Simply Cyber Newsletter #124

Start your work week off at full speed with expert analysis and actionable intel from top cybersecurity news stories. Share with your End Users, Peers, and Executives to support weekly security awareness with Simply Cyber Newsletter!

FOR END USERS

FBI warns of malicious free online document converters spreading malware. The FBI warns of growing scams involving free online file converters secretly infecting devices with malware. Attackers disguise malicious software in seemingly useful document-conversion websites or file-download tools, aiming to steal sensitive personal information, financial data, and passwords, potentially leading to ransomware and identity theft.

What you need to know: Threat actors are increasingly using fake online file converters to infect devices with malware and steal sensitive data. These tools may appear to work but often deliver hidden payloads that lead to ransomware, credential theft, or worse. Encourage your end users to avoid free online tools and rely only on trusted software provided or approved by your organization. Remind them: if they’re in a rush or trying to solve something quickly, they’re most at risk. Regular reminders, updated antivirus, and easy access to approved tools go a long way. When something feels off, it usually is - remind them to pause and ask. Don't trade convenience for compromise.

FOR PEERS

Why is someone mass-scanning Juniper and Palo Alto Networks products? Security researchers are observing mass scanning activity targeting Juniper and Palo Alto Networks devices. The probes appear to focus on default credentials and exposed interfaces, possibly signaling attempts to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities or gather intel ahead of future attacks.

What you need to know: Speak with your peers - now’s a great time to double-check the edge of your network. Default credentials on any system, especially on perimeter hardware, should be long gone. Confirm SSH, VPN, and admin interfaces aren't exposed unnecessarily, and restrict them with access controls when possible. Review logs for unusual login attempts, and flag any bursty or widespread access patterns for deeper inspection. This is also a cue to verify patch levels and hardening guides across all internet-facing systems. Don’t wait for a CVE to act - if attackers are probing, it means they already suspect weak spots. Treat reconnaissance patterns as your early warning system and use them to kick off internal reviews.

FOR EXECUTIVES

The North Korea worker problem is bigger than you think. Recent findings reveal that foreign operatives have secured technical roles inside global companies, often with privileged access. These individuals appear productive and blend in, making detection difficult. The long-term risk extends beyond espionage to potential sabotage of critical infrastructure and loss of operational control.

What you need to know: When a new employee is hired (especially into a remote or technical role) they should not receive the same level of access as someone who has earned trust over years. Yet that’s exactly what happens in many organizations. Speak with your leadership team about how access is granted on day one, and whether it's based on assumed roles or verified need. Access should be earned, tiered, and continuously reviewed - not granted by default. High-sensitivity roles deserve high-sensitivity scrutiny. Ensure your onboarding, identity verification, and access provisioning reflect a trust-but-verify approach. Insider risk isn't just theoretical; state-backed actors are actively exploiting onboarding gaps. Your questions and expectations help set the tone and prioritize a scalable, defensible access strategy from the top down.

LET’S CONNECT

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As always, please send me feedback. Which tip above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Please let me know. Just send a DM on X with #actionableintel in the subject so I can find it.

Find more about what’s happening this week in the Simply Cyber community, below.

Thank you and see you again next time! Have a great week, #TeamSC!

Gerry

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SC MEDIA GROUP SIMPLY DEFENSIVE RETURNS!

When: Monday, April 7 at 9:30 AM ET | Presented by: Simply Cyber Media Group

S3 E1: Building Effective Cyber Defense Teams

In this episode of Simply Defensive, hosts Josh Mason and Wade Wells are joined by special guest Fletus Poston III, a seasoned cyber defense expert with nearly 18 years of experience.

Learn about the complexities of cyber defense in various industries, discussing the pros and cons of regulatory red tape, the impact of audits on cybersecurity, and the dynamics between internal and external red teams.

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SC MEDIA GROUP 2 CYBER CHICKS

When: Wednesday, April 9 at 9:30 AM ET | Presented by: Simply Cyber Media Group

S6 E4: Hacking the Job Market: Navigating Layoffs, AI Filters & Building Authentic Connections

In this episode of 2 Cyber Chicks, Jax and Erika dive into the current state of the labor force and the macroeconomic factors shaping the job market. With roles being eliminated, a shift towards junior positions, and companies expecting employees to do more with less, it’s more important than ever to be strategic in your job search and professional growth.

Tune in after the Daily Cyber Threat Brief and join us in hacking the job market!

SIMPLY CYBER FIRESIDES PENTESTING & PODCASTING

When: Thursday, April 10 at 4:30 PM ET | Presented by: Simply Cyber Media Group

Join us for an engaging cybersecurity conversation as host Gerald Auger, Ph.D. welcomes special guest Phillip Wylie to this week's Simply Cyber Firesides where we'll explore the fascinating intersection of Pentesting and Podcasting!

Phillip Wylie brings over 25 years of cybersecurity expertise to our fireside chat. As an offensive security veteran and founder of The Pwn School Project and DEFCON Group 940, Phillip has mastered multiple security disciplines including network security, pentesting, and red team operations.

Join us live this Thursday and get your questions answered live!

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