assignments, security vendors, incident response teams, and other cybersecurity professionals would lose a common framework for identifying new vulnerabilities. This would hamper coordination and slow down critical security processes.

Increased risk

Delays in vulnerability identification and remediation can leave systems exposed for more extended periods, thereby increasing the risk of exploitation and attacks.

Fragmentation

Without a centralized system, organizations may use different methods to track vulnerabilities. This can lead to confusion, inconsistency, and decreased effectiveness. A unified approach is crucial for the industry’s success.

Erosion of Trust

The CVE Program enables global cybersecurity cooperation. Its instability could erode trust, disrupt threat response, and endanger national security.

What Businesses Should Be Doing in Response

Businesses must proactively manage risk and build resilience amid CVE funding uncertainty. Here are recommended actions based on expert analysis:

Diversification of Funding Streams

To mitigate the risks associated with dependence on a singular funding source, it is imperative to pursue a diversified financial strategy. This includes actively engaging stakeholders across the private sector, international bodies, and non-governmental organizations to contribute resources. Such a pluralistic funding model will bolster the program’s financial resilience and enable it to adapt to evolving cybersecurity demands.

Enhance Transparenc

Transparency is crucial for maintaining stakeholder confidence and fostering effective collaboration. Regular updates regarding the program’s status, funding sources, strategic direction, and performance metrics should be communicated openly and transparently. This practice will promote accountability and enable informed participation by all contributors.

Invest in Automation

Incorporating automation and artificial intelligence into vulnerability identification and management processes can significantly improve operational efficiency and accuracy. Investment in these technologies will enhance the program’s capacity to respond to emerging threats in a timely and effective manner.

Invest in Visibility and Contextual Security

Utilize tools that deliver broad asset and vulnerability visibility across your entire environment, extending beyond those dependent solely on CVE identifiers. Integrate and correlate data from diverse sources to maintain operational resilience and mitigate the impact of disruptions in any single system.

Final Words

The 2025 CVE funding crisis is a powerful wake-up call for the entire cybersecurity community. It highlights the critical importance of the CVE program and the dangers of underfunding or over-reliance on a single funding source. As the industry works to secure the program’s future, it must adopt resilient and diversified funding to protect global vulnerability management in the long term.

Don’t miss critical cybersecurity news. Follow Cyber News Live for expert insights, live and in real-time.

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Cyber Threat News

Avoid security risks during layoffs. Use this guide to implement safe and smooth employee offboarding procedures.

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CVE Funding Crisis: How Budget Cuts Threaten Cybersecurity

The CVE Funding Crisis puts global cybersecurity at risk. Learn how funding cuts could impact critical vulnerability management. Read More!

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New Report: Global Conflicts in the Digital Age – How Geopolitics Influence Cyber Operations

Cyber always follows geopolitics—where there’s global tension, expect digital chaos to follow.

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Small Business Cybersecurity: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there! So you’re running a small business, or maybe you’re thinking about starting one. Either way, hats off to you! It takes guts, creativity, and a whole lot of coffee. But along with all the excitement, there’s something you really need to think about cybersecurity. I know, it sounds super techy and maybe a little boring, but trust me, it’s one of the most important things you’ll ever do for your business.

We’re going to walk through everything step by step, no jargon, no scary computer talk, just practical, real-world stuff that’ll keep your business safe from hackers, scams, and all that other online nonsense. Ready? Let’s jump in.

Why Should You Care About Cybersecurity?

Okay, here’s the deal: cybercriminals love small businesses. Why? Because they know you’re probably not spending thousands of pounds or dollars on fancy security systems. That makes you a big ol’ target.

In fact, phishing attacks make up over 80% of all reported security issues for small businesses. And get this over 60% of small businesses hit by a cyberattack end up closing shop within six months. That’s heartbreaking. But it doesn’t have to be you.

With a few smart moves, you can stay ahead of the game.

The Most Common Cyber Threats (And How They Try to Trick You)

Let’s talk about the bad guys for a second just so you know what to look out for.

Phishing: This is when someone sends you a fake email pretending to be your bank, a vendor, or even your team member. The goal? To get you to click a sketchy link or hand over sensitive info.

Malware: Short for “malicious software,” malware can sneak into your systems through dodgy downloads or email attachments. It can steal your data, mess up your systems, or spy on you.

Ransomware: Imagine someone locks all your files and won’t give them back unless you pay a ransom. That’s ransomware and it’s on the rise. It’s not just frustrating, it can shut down your whole business.

Scary? A little. But don’t worry, we’re going to cover how to protect yourself.

Step 1: Start With a Cybersecurity Check-Up

Think of this as your business’s digital health check.

List your assets: What tech do you use? Computers, tablets, mobile phones, cloud services… jot them all down.

Check your weak spots: Do you reuse passwords? Are your files backed up? Is your antivirus software older than your intern?

Make a checklist: Create a simple spreadsheet or checklist where you can track things like password strength, software updates, and employee training.

It’s like checking the oil in your car-you just need to do it regularly.

Step 2: Create Super-Strong Passwords (and Stop Reusing Them!)

Yes, passwords are annoying. But you know what’s worse? Getting hacked because your password was “123456” or “companyname2020.”

Here’s how to level up your password game:

Use at least 12 characters

Mix it up with numbers, letters, symbols

Don’t use anything obvious like birthdays or pet names

Use a password manager (they’re lifesavers!)

This tiny change can make a huge difference. It’s one of the easiest ways to boost your security.

Step 3: Keep Your Software Updated

Software updates aren’t just about new emojis or themes, they actually fix security bugs. Hackers love outdated software because it’s full of holes they can sneak through.

Here’s what to do:

Turn on automatic updates on everything (phones, laptops, antivirus software, apps)

Check your software once a week just to be sure it’s all current

Don’t ignore those “Update Now” pop-ups, they’re important!

Think of updates like vaccinations for your tech. They keep the nasty stuff out.

Step 4: Use Firewalls and Antivirus Like a Pro

A firewall is like a bouncer at the door of your digital nightclub. It filters what comes in and goes out. Antivirus software? That’s your security guard inside catching anything shady that slips through.

Make sure you:

Install a reputable firewall on your business network

Use a strong antivirus program and keep it updated

Schedule regular scans (most do this automatically)

It doesn’t have to cost a lot either,there are great free and low-cost options out there.

Step 5: Train Your Team (Yes, Even If It’s Just You)

Most cybersecurity issues start with human error. That’s just a fancy way of saying someone clicked a bad link or downloaded the wrong file.

Here’s how to avoid that:

Hold quick training sessions every few months

Share examples of real phishing emails so your team knows what to look for

Simulate fake attacks to see how everyone reacts

Encourage employees to report suspicious stuff (no blame game!)

It’s all about creating a culture where everyone knows how to stay safe online.

Step 6: Backups, Backups, BACKUPS

Imagine your entire system crashes and you lose everything. No customer info. No invoices. Nothing. That’s a nightmare you never want to live through.

Avoid it by backing up your data.

Schedule automatic backups—daily, if possible

Use a mix of cloud and physical backups (like an external hard drive)

Test your backups regularly to make sure they work

Keep one offsite (in case of flood, fire, etc.)

It’s like a fire drill—you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be glad you have it.

Step 7: Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

This one’s a game-changer. With MFA, even if someone gets your password, they still can’t get in without a second piece of info like a code sent to your phone.

You can set it up in just a few minutes:

Log into your account (email, cloud storage, whatever)

Go to security settings and turn on 2FA or MFA

Choose your method (text message, email, or authenticator app)

Follow the steps to confirm and test it

It’s one of the easiest ways to stop hackers in their tracks.

Step 8: Make Remote Work Safer

If you or your team works from home (or a coffee shop), there are extra things to watch out for.

Always use a VPN to encrypt internet traffic

Don’t share company info over public Wi-Fi

Use company-issued devices if you can

Make sure remote employees are trained on security too

Use secure apps for messaging and file sharing (Slack, Zoom, Google Drive)

Remote work doesn’t have to be risky, you just need the right tools and habits.

Step 9: Have a Plan for When Things Go Sideways

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, right?

A disaster recovery plan is like your cybersecurity emergency kit. Here’s what to include:

A list of critical systems and data

Steps to recover data and get back online

Roles and responsibilities for each team member

Emergency contacts (IT support, service providers, etc.)

A printed copy in case your digital systems are down

Run practice drills now and then, so if something does happen, you’re not scrambling.

Step 10: Work With Cybersecurity Experts

If all this still feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) are like your outsourced security team.

Here’s why they’re awesome:

They monitor your systems 24/7

They’re up-to-date on the latest threats

It’s often cheaper than hiring a full-time expert

They can help you stay compliant with legal stuff

They grow with your business

Look for a provider with experience working with small businesses, good reviews, and clear communication. Ask questions. Get a feel for how they’ll support you.

Final Thoughts (No Fancy Wrap-Up Phrases Needed)

You don’t need to be a tech genius to protect your small business. Just take it one step at a time. Start with passwords and updates, train your team, and build from there.

Cybersecurity is like locking the doors to your office at night. It’s not optional, it’s just good business.

And hey, if you ever get overwhelmed, grab a snack and take a break. Maybe even some farmer jon’s popcorn (it’s a real lifesaver during stressful tech moments, trust me).

Bio: This article was written by Sara. Sara is a highly experienced financial expert, brings decades of managerial expertise in the export industry. She utilizes her deep knowledge to create insightful blog posts, offering entrepreneurs and business owners practical guidance on successfully managing and growing their businesses.

Stay informed and empowered with Cyber News Live! Join us for insightful discussions, expert analysis, and valuable resources that promote cyber awareness and safety in education. Don’t miss out—tune in to Cyber News Live today!

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How to Spot Hidden Insider Threats from North Korea

North Korean remote workers pose a serious insider threat. Learn how they use AI, deepfake, and extortion to exploit organization. Read More!

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The Critical Role of Network Security

The critical role of network security, its core components, and strategies to safeguard data and maintain business continuity

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The Critical Role of Network Security

The critical role of network security, its core components, and strategies to safeguard data and maintain business continuity.

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Phone Number Spoofing: How Scammers Trick Your Calls

Phone number spoofing tricks you into believing a call is from a trusted source. Learn how it works and protect yourself.

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PyPI Malware Attack Hits 14,000+ Developer Downloads

PyPI Malware Attack Hits 14,000+ Developer Downloads. Learn how the attack happened and what developers must do to stay secure.

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PyPI Malware Attack Hits 14,000+ Developer Downloads

PyPI Malware Attack Hits 14,000+ Developer Downloads. Learn how the attack happened and what developers must do to stay secure.

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A Comprehensive Guide to the Patch Management Cycle

Neglecting patch management is a cyber risk you can’t afford—our latest article breaks down the essential steps to secure your systems and stay compliant. Read our latest article.

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Bug Hunting in Cybersecurity: Ethical Hackers vs. Exploits Before They Happen

In a digital world where software powers everything from global finance to smart homes, cybersecurity has become a front-line defence. One of its most proactive weapons? Bug hunting—a high-stakes cyber sleuthing practice where ethical hackers (also known as bug bounty hunters) search for software vulnerabilities before threat actors can weaponise them.

What is Bug Hunting?

Bug hunting is the strategic process of identifying and reporting flaws in software, systems, or platforms. These vulnerabilities, if left unresolved, could lead to data theft, system compromise, or financial loss. Unlike black-hat hackers who exploit flaws, bug hunters ethically report them—often through bug bounty programs—to help developers fix weaknesses before they’re abused.

Why Ethical Hacking Matters

Bug bounty hunters play a pivotal role in the cybersecurity ecosystem. As attack surfaces expand, their work helps close the gap between security flaws and real-world threats. For organisations, this translates into stronger defences, protected users, and far fewer security incidents.

The Bug Hunting Process: Step-by-Step

1. Preparation

Hunters analyse the target system’s architecture, set up isolated environments, and gather the right tools to ensure a focused and safe assessment.

2. Reconnaissance

Information is gathered via passive (e.g., GitHub, WHOIS, public docs) and active methods (e.g., port scans, traffic interception) to map attack surfaces.

3. Testing (Manual or Automated)

Manual testing involves probing inputs and business logic for exploitable behavior. Automated tools like OWASP ZAP and Nessus accelerate detection of known vulnerabilities.

4. Bug Identification

Suspicious behaviours are flagged and validated. These can range from minor glitches to critical security holes like XSS or privilege escalation.

5. Documentation

Effective bug reports include reproduction steps, expected vs. actual results, screenshots, payloads, and technical evidence to aid swift remediation.

6. Reporting

Clear, actionable reports are submitted through designated channels or platforms, helping developers understand, prioritise, and fix the issues.

7. Remediation & Retesting

After patches are applied, hunters verify fixes and check for regressions, ensuring security improvements don’t break functionality.

Why Bug Hunting is Mission-Critical

Prevents Cyberattacks: Identifies flaws before criminals can exploit them.

Boosts Security Posture: Drives secure coding and system design.

Protects Users: Mitigates risks to individuals and businesses alike.

Reduces Costs: It’s cheaper to fix a bug than recover from a breach.

Final Thoughts

As threats grow in complexity, so must our defences. Bug hunting is a vital, evolving discipline requiring a mix of technical expertise, creative thinking, and ethical responsibility. It empowers defenders to act before attackers do—keeping the digital world just a bit safer, one vulnerability at a time.

Don’t wait for a breach to happen. Follow Cyber News Live to get the latest insights, expert opinions, and timely updates that will empower you to navigate the complex world of cyber defence.

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UK shares security tips after major retail cyberattacks

Three major UK retailers—Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods—were targeted in cyberattacks using social engineering, prompting the NCSC to issue urgent guidance on helpdesk security and password reset processes. cybersecurity