Daily Security Briefing #133

January 13, 2026 | Read Online

Latin America’s ransomware surge, Linux-targeting malware VoidLink, ServiceNow critical vulnerability, and browser security consolidation.

Executive Summary

Cyber threats continue to evolve with a marked rise in ransomware attacks across Latin America, signaling aggressive regional targeting. Attackers increasingly focus on Linux cloud infrastructure, exemplified by the novel VoidLink malware framework that emphasizes stealth and persistence. Critical vulnerabilities like the ServiceNow privilege escalation flaw amplify risks for enterprises relying on AI-driven platforms. On the defensive front, cybersecurity firms are adapting via strategic acquisitions to secure browsers—the new frontline in employee workflows. Meanwhile, advanced malware campaigns persist with multi-stage techniques and web skimming targeting payment systems, underscoring the need for vigilant, adaptive security postures.

Top Articles

Latin America Sees Sharpest Rise in Cyber Attacks in December 2025 as Ransomware Activity Accelerates
Organizations in Latin America faced an average of 3,065 cyber attacks per week in December 2025—a 26% year-over-year increase—outpacing other regions. The surge is primarily driven by ransomware operations targeting various sectors, reflecting shifting threat dynamics and heightened regional exposure.
Checkpoint

VoidLink: The Cloud-Native Malware Framework Weaponizing Linux Infrastructure
VoidLink is an advanced malware framework designed for Linux cloud environments, focusing on long-term, stealthy control of infrastructure rather than individual endpoints. Its modular architecture allows attackers to customize and expand capabilities over time, highlighting a strategic shift towards compromising critical cloud services.
Checkpoint

Critical ServiceNow Vulnerability Enables Privilege Escalation via Unauthenticated User Impersonation
A serious vulnerability (CVE-2025-12420) in ServiceNow’s AI platform permits unauthenticated attackers to impersonate legitimate users, escalating privileges and potentially gaining unfettered access to sensitive enterprise processes. This flaw poses widespread risks to organizations using ServiceNow’s services globally.
CyberPress

CrowdStrike is buying Seraphic Security to lock down the browser, where work actually happens
CrowdStrike announced its plan to acquire Seraphic Security, a provider specializing in browser runtime protections. This move underscores the increasing importance of browser-level security as traditional endpoint defenses struggle to keep pace with evolving workplace workflows and cyber threats.
CyberScoop

1980s Hacker Manifesto
Forty years after its publication by Loyd Blankenship (“The Mentor”), the hacker manifesto remains a cultural touchstone, reflecting early hacker community frustrations with limited access to knowledge and control within rigid systems. It offers historical perspective relevant to modern hacking motivations.
Schneier

HoneyTrap: Outsmarting Jailbreak Attacks on Large Language Models
Researchers from several universities introduced HoneyTrap, a deceptive defense system that uses multi-agent collaboration to counter increasingly sophisticated jailbreak attacks against large language models. The framework misleads attackers, wasting their computational resources while ensuring seamless interactions for legitimate users.
GBHackers

PowerShell-Driven Multi-Stage Windows Malware Using Text Payloads
The SHADOW#REACTOR campaign combines obfuscated VBS, PowerShell stagers, text-only payload delivery, and .NET Reactor–protected loaders to stealthily deploy the Remcos RAT on Windows systems. This sophisticated multi-stage attack chain demonstrates advanced evasion techniques targeting endpoint security.
GBHackers

Why Outdated Threat Intelligence Is Draining Your SOC
Outdated threat intelligence can overwhelm Security Operations Centers by generating excessive, irrelevant alerts, thereby consuming critical resources and reducing detection efficiency. Organizations must seek timely, accurate intelligence to maintain operational focus and effective response.
CyberPress

CESER chief touts AI projects as congressional Dems point to federal cuts
The chief of CESER highlighted new AI-focused cybersecurity initiatives in the energy sector amid congressional scrutiny over Department of Energy job reductions. Democrats expressed concern over the potential impact on cybersecurity resilience and grid reliability due to workforce cuts.
CyberScoop

Malicious Chrome Extension Steals MEXC API Keys by Masquerading as Trading Tool
A Chrome extension posing as a trading tool for the MEXC cryptocurrency exchange was found stealing API keys to compromise user accounts. Although it had a low number of downloads, it exemplifies risks from deceptive extensions targeting crypto assets.
The Hacker News

Long-Running Web Skimming Campaign Steals Credit Cards From Online Checkout Pages
Active since January 2022, this extensive web skimming campaign targets major payment networks including American Express and Mastercard to steal credit card data from online checkout pages, threatening enterprise clients of the affected payment providers.
The Hacker News

AI Transparency: This newsletter uses AI to curate, rank, and summarize cybersecurity content from leading industry blogs. All articles link directly to original authors. Executive summaries are AI-generated based on article content. I curate the sources and deliver the digest—the original authors deserve the credit for their excellent work.