With fake and synthetic identities emerging as a potent tool for nefarious actors, the threat of cyber deception looms large. Recent revelations shed light on the sophisticated tactics employed by individuals seeking to infiltrate organizations using fraudulent personas. This blog explores the evolving landscape of synthetic identities, the imperative for businesses to bolster their defenses, and Constella’s innovative response with its Advanced Know Your Employee (KYE) solution.

Unveiling the Elaborate Ruse

Across industries and borders, malicious actors are employing elaborate strategies to deceive organizations and gain unauthorized access. Through fake names, counterfeit documents, and meticulously crafted online profiles, these actors seek to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise sensitive information. Constella’s advanced capabilities, leveraging the world’s largest data lake of more than 1 trillion assets collected from the surface, deep, and dark web, can reveal the widespread presence of synthetic identities across freelancing platforms, online communities, and even within existing organizations, underscoring the pervasive nature of this threat.

The Mechanics of Synthetic Identities

Synthetic identities are not merely a collection of false information but carefully constructed personas designed to evade traditional verification processes. Fraudsters combine real and fabricated data to create these identities, making them harder to detect. This sophisticated approach allows them to open bank accounts, apply for credit, and gain employment under assumed identities.

According to a TransUnion report, synthetic identity fraud reached record levels in 2023, with U.S. lender exposure to synthetic identities reaching a staggering $2.9 billion.

Warning on a Global Scale: A Call to Vigilance

Late last year, Reuters broke a startling revelation: The North Korean government had been orchestrating a covert operation using synthetic identities to infiltrate Western companies, aiding its weapons programs.

In this high-stakes investigation, Constella’s solution helped to sift through millions of data points to identify anomalies and potential threats. This capability is invaluable in helping organizations in uncovering synthetic identities—fake personas constructed using a combination of real and fabricated information. By cross-referencing data from various sources, Constella is able to pinpoint inconsistencies that flag potential synthetic identities used by operatives or other malicious actors.

On May 16, 2024, the FBI issued an advisory to help companies recognize and counter threats related to fake IT workers entering the U.S. workforce. Stressing the importance of rigorous identity verification processes, the advisories outlined red flags and specific measures, including comprehensive background checks and video interviews. The imperative for businesses to enhance their identity verification processes and fortify their defenses against cyber deception has never been clearer. That same day, The DOJ announced multiple arrests linked to the scheme, targeting individuals who facilitated using stolen identities. Among those arrested was Christina Marie Chapman from Arizona, who ran “laptop farms” to help North Korean IT workers remotely access company networks under false pretenses. These actions are part of a broader strategy to dismantle the network and hold those who enable such fraud accountable. 

Constella’s Groundbreaking Response: Advanced KYE Solution

Constella Intelligence introduced its Advanced Know Your Employee (KYE) solution in response to the escalating threat landscape. Leveraging our proprietary AI profiling engine and the world’s largest data lake comprising more than one trillion assets, this innovative solution empowers organizations to uncover synthetic identities and manage internal identity risks with unparalleled precision. From continuous monitoring to enhanced identity verification, Constella is revolutionizing internal risk management in an era marked by sophisticated cybercrime and fraud.

Empowering Organizations with Proactive Risk Mitigation

Constella’s Advanced KYE solution equips organizations with unrivaled capabilities for proactive risk mitigation:

Insider Monitoring

Identify and address potential threats through continuous scanning and comprehensive analysis. The solution offers insights into employee activities, helping organizations detect and mitigate risks before they escalate.

Contractor and Portfolio Monitoring

Safeguard investments and supply chain integrity with ongoing insights into contractor activities. This feature is particularly crucial for businesses that rely on third-party vendors and freelancers.

Fraudulent Employee Provisioning

Enhance traditional background checks by uncovering potential risk factors inaccessible through conventional means. This includes deep web searches and cross-referencing multiple data sources to verify employee identities.

A Paradigm Shift in Internal Identity Risk Management

As AI technology continues to evolve, its applications in fraud prevention will expand. Advanced KYE is just the beginning. Future innovations will incorporate more sophisticated approaches and broader applications, further enhancing an organization’s ability to detect and prevent synthetic identity fraud and threats.

A Collective Call to Action

As businesses navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, the threat of synthetic identities and internal risks loom. Constella’s Advanced KYE solution offers hope, enabling organizations to uncover and mitigate internal identity risks with unprecedented accuracy. Are you ready to fortify your organization against cyber deception? Discover how Constella’s Advanced KYE solution can empower your business. Schedule a free demo today and embark on a journey towards enhanced cybersecurity resilience.

Strengthening Defenses Against Ransomware Attacks

In recent years, ransomware attacks where criminals lock up a victim’s data and demand money to unlock it have become a serious threat to organizations worldwide. These attacks target many sectors, including healthcare and finance. The goal is often not just to make money but also to cause disruption and chaos. One group known for these aggressive tactics is Black Basta. They use a method called double extortion, where they not only lock the victim’s data but also threaten to release sensitive information unless they are paid. As these cybercriminals continue to improve their methods, it is increasingly important for organizations to strengthen their defenses.

The Ayesa Data Breach

Ayesa, a leading Spanish company providing technology and engineering services, seems to have recently fallen victim to a potential ransomware attack by Black Basta. With over 12,500 employees and a presence in 23 countries, the possible breach at Ayesa highlights the extensive reach of these cyber criminals. The attack, which was made public on May 13, 2024, potentially resulted in the theft of about 4.5 terabytes of sensitive data, including:

• Company data (treasury, human resources, administration, general management, security, audits, etc.)
• Employees’ data
• Projects and CAD files

The Threat of Detailed Profiling

The types of data potentially stolen from Ayesa, such as personal details of employees and company information, can be highly valuable for criminals. With this information, threat actors can create synthetic identities to impersonate employees. These synthetic identities can then be used to commit fraud, purchase illicit items, or even access secure company systems by posing as legitimate employees. Additionally, cybercriminals can further enhance these synthetic identities by accessing the information available from data brokers. Data brokers collect and sell large amounts of personal information, often gathered from public sources such as social media profiles, past employment history, and other publicly available records. This information can be accessed by cybercriminals to enhance their profiling efforts significantly. Additionally, information from previous breaches can be cross-referenced to enrich these profiles further.

For example, if a cybercriminal obtains an employee’s name, job title, and contact information from Ayesa, they can look up additional details such as social media profiles, past employment history, and other personal records from data brokers. This enriched profile can then be used to craft highly targeted phishing emails or impersonation attempts, making the attacks more convincing and increasing the likelihood of success.

The Ease of Exploiting Leaked Data

Generative AI tools, especially those without ethical restrictions like WormGPT or FraudGPT, enable cybercriminals to automate and carry out more realistic and sophisticated fraudulent attacks.

These tools can write undetectable malware, create convincing phishing pages, and generate spear-phishing emails that appear to come from trusted sources within an organization. The ability of AI to exploit human psychology significantly increases the likelihood of successful cyberattacks.

Potential Attack Vectors

With the kind of data a cybercriminal can obtain from these data breaches, several attack vectors can be exploited:

1. Identity Theft: Personal data such as ID card photos and employee information can be used to commit identity theft, leading to financial loss and reputational damage.
2. Phishing and Social Engineering: Detailed personal and company data can help attackers craft convincing phishing emails, increasing the success rate of these attacks.
3. Intellectual Property Theft: Projects and CAD files contain valuable intellectual property that malicious actors could exploit.
4. Credential Stuffing: Access to employee credentials could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to other systems where the same credentials might be used.

Cybersecurity Recommendations

In addition to the classical tips we have provided in previous blogs, such as enabling MFA, it is important to take additional steps to secure your devices and networks.

• Secure Your Devices: Ensure that any device used to access sensitive information is secured with updated antivirus software and a firewall. Regularly update your operating system and software to protect against vulnerabilities.

• Use Secure Networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access or transmit sensitive information. Instead, use a secured or virtual private network (VPN) to enhance online privacy.

• Remove Unused Accounts: Review and delete any accounts for unused services regularly. Ensuring your information is not stored unnecessarily reduces the risk of being exposed to a breach.

• Be Cautious of Phishing and Scams: Always be wary of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls asking for personal information. Verify the authenticity of the source before responding, and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. Recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams.

By following these steps, individuals can better protect their personal information from cyber threats and mitigate the impact of potential data breaches. In an increasingly digital world, staying informed and proactive is essential to maintaining security and trust.

Healthcare ransomware attacks are one example of cyberattacks for the healthcare sector due to the sensitivity of its data. In recent weeks, several attacks and data breaches have been identified, highlighting the sector’s target for ransomware groups and unwanted data exfiltration. The following cases highlight the severity and scope of these attacks.

New Boston Dental Care Healthcare Ransomware Attacks

New Boston Dental Care fell victim to a ransomware attack by the 8BASE group that was disclosed on May 13, 2024. Unlike the NHS Scotland incident, the attackers have provided a download link for the stolen data, and the period for the company to pay the ransom has expired. The compromised files include:

• Invoices
• Receipts
• Accounting records
• Certificates
• Employment contracts
• Confidential information

The publication of these files indicates that the negotiation period has ended without a resolution, leading to the public release of sensitive information.

NHS Scotland Healthcare Ransomware Attacks

NHS Scotland, the publicly funded healthcare system in Scotland and part of the UK’s National Health Service, was attacked by the INC Ransom group. The attack was publicized on May 11, 2024. The threat actor behind this attack appears to have attempted negotiations with NHS Scotland, but as of now, they have not received a response. Consequently, the data has not yet been leaked.

The compromised data includes:

• 3 terabytes of data
• More than 100 internal files

Currently, no full data has been published as the ransom group seems to be in ongoing contact with NHS Scotland.

Covid19MOVE Breach

At Constella, we have identified several breaches in the healthcare sector over recent weeks, one of the most significant being the Covid19MOVE breach. Detected on April 29, 2024, this breach exposed approximately 12 million records related to Covid-19 patients in Russia. The types of exposed data include:

• Emails
• Dates
• Phone numbers
• Other user-related information

The data from this breach has not been attributed to a specific company, suggesting it could be a compilation of Covid-19 related data from various sources.

Saudi Ministry of Health Data Breach

Additionally, at Constella, we have analyzed various sources from the Dark Web and detected that a database containing information from the Saudi Ministry of Health (500 GB), according to the threat actor, this information has recently been put up for sale by a user known as verifiedBpp. The data spans from 2020 to 2024 and includes:

• Full names, addresses, telephone numbers, blood types, patient records, staff internal messages, and emails
• Access to admin, staff, and patient pages, with capabilities to remove users and change permissions
• Internal systems data, including Covid-19 system, my health system, and Seha (the largest healthcare network in the UAE)
• Details such as infections, tests, recoveries, deaths, and other data
• Specific information like name, ID number, age, nationality, gender, place of diagnosis, residence, mobile phone number, and more

The post’s owner claims that the Ministry of Health’s servers were hacked, with access gained on January 3, 2021, and maintained through March 21, 2024. The total amount of data stolen is estimated to be 500 GB. The owner also mentioned that he could leak 100 GB of this sensitive data if he wants.

Cybersecurity Recommendations for Patient Data Management and Software

Given the recent surge in healthcare ransomware attacks, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to protect our health information. Here are some tips to help safeguard your personal health data against such cyber threats:

• Be Vigilant with Emails: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or unsolicited emails. Phishing is a common method used by hackers to gain access to personal information.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever available, activate two-factor authentication on your online healthcare accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.
• Educate Yourself on Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights under health information privacy laws, such as HIPAA in the U.S., which can help you understand how your data should be handled and what to do if you suspect it’s being misused.
• Secure Your Devices: Ensure that any device you use to access healthcare information is secured with updated antivirus software and a firewall. This can help block malicious attacks before they reach your data.
• Use Secure Networks: Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access or transmit your health information. Instead, use a secured, private network or a virtual private network (VPN) to enhance your online privacy.
• Remove Unused Accounts: Regularly review and delete any accounts for healthcare services you no longer use. Ensuring that your health information is not stored unnecessarily reduces the risk of it being exposed in a breach.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your sensitive health information from cyber threats and mitigate the impact of any potential data breaches in the healthcare sector. For more information about how to protect your organization and your patients, contact Constella.

Bank breaches and the banking world are now a front line in cybersecurity, where hidden networks thrive in the shadows of the dark web and encrypted chats. As technology advances, the dangers of bank hacks grow, transforming old-school bank robbers into modern cyber thieves who operate from behind screens worldwide.

Social media, especially platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, play pivotal roles in this shift. Hashtags like #CCCard, #CardCloning, and #CloningCards aren’t just trendy—they’re where cybercriminals mingle, share hacking tips, and flaunt their crimes.

These platforms, along with encrypted apps like Telegram and dark web marketplaces, form a kind of cybercriminal university. Here, new hackers can learn everything from cloning cards to cracking bank security, all shared openly in tutorials and forums. This easy access to criminal resources marks a stark evolution from the masked, gun-toting bank robbers of the past to today’s sophisticated digital thieves.

Below, you’ll find screenshots that capture these exchanges, highlighting how these digital platforms have reinvented the concept of bank robbery, giving it a vast, tech-savvy reach.

Navigating the digital frontier, it’s evident that traditional security measures no longer suffice against the advanced tactics of today’s cybercriminals. This shifting landscape demands more robust and adaptive security strategies to protect sensitive information.

At Constella, we have compiled a concise summary that reflects our ongoing focus on the latest data breaches we’ve uncovered on the Dark Web. Below, we detail these findings.

Bank Breach – HSBC & Barclays

Last May 8, one of the moderators of this breaches forum, called “IntelBroker” (very renowned actor), and another member named “Sanggiero”, published several CSV files, concretely, if we add up all the records of all the documents, there would be more than 2 million records, with valuable information of users of two of the most internationally known banks, these files specifically contain:

• Database Files.
• Certificated files.
•  Source Code.
•  SQL files.
•  JSON config files.
•  Compiled Jar files.

Bank Breach – Argentina Central Bank

On May 2nd, a significant banking breach was reported by a user known as ‘303’, who has a solid reputation on the forum. Although the exact date the breach occurred wasn’t specified, the user noted that the data is from 2024. This breach impacted over 49,000 customers, exposing sensitive information including:

• Customers’ full names
• ID numbers
• Home addresses
• Cities

Bank Breach – Kernel Finance

On April 26th, a threat actor named ‘netnsher’ potentially targeted ‘India’s Simplest GST Billing Solution’, Kernel Finance, leading to a data breach that exposed over 7,000 bank account numbers and sensitive information. Within this breach, the following type of information can be found:

• Id.
• Created_at.
• Updated_at.
• Deleted_at.
• Created_for_account.
• Document_type.
• Reminder_period_type.
• Reminder_receiver_type.
• Trigger_period_days.
• Is_enabled.
• Resource_type.
• Additional_fields.
• Created_by_user.

Bank Breach – M&T Bank

The same day, April 26th, this threat actor, “netnsher”, exposed data over 600 rows of access tokens and essential files of the Law Firm Banking Trustnota by M&T bank. All this information could be current active access tokens, as the threat actor said that any user with access to the accounts can get a lot of money. The information includes:

• Bank account details
• Residential locations
• Other personal data (National ID, Age, Status, etc…)

The breaches we’ve discussed here are just a few examples of what’s been happening on the Dark Web over the last few weeks. These incidents highlight the ongoing and very real threats that exist online, especially in hidden corners of the internet. To help protect yourself, here are some straightforward tips:

• Be Cautious with Personal Information: It’s crucial not to share sensitive details like your social security number or bank account information with people you don’t know. This can help prevent identity theft and fraud.
• Use Virtual Cards for Online Purchases: If possible, opt for virtual credit or debit cards when shopping online. These provide an extra layer of security by masking your real card details and keeping your primary accounts safer.
• Subscribe to an Identity Monitoring Service: Consider using a service that monitors your identity. These services can alert you if your personal information is being used without your permission, helping you respond quickly to potential threats.

Taking these steps can enhance your defenses against the types of cyber threats that are becoming more common in our increasingly digital world.

The ongoing need for financial institution fraud prevention presents continuous challenges that can have far-reaching impacts on trust and financial stability. Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is increasingly recognized as a crucial element in the strategic toolkit for fraud prevention within financial institutions. In fact, Fraud scams and bank fraud schemes resulted in $485.6 billion in losses globally last year, according to Nasdaq’s 2024 Global Financial Crime Report released last month.

The Critical Role of Deep OSINT in Financial Service Fraud Prevention

Classic OSINT involves the collection and analysis of information from publicly accessible sources to identify potential threats or fraudulent behavior before it causes harm. In the financial sector, this means leveraging a variety of data points from web and forums in internet and social media. Constella has expanded classic OSINT with Deep OSINT, that includes the Deep & Dark Web, which holds a much bigger amounts of information and where 1 trillion identity assets can be found.

Constella’s Hunter: A Beacon for Financial Fraud Prevention

Constella Hunter exemplifies the application of Deep OSINT in the financial sector. Hunter’s capabilities enable financial institutions to delve deep into the digital realm to uncover and attribute fraudulent activities to real-world identities. By analyzing data across multiple layers of the internet—including the obscure corners of the dark web—Hunter provides unparalleled visibility into potential threats.

Operational Benefits of Deep OSINT in Financial Institutions

Using OSINT tools like Hunter, financial institutions can streamline their fraud detection processes. This includes:

• Cyber Attribution: Quickly linking suspicious activities to real identities, thereby reducing the time from detection to response.
• Risk Assesment: Incident response teams can assess risk and prioritize depending on who is the attacker. An apparently small event becomes should be taken very seriously if the attacker is an important adversary.
• Enhanced KYC Compliance: Supporting Know Your Customer (KYC) efforts by providing detailed background checks and identity verification to prevent fraud.
• Know your Employee & Insider Threat Detection: Identifying unusual or unauthorized activities that could suggest internal fraud.
• AML and Sanction Lists compliance: Financial institutions use Deep OSINT to investigate money laundering and can detect engagement with a sanctioned entity.

The Strategic and Competitive Advantage of Deep OSINT

For financial institutions, the integration of Deep OSINT into their cybersecurity and fraud prevention strategies provides a competitive edge. It allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the threat landscape, better risk management, and more effective protection of customer assets and information. By deploying Constella’s Deep OSINT solutions, financial organizations can not only defend against fraud but also enhance their operational efficiency and maintain regulatory compliance.

As financial institutions navigate the complexities of the modern threat landscape, Deep OSINT provides a powerful tool for enhancing fraud prevention strategies. Constella Intelligence’s Deep OSINT solutions offer the depth, breadth, and analytical capabilities necessary to safeguard against the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and fraudsters in the financial sector.

For financial leaders interested in strengthening their fraud prevention systems, exploring Constella Intelligence’s Deep OSINT capabilities can be a significant step toward securing their operations in the digital age. Schedule a demo today to get started.

In recent times, Israel and Iran have been caught up in a series of conflicts and tensions, both on the geopolitical stage and in cyberspace posing significant challenges to regional stability but have also made both nations targets for cybersecurity vulnerabilities. As tensions intensify, so does the risk of cyberattacks aimed at critical infrastructure, government institutions, and individual citizens.

Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities are Rising after Hamas Assault

At Constella, we’ve observed the escalating cyberwar between Israel and Iran manifesting through a series of high-profile data breaches. This ongoing cyber conflict not only reflects the heightened geopolitical tensions but also reveals a disturbing trend of sensitive data being weaponized. Our analysis shows that these breaches affect not only government institutions and key organizations but also impact millions of individual citizens, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of cyber warfare.

1. Israel insured information

On April 3rd, a threat actor named “MakhlabalNasr” claimed to have accessed data for 8 million Israelis insured with the Israel National Insurance Institute. The information includes bank account details, residential locations, and other personal data. This sensitive data is being shared in a Telegram group associated with the hacking group Makhlab_al_Nasr.

2. Israel Department of Defense

Later that week, on April 7th, a different threat actor claimed in the same breach forum to have access to sensitive information from the Israel Department of Defense. Although much of this data appears to have been previously exposed in 2023, the recent resurface of the breach compromised thousands of additional records containing the following information:

• National ID
• First Name
• Last Name
• Project
• Group
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Date of Birth
• Age
• Hebrew Birth Date
• City
• Address
• Gender
• Status
• Father’s Name
• Country of Origin
• Level of Support
• General
• Injuries

3. Israel Election Campaign

In a separate incident, another breach potentially from an election app that was utilized by the Likud Party and other political affiliations exposed over 6.5 million records containing voter registration data and personal details of Israeli citizens. The compromised information included:

• Full names
• Phone numbers
•  Identity card numbers
•  Residential addresses
•  Gender
•  Age
•  Political preferences

4. Israel Post

Earlier this week, on May 7th, a breach originally published in November 2021 resurfaced, with the threat actor group claiming it originated from Israel Post. This breach reportedly compromised 900K unique email addresses, along with associated personal information.

These are just a few examples of the many breaches we’ve observed over the last few days. The total number of Israel-related breaches has risen by 80% in recent months, reflecting the escalating cyberwar.

Similarly, Iran has not been immune to the dangers of cyber warfare. Collaborative efforts between Russia and Iran, as evidenced by the Crescent of Anon leak, have revealed a troubling alliance in cyberspace. The leak exposes not only email addresses, IP addresses, and domain names but also documents and agreements between Russia and Iran. These documents shed light on the depth of cooperation between the two nations in the realm of warfare, raising questions about their collective goals and potential targets.

In addition, the leak includes mentions of drone-related issues, suggesting discussions or plans for malicious operations beyond the traditional spheres of conflict.

Tips for Preventing Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

Regardless of whether or not you are a citizen of countries embroiled in the ongoing cyberwar, as a member of the digital world, it’s crucial to protect yourself against the rising tide of cyber threats.

Follow these tips:

• Monitor Your Accounts Closely: Regularly check your bank statements, credit card statements, and any online accounts for unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. Early detection can prevent further damage.
• Set Up Alerts: Many financial institutions offer free alert services that notify you of any unusual activity in your accounts. Enabling these alerts can provide you with immediate updates on any potential unauthorized transactions.
• Change Passwords Regularly: If your data has been compromised, change your passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and consider using a password manager to keep track of them.
• Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Be cautious with emails, phone calls, or messages that ask for personal information or direct you to a website where you need to input personal data. Verify the authenticity of the request by contacting the organization directly using a trusted number or website.

As Constella analyzed in the first part of this blog series, which focused on exhibitions in the emerging AI sector, we’ll delve deeper into the risks and vulnerabilities in this field, along with the threat of Infostealer exposures. Constella has evaluated some of the most relevant and utilized tools in the AI field, revealing concerning Infostealer exposures.

Diving Into the Data: Understanding the Impact

Our analysis exposes a stark reality: Over one million user accounts are at risk, predominantly due to devices infected by Infostealers. Among the compromised data, we’ve identified corporate credentials representing a substantial security threat. This discovery highlights the critical need for strengthened protective measures to safeguard sensitive information.

Through our analysis, we have uncovered significant credential exposures at several AI-focused companies, specifically: Openai, Wondershare, Figma, Zapier, Cutout, Elevenlabs, Huggingface, Make, and Heygen among others.

Understanding the Impact of Infostealer Exposures and Taking Action

A threat actor can exploit exposed credentials from AI companies to orchestrate sophisticated attacks, even if multi-factor authentication (MFA) is in use.

Personal account information, when compromised by an infostealer infection, can be exploited through social engineering strategies such as phishing campaigns. These tactics deceive employees into unwittingly providing access or divulging further confidential details. The stakes are particularly high in AI companies, where such breaches can lead to several specific threats:

1. Data Privacy and Confidentiality Risks: Access to AI tools like ChatGPT by unauthorized parties could result in the exposure of sensitive information, violating confidentiality agreements and privacy norms.

• Surveillance and Tracking: Compromised AI systems could be used for covert surveillance, enabling unauthorized tracking of individuals or organizational activities.

• Model Poisoning: Interference with the training data of AI models by malicious entities can corrupt their outputs, producing biased or harmful results and compromising the integrity of the AI applications.

To safeguard against the risks associated with infostealer infections and enhance security in AI environments, consider implementing the following strategies:

• Regularly Update and Patch Systems: Ensure that all systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Regular updates can close vulnerabilities that could be exploited by threat actors.

• Monitor and Audit AI Model Inputs and Outputs: Regularly review the inputs and outputs of AI models to detect any signs of model poisoning or other anomalies that could indicate tampering.
• Limit Data Retention: Establish clear data retention policies to reduce exposure risks.

Constella Intelligence, a pioneer in Deep OSINT investigations, unlocks the power of the deep and dark web to uncover cyber criminals and create the world’s most extensive database of malicious actors. This blog delves into Deep OSINT and explores how Constella Intelligence leverages it for superior Cyber-Investigations, Fraud Detection, and Insider Monitoring. 

Finding Actors Beyond the Surface 

Traditional Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) gathers information from readily available online sources like social media and public records. Deep OSINT ventures far deeper. It delves into the hidden corners of the web, the deep and dark web, uncovering data that was never meant for public eyes. 

Constella Intelligence leverages Deep OSINT to build the world’s largest data lake, which exceeds one trillion digital assets. Even though the raw data from the deep and dark web can be messy and inconsistent, once is processed it can be used at scale:

• Data Normalization Provides Scalability: Constella applies sophisticated data normalization and verification techniques. This ensures the data is formatted consistently and the information is real and not fabricated. Imagine millions of data points from various sources speaking a universal language – that’s the power of data normalization. 

• ID Fusion Algorithms Connect the Dots: Once normalized, Constella’s ID Fusion algorithms take center stage. These advanced algorithms connect the dots, meticulously linking disparate data records into comprehensive profiles of individuals. Social media handles, forum aliases, dark web fingerprints – all these scattered pieces are woven together to create a holistic picture. 

A Digital Treasure Trove for Uncovering Cyber Criminals:  

• Identify Criminals Behind Incidents: After a security incident, Deep OSINT helps identify the perpetrators by tracing their digital footprints across the web. ID Fusion then connects these footprints to build a complete profile of the attacker. Categorization allows you to identify if the attacker is a hacker, a phisher, or an insider based on their past activities and affiliations. 

• Monitor Insider Threats: Mitigate insider threats by uncovering hidden connections, past activities, and potential red flags associated with employees. ID Fusion helps link seemingly unconnected data points to reveal a more comprehensive picture of an employee’s digital footprint, flagging potential insiders. 

• Analyze Third-Party Vendors: Deep OSINT investigations provide a comprehensive analysis of third-party vendors, uncovering potential risks before establishing partnerships. ID Fusion helps ensure a complete vendor profile is established, identifying any inconsistencies or red flags that may indicate money laundering or other illicit activities. 

• Digital Background Checks: Conduct thorough digital background checks on individuals, identifying any concerning activity lurking in the deep and dark web. ID Fusion connects the dots across various data sources to provide a holistic view of the individual’s digital presence, including potential ties to human trafficking or other harmful activities. 

• Advanced KYC (Know Your Customer): Deep OSINT helps verify customer identities with unparalleled thoroughness, uncovering potential discrepancies and preventing fraud. ID Fusion ensures all aspects of a customer’s identity are examined and linked together for a watertight KYC process, identifying potential money launderers or other financial criminals. 

Constella Intelligence’s Database: A Categorized Arsenal Against Malicious Actors 

Constella Intelligence’s database isn’t just vast; it’s meticulously categorized. This categorization allows for targeted searches and identifications. Here’s a glimpse into the malicious actor categories within the database: 

• Hackers: Individuals with advanced technical skills who exploit computer systems for malicious purposes. 
• Carders: Criminals who steal and sell credit card information on the dark web. 
• Hitmen: Individuals who are allegedly hired to commit murder. 
• Pedophiles: Those who engage in illegal activities involving child exploitation.) 
• Phishers: Deceptive individuals who attempt to steal personal information by impersonating legitimate entities. 
• Insiders: Employees or trusted individuals who misuse their access privileges to harm an organization. 
• Money Launderers: Criminals who disguise the source of illegally obtained money. 
• Human Traffickers: Individuals who exploit and trade human beings for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or organ harvesting. 
• Nation-State Actors: Government agencies that engage in cyber espionage or other malicious activities. 

By leveraging Deep OSINT, data normalization, and ID Fusion, Constella Intelligence empowers businesses and security service providers to: 

• Shorten investigation times: Quickly identify the perpetrators behind security incidents. 
• Strengthen insider threat detection: Proactively identify potential insider threats before they can cause harm. 
• Make informed decisions about third-party vendors: Partner with trustworthy vendors who minimize security risks. 
• Conduct comprehensive background checks: Hire with confidence by uncovering any concerning activities in an individual’s digital footprint. 
• Comply with KYC regulations: Ensure robust KYC procedures to prevent money laundering and other financial crimes. 

Deep OSINT: The Future of Security 

Deep OSINT offers a revolutionary approach to security. By integrating Constella Intelligence’s database and expertise into your security measures, you gain a significant advantage in the fight against cybercrime and fraud. Constella Intelligence sets a benchmark for robust digital defense mechanisms in today’s complex threat landscape. 

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Secure Your Digital World Today 

Deep OSINT is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for robust cybersecurity. Explore how Constella Intelligence can empower you to create new revenue streams, improve customer retention, and ultimately, secure your digital world in the face of ever-evolving threats. 

The rapid proliferation of AI also introduces a new frontier for cyber threats against your digital DNA. As businesses and individuals increasingly adopt AI technologies, they inadvertently become prime targets for cybercriminals. The allure lies in the vast amounts of sensitive data handled by AI applications, spanning from financial records to personal information.

AI has transformed from niche technology into a mainstream powerhouse, revolutionizing industries and reshaping the way we interact with technology. From predictive analytics to autonomous vehicles, AI tools have become indispensable assets for companies seeking efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage.

Moreover, the predominance of paid tools and services within the AI sector makes it an enticing prospect for cyber attackers seeking economic gain. Breaching AI companies provides access to valuable assets such as bank data, proprietary algorithms, and project details, while exploiting vulnerabilities in AI systems can lead to unauthorized extraction of personal information. Consequently, as we witness the expansion of the AI industry, it’s imperative for businesses and individuals to bolster their defenses against potential breaches and data compromises.

Hackers can read private Ai-assisted chats even though they are encrypted

Recently, security breaches have been reported at prominent companies in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as Cutout.pro and Leadzen.ai. These incidents have exposed a range of critical data, raising serious concerns about the protection of personal and confidential information.

Cutout.pro, founded in 2018 and based in China, is known for its innovative AI-based image processing technology. The potential attack occurred on February 28, 2024, where approximately 20M records were exposed.

Data exposed in the Cutout.pro breach:

• Email addresses
• Passwords
• Names
• Surnames
• Phone numbers
• IP addresses

On the other hand, Leadzen.ai, established in 2020 and headquartered in India, is known for its lead generation automation platform using AI. The attack potentially happened on March 29th, 2024, and approximately 780K records were compromised.

Data exposed in the Leadzen.ai breach:

• Email
• Full Name
• User Social Networks
• Job Position
• Country
• Location
• Company Information
• Location
• Phone

The compromised data was similar to those exposed on Cutout.pro potential attack, highlighting the critical importance of cybersecurity in an ever-evolving digital environment.

These attacks underscore the urgent need for companies to strengthen their cybersecurity measures and adopt robust practices to protect the sensitive data of their users and employees. In an increasingly interconnected digital world, safeguarding personal and confidential information is crucial to ensuring trust and integrity online.

Types of Attacks and Associated Risks: Given the nature of the data exposed in the breaches at Cutout.pro and Leadzen.ai, companies must be vigilant against several types of cyber threats:

• Phishing and Spear Phishing Attacks: Cybercriminals can use the stolen email addresses and personal information to craft personalized phishing emails, tricking recipients into revealing more sensitive data or downloading malware.
• Identity Theft: With access to full names, job positions, and other personal identifiers, attackers can impersonate individuals to commit fraud or other crimes.
• Financial Fraud: Exposed financial and company information can be used to create fake accounts or authorize fraudulent transactions.

To enhance cybersecurity and protect against the risks associated with the increasing use of AI technologies, consider these three essential tips:

1. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than one form of verification to access accounts, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
2. Regularly Update and Patch Systems: Keeping software and systems up to date ensures that security vulnerabilities are addressed promptly, reducing the likelihood of exploitation by cybercriminals.
3. Educate and Train Users: Continuous education on the latest cyber threats and safe practices can empower individuals and employees to recognize and avoid potential cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.

As AI technologies continue to advance and become integral to various industries, they also open up new cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Recent breaches at companies like Cutout.pro and Leadzen.ai highlight the importance of stringent security measures. Adopting practices such as multi-factor authentication, regular updates and patches, and ongoing user education can significantly bolster our defenses. These steps are crucial not only for protecting sensitive data but also for preserving trust and integrity in an increasingly digital world, underscoring the need for a collective effort in enhancing our cybersecurity framework.

In an era where digital integration is pervasive, cybersecurity crisis and the threat of cybersecurity breaches has emerged as a formidable challenge, impacting millions across the globe. Recent posts of potential breaches involving EsSalud, Movistar Perú, and Sunarp serve as a stark reminder of these risks, highlighting the critical vulnerabilities within our digital infrastructure.

While Peru’s situation is merely one example that has come to light, the recent acknowledgment of the AT&T breach underscores that this is a widespread issue, affecting countries globally and leaving us, the citizens, feeling increasingly vulnerable to these digital incursions.

EsSalud, a key player in healthcare, potentially saw 3.3 million records exposed, revealing sensitive information such as sex, age, date of birth, address, national ID, and phone number. This breach, dating back to 2021, exemplifies the long-lasting impact of cybersecurity incidents.

According to another threat actor who got access to Movistar Perú, 5 million records including phone numbers, email, national ids, and full names were exposed in a different channel.

Sunarp, the national registry responsible for managing public records in Peru, was potentially another victim of such cyber-attacks, with a significant breach compromising 4 million records until 2019. This breach disclosed a vast array of personal data, encompassing vehicle identification numbers (VINs), owners’ full names, vehicle descriptions, brands, and fabrication dates, thus highlighting the extensive range of personal information that’s vulnerable.

These breaches occur against a backdrop of significant political and social unrest in Peru. The country has been grappling with almost daily protests and political turmoil since December 2021, following the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo Terrones. This political crisis, marked by demands for new general elections and allegations of illegitimacy against President Dina Boluarte Zegarra, has plunged Peru into a state of unrest, affecting its economy, and potentially impacting regional stability​  (Council on Foreign Relations)​​ (Al Jazeera)​​ (Eurasia Review)​.

Threat actors can exploit the vast amounts of personal information exposed by these breaches in several ways. From identity theft, creating fraudulent identities using the detailed personal information available, to targeted phishing campaigns that leverage the specific data points to trick individuals into revealing more information or making payments. Moreover, the exposure of such detailed personal records can facilitate more sophisticated scams, including loan fraud or the creation of fake documents for illegal activities.

To mitigate the risks posed by such breaches, individuals should take proactive steps, including monitoring financial accounts for unauthorized transactions, using credit freezes to prevent unauthorized credit checks, and being vigilant against phishing attempts. Organizations must also bolster their cybersecurity measures, and robust data protection policies to safeguard against future breaches.

In the digital age, the interplay between cybersecurity and political stability is increasingly apparent, with the potential to affect not just individual privacy but also national security and economic prosperity.