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Headlines

US prosecutors announced the arrests of an American woman and a Ukrainian man who allegedly helped North Korean IT workers pose as Americans to secure remote work at hundreds of companies in the US. The US Department of Justice (DoJ) claimed that the operation was meant to produce income for the small and heavily sanctioned North Korea. It’s estimated that the scheme has generated $6.8 million.

The DoJ also claims that more than 300 US companies were affected, and the identities of over 60 Americans were stolen in the process. There was even an attempt to infiltrate two government agencies, though these ultimately failed according to the DoJ.

Security researchers at Proofpoint are sounding the alarm for a campaign targeting AI experts in the US. The operation, dubbed SugarGh0st, uses a variant of the Gh0st RAT malware and is attributed to a Chinese threat actor named UNK_SweetSpecter. The campaign used AI-themed phishing emails to target fewer than ten individuals linked to a prominent US AI organization.

First observed by Cisco Talos, SugarGh0st is a sophisticated variant of the Gh0st RAT, featuring enhanced reconnaissance and data exfiltration capabilities. It involves a complex infection chain that culminates in full remote control of the victim's system. This campaign reflects ongoing efforts by cyber actors to access sensitive AI technologies.

In less dark AI-related news, NASA has announced its first-ever chief artificial intelligence officer: David Salvagnini. Salvagnini, already the agency’s chief data officer, will now be responsible for integrating AI throughout NASA’s operations.

In the announcement, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, “Artificial intelligence has been safely used at NASA for decades, and as this technology expands, it can accelerate the pace of discovery… It’s important that we remain at the forefront of advancement and responsible use. In this new role, David will lead NASA’s efforts to guide our agency’s responsible use of AI in the cosmos and on Earth to benefit all humanity.” 

Interesting Read

It’s no secret that Gen Z is indelibly linked to the rise of an all-pervasive internet and handheld devices. That tech-savvy lifestyle poses cybersecurity challenges, and as this cohort grows into adulthood, those challenges will continue to expand. In this article for Forbes, David Balaban outlines some of the major cybersecurity issues that will come to define this unique generation.

From disinformation to privacy, it’s all here—albeit in rather brief form. Though it lacks depth, it is a well-rounded peek into the future.

Employment Tip: Gather AI-Specific Skills and Certifications

Learning about AI risks and how to mitigate them will distinguish cybersecurity professionals over the next five years. Building a resume with AI-specific skills and certifications is a great way to stay prepared and communicate that preparation to a potential employer.

For the latest openings in cybersecurity careers, check CybersecurityHQ.

Stay Safe, Stay Secure.

The CybersecurityHQ Team