Cybercrime stories
Any use of network connected electronic devices such as computers or smartphones for criminal activity
is classified as cybercrime. With a long history starting with the misuse of telephone systems (such as
‘phreaking’), cybercrime today includes the creation and distribution of viruses, ransomware, keyloggers
and other malware, the download and use of malware produced by others, social engineering tactics
such as phishing or (physical) impersonation, the theft and use of credentials for accessing computer
systems or networks, and the theft of privileged data. Cybercrime is a broad and dynamic field, with
cybercriminals constantly adapting their methods in pursuit of usually financial goals, but also
occasionally seeking to disrupt, embarrass or shame their targets.
Ransomware hits record high as Qilin tops threat list
Last week
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cybercrime
Ransomware attacks hit record highs in 2025 as Qilin overtakes LockBit, with victim numbers surging 58% and threat groups multiplying.
UK unveils Software Security Ambassadors to push new code
Last week
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cybercrime
The UK has appointed 13 Software Security Ambassadors, including Cisco and Lloyds, to drive adoption of its new secure code of practice.
Deepfake boom fuels relentless wave of celebrity scams
Last week
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cybercrime
A deepfake surge is driving relentless AI-powered celebrity scams, with persona kits and adaptive fraud campaigns eroding online trust.
Ofcom probes X over Grok deepfake sexual imagery risk
Last week
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cybercrime
Ofcom has opened a probe into X over claims its Grok AI tool enabled deepfake sexual images, testing the UK’s new Online Safety Act.
UK cyber crime reports surge as true costs hidden
Last week
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cybercrime
Cyber crime reports to Action Fraud have jumped 37% in five years, but analysts warn hidden enterprise losses run to hundreds of millions.
BioCatch warns AI agents will supercharge online fraud
Last week
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cybercrime
BioCatch warns AI shopping agents will turbocharge online fraud, urging banks and retailers to distinguish helpful bots from criminal misuse.
Fortinet to spotlight cybercrime incentives at Davos
Last week
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cybercrime
Fortinet will use Davos to push cross-sector incentives for cyber intel sharing, accountability and deterrence in a booming crime ecosystem.
Microsoft tops global phishing brand rankings again
Last week
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cybercrime
Microsoft again tops global phishing brand list as attackers increasingly mimic big tech services to steal cloud and consumer credentials.
UK cyber plan tackles state threats & ransomware
Last week
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cybercrime
UK launches cyber action plan as state-backed threats surge, forcing vital services to rethink defences and even return to tape backups.
Brazilian banking trojan hijacks WhatsApp for spread
Last week
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cybercrime
A new Astaroth banking trojan variant hijacks WhatsApp Web to self-spread via chats while silently stealing Brazilian banking credentials.
Phishing-as-a-service kits drive surge in 2025 scams
Last week
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cybercrime
Phishing-as-a-service kits doubled in 2025, now powering 90% of attacks as cyber gangs race to outsmart multifactor checks and filters.
Infoblox to buy Axur to bolster AI-powered threat defence
Last week
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cybercrime
Infoblox agrees to buy AI-driven threat hunter Axur, aiming to curb phishing and brand abuse beyond the traditional network perimeter.
Black Hat to debut cyber war room documentary in Vegas
Last week
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cybercrime
Black Hat will premiere Semperis documentary Midnight in the War Room in Las Vegas, spotlighting the human cost of cyber conflict.
Agentic AI double agents expose dangerous security gaps
Last week
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cybercrime
Agentic AI promises rapid software gains, but a recent Claude Code cyberattack shows how “double agents” can outpace unprepared developers.
SAS forecasts agentic AI to transform banking by 2026
Last week
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cybercrime
SAS predicts agentic AI will run core banking by 2026, reshaping trust, fraud defences, climate risk and quantum-powered decision making.
Cybersecurity burnout puts UK organisations at risk
Last week
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cybercrime
Burnout and alert fatigue among UK cyber teams are quietly eroding defences, leaving organisations exposed as attacks intensify.
AI-driven ‘Truman Show’ trading scam hits app stores
Last week
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cybercrime
AI-powered ‘Truman Show’ scam uses OPCOPRO app and fake trading rooms in official stores to steal cash and victims’ digital identities.
Credit card fraud drives surge in repeat UK offenders
This month
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cybercrime
Credit card fraud now has the UK’s highest repeat-offending rate, with 23% of perpetrators striking again as schemes grow more organised.
Cybersecurity Act drives surge in reporting as attacks rise
This month
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cybercrime
Australia’s Cybersecurity Act drives a surge in breach reporting as attacks soar, exposing rising business losses and tougher penalties.
Fraud expert warns FCA Firm Checker will not stop scams
This month
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cybercrime
A leading fraud expert says the FCA’s new Firm Checker will boost transparency but leave sophisticated social engineering scams largely untouched.