Russian CTRL toolkit delivered via malicious LNK file hijacks RDP via FRP tunnel
Ravi LakshmananMarch 30, 2026Malware/Network Security Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a Russian-originated remote access toolkit distributed via malicious Windows Shortcuts (LNK) files disguised as private key folders. According to Censys, the CTRL toolkit is custom-built using .NET and includes a variety of executables that facilitate credential phishing, keylogging, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) hijacking, and reverse tunneling […]
Three China-linked clusters target Southeast Asian governments in 2025 cyberattacks
Ravi LakshmananMarch 30, 2026Threat Intelligence/Network Intrusion Three China-aligned threat activity clusters targeted government agencies in Southeast Asia as part of a “complex and well-funded operation.” This campaign introduced various malware families including HIUPAN (aka USBFect, MISTCLOAK, or U2DiskWatch), PUBLOAD, EggStremeFuel (aka RawCookie), EggStremeLoader (aka Gorem RAT), MASOL RAT, PoshRAT, TrackBak Stealer, RawCookie, Hypnosis Loader, and […]
Pixel 10a has no camera protrusion, which is great
For years now, smartphone manufacturers have been increasing the size of their devices’ camera protrusions in an effort to improve their cameras. Even if such a design improves camera performance, it can sometimes introduce usability issues. With the Pixel 10a, Google has taken a new approach by completely removing the camera protrusion and creating a […]
‘Project Hail Mary’ becomes Amazon MGM’s biggest box office success
Amazon’s bet on “Project Hail Mary” paid off, with the film recently surpassing “Creed III” to become the company’s highest-grossing movie ever. And it’s a big gamble, with a reported budget of around $200 million. That’s a lot of money for any movie, but especially for sequels or movies that aren’t part of an existing […]
Sora shutdown could be a reality check moment for AI video
OpenAI announced this week that it is shutting down its Sora app and associated video model, just six months after the app’s launch. On the latest episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Kirsten Korosec, Sean O’Kane, and I discussed what this decision means for OpenAI and the industry as a whole. This move seems to be […]
James Webb and Hubble telescopes reveal Saturn’s chaotic atmosphere in the most comprehensive view yet
Saturn may be famous for its rings, but it has long fascinated scientists for other reasons. It’s a restless atmosphere formed by fierce winds, stubborn megastorms, and strange weather patterns that can last for years. Now, two new views from the James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope are cutting through the ringed […]
AI systems are enabling mass surveillance in the US, but there are no national laws that “meaningfully limit” the use of this data.
For decades, urban planning in the United States has been dominated by the automobile. Few would have predicted that they would one day also function as monitoring nodes. Thousands of towns and cities across the United States have installed automatic license plate readers at major intersections, bridges, and highway exit ramps. Article continues below you […]
SXSW returns as top networking and ideas festival for founders and venture capitalists
The atmosphere was different at this year’s SXSW, the annual March festival where technology and pop culture meet in Austin. It reminded me of SXSW in 2019, when people packed downtown and snaked lines from local ventures. Participants said it was the same this year, but a friend who lives locally and has attended many […]
Hubble images taken 25 years apart show major changes in the iconic Crab Nebula — Space Photo of the Week
simple facts What it is: The Crab Nebula (also known as M1), a supernova remnant Location: 6,500 light years away in the constellation Taurus. Share date: March 23, 2026 The Hubble Space Telescope’s remarkable lifespan has given astronomers the opportunity to observe not only how distant celestial objects look up close, but also how they […]
What would happen to the Earth if the sun suddenly disappeared?
The Sun has been Earth’s partner ever since our planet was born. But what would happen to our home planet if the sun suddenly disappeared? To understand the fate of Earth without a sun, it’s important to know how both came about. The Sun formed about 4.6 billion years ago. During this time, a giant […]