Lawrence Abrams
Lawrence Abrams is a seasoned technology journalist with a focus on Windows, security, malware research, ransomware, and computer forensics. As the owner and Editor in Chief of BleepingComputer.com, he has built a reputable platform that provides timely and accurate information on cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. Lawrence Abrams is also a co-author of the Winternals Defragmentation, Recovery, and Administration Field Guide and technical editor for Rootkits for Dummies. His work has been widely cited in the tech industry, making him a trusted source for news on cybersecurity incidents and trends.
81%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
95%
Examples:
- A threat actor known as ShinyHunters is claiming to be selling a massive trove of Santander Bank data.
- Lawrence Abrams has a background in Windows, security, malware research, ransomware, and computer forensics.
Conflicts of Interest
100%
Examples:
- Lawrence Abrams is also a co-author of the Winternals Defragmentation, Recovery, and Administration Field Guide and technical editor for Rootkits for Dummies.
- Lawrence Abrams is the owner and Editor in Chief of BleepingComputer.com.
Contradictions
90%
Examples:
- BlackSuit ransomware gang is responsible for CDK Global’s IT disruption.
- ]CDK Global provided services for over 15,000 car dealerships in North America and had thousands of employees.
- CDK Global suffered a cyberattack that caused the company to shut down its systems and leave clients unable to operate their business normally.
Deceptions
45%
Examples:
- In 2021, Shiny Hunters claimed to be selling the stolen data of 73 million AT&T customers.
- ShinyHunters is now claiming to sell the data for Santander customers in Chile, Spain, and Uruguay for $2 million.
- The sales listing comes soon after the FBI seized BreachForums on May 15th.
Recent Articles
Windows 11 Update KB5039302: Microsoft Halts Release Amidst Reports of Reboot Loop Issues for Virtual Machines
Broke On: Saturday, 29 June 2024Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update, KB5039302, has been pulled back due to reports of causing devices to enter a reboot loop. Affected systems include those utilizing virtual machine tools and nested virtualization features. Microsoft is investigating the issue and advises users who have already installed it to use the Windows 11 Recovery Tool for uninstallation. The June 2024 update introduced several new features but also brought a reboot loop bug, which has resulted in Microsoft halting its distribution. CDK Global Cyberattack: 15,000 Car Dealerships Disrupted by BlackSuit Ransomware, Forcing Manual Processes and Financial Issues
Broke On: Sunday, 23 June 2024A major cyberattack by the BlackSuit ransomware gang on CDK Global, a leading software provider for North American car dealerships, has disrupted services for approximately 15,000 dealerships. The outage affects sales, financing, inventory management, and back office functions. Negotiations are ongoing to obtain a decryptor and prevent data leakage. Dealers face issues with financial transactions and managing inventory; Ford offers assistance. The attack is part of a surge in ransomware attacks targeting industries, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures. CDK Global Cyberattack Disrupts Operations at 15,000 North American Car Dealerships: Prioritizing Cybersecurity to Protect Customer Data
Broke On: Wednesday, 19 June 2024A cyberattack on CDK Global, a leading software provider for North American car dealerships, disrupted operations at over 15,000 dealerships in June 2024. The exact nature of the attack is unknown but reports suggest it may have been a ransomware attack that also impacted backups. Dealerships lack robust cybersecurity protections and are attractive targets for hackers due to their interconnected systems and sensitive customer data. The incident follows similar attacks against Findlay Automotive Group and highlights the importance of implementing strong cybersecurity measures to protect customer information. Santander Data Breach: Hackers Steal Sensitive Info of 30 Million Customers and Employees
Broke On: Saturday, 01 June 2024In June 2024, hackers gained unauthorized access to Santander's customer database, stealing sensitive information of approximately 30 million customers and employees. Stolen data includes bank account details, credit card numbers, and HR information. Hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility and demanded a ransom to prevent selling the data. Santander confirmed the breach, contacting affected individuals directly, while no transactional or online banking details were stolen. Pro-Russian Hackers Exploit Zero-Day Vulnerability in Roundcube Webmail
Broke On: Sunday, 15 October 2023A group of pro-Russian hackers, known as Winter Vivern, exploited a zero-day vulnerability in the Roundcube webmail application. The exploit targeted European government email servers, bypassing security measures to gain unauthorized access. Roundcube has released a patch to fix the vulnerability and urged all users to update their software.