February 27, 2024 at 03:23PM
Cybercriminals in Mexico are using tax season-related phishing emails to spread the new “Timbre Stealer” infostealer to targeted organizations. The threat actors have refined their phishing messages to exploit the tax season, enhancing the spread of the malware. “Timbre Stealer” executes anti-analysis techniques and collects diverse data once infiltrated. Tax season is a prime time for financially motivated cyberattacks, reinforcing the need for user training and vigilance.
Based on the meeting notes, the primary focus is on the emergence and spread of the “Timbre Stealer” infostealer targeting organizations in Mexico, particularly during the tax season. The cybersecurity threat observed by Cisco Talos involves phishing tactics that capitalize on Mexico’s tax season to deliver malicious emails containing the Timbre Stealer.
The infostealer is sophisticated, employing anti-analysis techniques and engaging in extensive data collection once a system is compromised. Its capabilities include scanning for various types of data related to operating systems, apps, and popular websites, suggesting potential network sniffing abilities.
It’s also highlighted that tax season presents an opportune time for cybercriminals due to the financial implications and the abundance of personally identifiable information involved. The complexity and stress associated with taxes can make individuals less cautious about clicking on links, making them vulnerable to such phishing scams.
In response to this threat, organizations are advised to adopt a defense-in-depth cybersecurity approach and provide user training on the prevalence of tax-related spam, particularly in areas like finance, during this time of year to increase awareness and reduce susceptibility to such attacks.