#ESETresearch detected a recent intrusion at a University of Warsaw consistent with #Interlock ransomware gang. Thanks to early warning from our experts and the university's swift cooperation, the attack was disrupted before encryptors could be deployed. https://www.eset.com/pl/about/newsroom/press-releases/news/to-analitycy-eset-zidentyfikowali-atak-na-uniwersytet-warszawski/
According to our investigation, the artifacts and infrastructure overlap with Interlock activity. We observed the use of #NodeSnake RAT and Interlock RAT, both of which are referenced in CISA’s #StopRansomware advisory. https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/aa25-203a-stopransomware-interlock-072225.pdf
The intrusion is a continuation of the threat actor’s campaign described in the April 2025 QorumCyber report, using an updated toolset. Our telemetry shows the actor targeted the education vertical in additional regions as well. https://www.quorumcyber.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250416-Higher-Education-Sector-RAT-MP.pdf
New in this campaign, we saw an updated, more-heavily-obfuscated NodeSnake RAT build. The updated version leverages WebSocket instead of the previously used HTTP. C&C infrastructure remains proxied mostly over Cloudflare’s *.trycloudflare[.]com infrastructure.
NodeSnake RAT was used to deliver its own updates and additional payloads including the legitimate tool AzCopy (for exfiltration), a PowerShell SystemBC proxy and a ConnectWise MSI installer (RMM).
Interlock RAT (adobe.log) is executed via a scheduled task Microsoft\Windows\Defrag\ScheduledDefrg, masquerading as a defragmentation task.
IoCs:
Interlock RAT
CEB69DFDD768AA08B86F1D5628BD3A38C1FE8C1F
Interlock RAT C&Cs:
172.86.68[.]64
23.227.203[.]123
77.42.75[.]119
NodeSnake C&Cs:
deserve-coordinated-fairy-tier.trycloudflare[.]com
survey-tennessee-blind-corners.trycloudflare[.]com
dvd-diagnostic-oakland-signals.trycloudflare[.]com
practitioners-ons-boom-utc.trycloudflare[.]com
donnellykilbakk[.]cc
PowerShell SystemBC C&C:
91.99.97[.]247
ConnectWise C&C:
partyglacierhip[.]top
In cybersecurity, labels can distract from what really matters. At #RSAC2026, #ESETresearch’s Robert Lipovský will break down recent campaigns linked to state-sponsored actors and explore how hybrid threat tactics are evolving. The session focuses on practical defender takeaways - understanding behaviors, improving detection, and strengthening preparedness.
#ESETresearch is hiring! Passionate about geopolitics, cyberespionage and cyber threat intelligence? We have a new opening for a strategic threat intelligence analyst at our Montréal office. Come join the team!
https://eset.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/ESET_External/job/Montreal/Analyste-du-renseignement-stratgique-sur-les-menaces---Cyberespionnage---Strategic-Threat-Intelligence-Analyst---Cyberespionage_JR-05715
Analyste du renseignement stratégique sur les menaces – Cyberespionnage / Strategic Threat Intelligence Analyst – Cyberespionage

Résumé du poste / Summary English version follows ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nous sommes à la recherche d'un.e Analyste du renseignement stratégique sur les menaces axé sur le cyberespionnage pour rejoindre l'un des centres de R&D suivants: Bratislava, Montréal, Prague – tous faisant partie d’ESET Recherche. Description du poste / Job description ESET Recherche ESET Recherche est une équipe de chercheur.euse.s du monde entier qui analysent et ont l'intention de perturber les opérations de cyberespionnage et de cybercriminalité les plus complexes. Nous travaillons en collaboration avec d'autres équipes internes pour améliorer les produits d’ESET et créer des détections de logiciels malveillants résilientes. Notre objectif principal est de comprendre comment les groupes de menaces opèrent pour mieux protéger notre clientèle et perturber les activités malveillantes. Notre équipe produit des rapports privés à la disposition de la clientèle d'ESET Threat Intelligence (https://www.eset.com/ca-fr/entreprises/services/threat-intelligence/). Nous partageons également notre expertise publiquement sur le blogue d'ESET (https://www.welivesecurity.com/fr/a-propos-eset-recherche/) et lors de conférences techniques renommées dans le monde entier, notamment Black Hat, Botconf, CYBERWARCON, RSA et Virus Bulletin. En tant qu'Analyste du renseignement stratégique sur les menaces, vous collaborerez avec des chercheurs.euse.s en logiciels malveillants spécialisé.e.s dans la rétro-ingénierie et le suivi du réseau, enrichirez nos rapports de renseignements stratégiques et informerez nos clients des dernières tendances dans le paysage cyber. Ce rôle n'implique pas la chasse aux menaces ou la recherche technique sur les menaces. Rôle et responsabilités Analyser les tendances et les impacts des opérations de cyberespionnage et de cybersabotage, et évaluer ces opérations d'un point de vue géopolitique. Rédiger des rapports du renseignement stratégique sur les menaces en tirant parti des recherches techniques existantes effectuées par les équipes de recherche en logiciels malveillants d'ESET, de l’OSINT et de votre propre analyse. Enrichir les rapports techniques d’informations sur la motivation des attaquants, la victimologie et le contexte géopolitique plus large pour améliorer le travail de l’équipe de recherche sur les logiciels malveillants. Résumer les données du renseignement, par exemple afin de contribuer à notre rapport d’activité APT semestriel. Intéragir et répondre aux solicitations de la clientèle de nos services de renseignement sur les menaces. Donner des présentations lors de conférences publiques. Déplacements internationaux, jusqu'à 20 % Compétences techniques, connaissances et qualifications 5 ans d'expérience dans le renseignement stratégique sur les cybermenaces ou dans un domaine connexe (géopolitique, etc.). Connaissance approfondie de la géopolitique régionale, en particulier en Asie ou en Europe de l'Est. Connaissance des auteurs de cybermenaces (APT) et du monde du renseignement. Expertise dans l'analyse du renseignement sur les menaces, y compris l'attribution de cyberincidents. Familiarité avec des frameworks tels que MITRE ATT&CK, la Kill Chain ou le diamond model. Solides compétences en rédaction et en expression orale en anglais (la plupart des publications et des engagements d’allocutions se feront en anglais). Capacité de transmettre du contenu technique à des personnes non techniques. Esprit de synthèse et capaciter à résumer des analyses complexes sous la forme de rapports et briefings courts. Connaissance de l’écosystème médiatique et maîtrise de l’évaluation des sources. En retour, nous vous proposons Culture décontractée, amicale et ouverte sans code vestimentaire formel Environnement de travail diversifié et multiculturel Activités d'équipe engageantes et événements de l'entreprise (y compris les consolidations d'équipe et les 5 à 7) Options de modèle de travail hybride Occasions d'assister à divers formations, cours, conférences et rencontres Avantages supplémentaires, tant financiers que non financiers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are looking for a Strategic Threat Intelligence Analyst focused on cyberespionage to join one of the following R&D centers: Bratislava, Montreal, Prague - all part of ESET Research. ESET Research ESET Research is a team of researchers all over the world who analyze, and intend to disrupt, the most complex cyberespionage and cybercrime operations. We work in collaboration with other internal teams to improve ESET products and create resilient malware detections. Our primary goal is to understand how threat groups operate to better protect our customers and disrupt malicious activities. Our team produces private reports available to ESET Threat Intelligence customers (https://www.eset.com/int/business/services/threat-intelligence/). We also share our expertise publicly on ESET’s blog (https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/about-eset-research/) and at renowned technical conferences worldwide, including Black Hat, Botconf, CYBERWARCON, RSA, and Virus Bulletin. As a strategic threat intelligence analyst, you will collaborate with malware researchers specializing in reverse-engineering and network tracking, enhance our reporting with strategic-level insights, and brief our customers on the latest trends in the cyber landscape. This role does not involve threat hunting or technical threat research. Duties and responsibilities Analyze cyberespionage/cyber sabotage operations trends and impacts and evaluate these operations from a geopolitical perspective. Write strategic threat intelligence reports by leveraging existing technical research done by ESET malware researchers, OSINT, and your own analysis. Enrich technical reports with information about attackers’ motivation, victimology, and the broader geopolitical context to enhance malware researchers’ work. Summarize intelligence data, for example, by contributing to our bi-annual “APT Activity Report”. Brief customers of our threat intelligence services. Deliver presentations at public conferences. International travel, up to 20% Key technical skills, knowledge and qualifications 5 years of experience in strategic cyber threat intelligence or related field (geopolitics, etc.). In-depth knowledge of regional geopolitics, especially in Asia or Eastern Europe. Familiarity with cyberespionage threat actors (APTs) and the intelligence landscape. Expertise in threat intelligence analysis, including cyber-incident attribution. Familiarity with frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK, the Kill Chain or the diamond model. Strong English writing and speaking skills (most of the publications and speaking engagements will be delivered in English). Ability to convey technical content to non-technical people. Ability to synthesize information and distill complex analyses into concise reports and briefings. Knowledge of the media ecosystem and strong source‑evaluation skills. In return, we offer you Casual, friendly and open culture with no formal dress code Diverse and multicultural work environment Engaging team activities and company events (including team buildings and after work gatherings) Hybrid work model options Opportunities for attending diverse trainings, courses, conferences, and meetups Additional benefits and perks, both financial and non-financial #LI-MF1 #senior #LI-Hybrid Avantages du poste / Benefits Santé et bien-être Régime d'assurance privée collective Plan d'épargne retraite collectif Programme d'activité physique Supports à vélos intérieurs et programme de partage de vélos Bureau à domicile Jours de congé supplémentaires Horaires de travail flexibles Bureau Rafraîchissements au bureau (fruits, snacks, boissons et café) Petit-déjeuner 5 à 7 / Réunions après le travail Activités de renforcement de l'esprit d'équipe Salon commun (« Living room ») avec PlayStation, ping-pong et baby-foot Activités de Noël Autres Apprentissage LinkedIn/ Udemi Programme de fidélisation (jours de vacances supplémentaires, bonus financier, gâteaux) Recommandation d'un ami Licence ESET gratuite pour les amis et la famille Cadeaux de Noël ________________ Health & well-being Group private insurance plan Group retirement savings plan Physical activity program Interior bike racks and bike sharing program Home office Extra days off Flexible work hours Office Refreshments in office (fruit, snacks, drinks & coffee) Breakfast 5 à 7 / Afterwork get togethers Teambuilding activities Common lounge ("Living room") with PlayStation, ping-pong and foosball tables Christmas activities Other LinkedIn Learning/ Udemi Loyalty program (extra vacation days, financial bonus, cake/cupcakes) Friend referral Christmas gifts Emplacement principal / Primary location Montreal Autres lieux d'implantation / Additional locations Type d'heure / Time type Full time Join ESET Talent Community and we will contact you. This is an option for candidates who haven't found any interesting job opening and would like to send us their CV. ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of known and emerging cyberthreats — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. Driven by science, ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. An ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive, evidence-based approach to security. ESET is committed to world-class scientific research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. ESET's purpose is not only to provides cutting-edge digital security, but also to actively contribute to a more innovative and responsible society in terms of education, science and research. At ESET, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are integral to our corporate culture. We believe in creating a respectful environment, where everyone feels valued and respected, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including race, gender, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. Learn more about ESET.

#ESETresearch analyzed more than 80 EDR killers, seen across real-world intrusions, and used ESET telemetry to document how these tools operate, who uses them, and how they evolve beyond simple driver abuse. https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/edr-killers-explained-beyond-the-drivers/
By following attacker workflows, we identified how affiliates reuse the same vulnerable drivers across unrelated codebases and how individual EDR killers switch drivers over time, demonstrating that driver-centric attribution is unreliable.
We emphasize that in RaaS gangs, it is the affiliates, not the operators, who select and deploy the EDR killers, complicating defense strategies, but also revealing otherwise hidden affiliations.
Our research highlights a significant rise in commercialized tooling, including packer-as-a-service ecosystems and hardened EDR killers that incorporate encrypted drivers, obfuscation, and external payload staging.
Based on these findings and the difficulties of driver blocking, we emphasize a prevention-first approach to defense that focuses on stopping the user-mode component of the EDR killer before any vulnerable driver is loaded, rather than relying solely on kernel-level blocking.
IoCs are available in our GitHub repo: https://github.com/eset/malware-ioc/tree/master/edr_killers
EDR killers explained: Beyond the drivers

ESET researchers dive deeper into the EDR killer ecosystem, disclosing how attackers abuse vulnerable drivers.

#ESETresearch has analyzed the resurgence of Sednit – one of the most long‑running Russia‑aligned APT groups – now using a modern toolkit built around paired implants, BeardShell and Covenant, each using a different cloud provider for resilience. https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/sednit-reloaded-back-trenches/
ESET researchers tied Sednit’s advanced implant team reboot to a 2024 case in Ukraine, where SlimAgent emerged – a keylogger built on the codebase of the infamous Xagent, Sednit’s flagship 2010-era backdoor.
Sednit also deployed BeardShell, an implant that executes PowerShell commands via a legitimate cloud service and uses a distinctive obfuscation technique also found in Xtunnel, Sednit’s network pivoting tool from the 2010s.
Across 2025–2026, Sednit paired BeardShell with Covenant, the final block of its modern toolkit – a heavily reworked open-source implant built for long‑term espionage with a new protocol riding on another legitimate cloud provider.
Detailed analysis of Sednit’s modern toolkits is available at https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/sednit-reloaded-back-trenches/
#BREAKING #ESETresearch has discovered the first known Android malware to use generative AI in its execution flow; we have named it #PromptSpy. The malware abuses Google’s #Gemini to achieve persistence on the compromised device. https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/promptspy-ushers-in-era-android-threats-using-genai/
Gemini is used to analyze the current screen and provide PromptSpy with step-by-step instructions to ensure that the malicious app remains pinned in the recent apps list, preventing it from being easily swiped away or killed by the system.
Since Android malware often relies on hardcoded UI navigation, employing generative AI enables the threat actors to adapt to more or less any device, layout, or OS version, which can greatly increase the number of potential victims.
PromptSpy abuses Accessibility Services to deploy a #VNC module on victim devices, so attackers can see the screen and perform actions remotely, as well as block the victim from manually uninstalling the malicious app (which uses invisible overlays, here marked in red).
The analyzed samples are available on VirusTotal and seem to be used in a real campaign targeting users in 🇦🇷, though we can’t rule out them being a part of a proof-of-concept. At the same time, the analyzed malware samples point toward PromptSpy being developed in a Chinese-speaking environment.
IoCs available in our GitHub repo: https://github.com/eset/malware-ioc
#BREAKING #ESETresearch provides technical details on #DynoWiper, a data‑wiping malware used in a data‑destruction incident on December 29, 2025, affecting a company in Poland’s energy sector.
https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/dynowiper-update-technical-analysis-attribution/
@CERT_Polska_en did an excellent job investigating the incident and published a detailed analysis in a report:
https://cert.pl/en/posts/2026/01/incident-report-energy-sector-2025/
#ESETresearch attributes the attack to the 🇷🇺 Russia‑aligned #Sandworm APT group with medium confidence, based on strong overlaps in behavior and TTPs with multiple earlier Sandworm attacks. Specifically, DynoWiper operates in a broadly similar fashion to the ZOV wiper, which we attribute to Sandworm with high confidence.
IoCs available in our GitHub repo: https://github.com/eset/malware-ioc/tree/master/dynowiper
#ESETresearch has uncovered a new #Android spyware campaign using novel romance scam tactics to target individuals in 🇵🇰 Pakistan, with an added social engineering element previously unseen in similar schemes. https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/love-actually-fake-dating-app-used-lure-targeted-spyware-campaign-pakistan/
The spyware used in the campaign, which we named #GhostChat, uses the icon of a legitimate chat app. After installation from unknown sources, login credentials and unlock codes are required to access the app and individual chat profiles, respectively.
The credentials and codes are not processed by any server and are hardcoded in the app, implying that they are probably distributed along with the app by the threat actor.
This impression of personalization and exclusive access is rarely seen in mobile threat campaigns and suggests a highly targeted social engineering effort. Under its façade lies the true purpose of the app: data exfiltration.
Upon installation, GhostChat immediately requests permissions and begins exfiltrating data – even before login. It continuously monitors new images, scans for documents every five minutes, and exfiltrates sensitive information from the device.
The GhostChat campaign is part of a broader, multiplatform, spy operation. In related activity, victims are lured into scanning QR codes on websites impersonating Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence, thereby giving the threat actors access to private #WhatsApp communications.
The same domain (buildthenations[.]info), also used to impersonate the Ministry of Defence website, mimics Pakistan’s Emergency Response Team and delivers a payload via #ClickFix, targeting desktop devices.
The operation blends mobile spyware, social engineering, and desktop exploitation, targeting users in 🇵🇰 Pakistan. Despite its specific targeting, there are insufficient similarities in TTPs to attribute this campaign to any known threat actor at this point.
IoCs available in our GitHub repo: https://github.com/eset/malware-ioc/tree/master/ghostchat
Read the full analysis on WeLiveSecurity: https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/love-actually-fake-dating-app-used-lure-targeted-spyware-campaign-pakistan/
#BREAKING #ESETresearch identified the wiper #DynoWiper used in an attempted disruptive cyberattack against the Polish energy sector on Dec 29, 2025. At this point, no successful disruption is known, but the malware’s design clearly indicates destructive intent.
#ESETresearch attributes the attack to the Russia‑aligned #Sandworm APT group with medium confidence, based on strong overlaps in behavior and TTPs with multiple earlier Sandworm-linked wiper operations investigated by our team.
The attack struck during peak winter and the 10‑year anniversary of Sandworm’s 2015 attack on Ukraine’s power grid - the first malware-driven blackout, leaving ~230,000 people without electricity.
#ESET detects DynoWiper as Win32/KillFiles.NMO. Customers of our private ESET Threat Intelligence APT reports have already received additional technical details and IOCs to support rapid detection and response. IoC: 4EC3C90846AF6B79EE1A5188EEFA3FD21F6D4CF6
We continue to investigate the incident and broader implications. As new evidence or links to additional Sandworm activity emerge, we will share further updates to help defenders protect critical sectors.
#ESETresearch’s @LukasStefanko will speak at Ransomware Resilience 2026 on Monday, Jan 19 in Kuala Lumpur at 4pm local time!
Discover how Android NFC threats evolved to enable unauthorized ATM withdrawals. Learn about NGate - the first Android malware to execute an NFC relay attack for remote ATM cash-outs. #RR2026