Attackers are using “wrong-number” texts to identify potential targets for scams, according to researchers at Malwarebytes.
These texts appear to be harmless messages meant for another person, such as “Are we still on for dinner tomorrow?” or “Where’s the PowerPoint?” Recipients often try to be helpful by replying to let the person know they’ve got the wrong number. This reply, however, informs the threat actor that the phone number is active and marks it for future scams.
Lead Analysts: Prabhakaran Ravichandhiran and Jeewan Singh Jalal
A new phishing platform called “JWR” gives attackers real-time control over social engineering attacks, according to researchers at Cisco Talos. The kit livestreams the phishing page to the attacker as the victim is entering information, allowing the attacker to steer the victim’s experience and maximize the damage.
Google’s Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) is tracking a voice phishing (vishing) campaign that’s targeting hedge funds and financial firms. The researchers attribute the attacks to “UNC6671,” an extortion group formerly known as “BlackFile.” The attackers pose as IT staff informing employees of urgent, mandatory migrations.
Criminals are now selling malicious AI tools for use in cyberattacks, according to researchers at Trellix. These tools dramatically lower the barrier for unskilled crooks to launch sophisticated attacks.
Attackers are distributing a new Android malware called “WindRelay” via phone-based social engineering attacks, according to researchers at Group-IB. The attackers call the victims, impersonating bank employees and instruct them to install a malicious app. In one instance observed by Group-IB, the scammers carried out the entire attack in just thirteen minutes.
Phishing is still the top initial access vector, accounting for more than half of cyberattacks observed during Q2 2026, according to a new report from Cisco Talos.
