western

Winsage
February 13, 2025
A report from Microsoft reveals that the Russian state-sponsored threat group known as Seashell Blizzard has shifted its operational focus to exploiting public vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems. This subgroup, associated with the Russian Military Intelligence Unit 74455 (GRU), has been conducting operations under the "BadPilot campaign," allowing them to maintain long-term access to compromised systems since at least 2021. They have been responsible for at least three destructive cyberattacks in Ukraine since 2023 and are now targeting a broader range of industries globally, including energy, telecommunications, and government sectors. Since early 2024, they have exploited vulnerabilities in software such as ConnectWise ScreenConnect and Fortinet FortiClientEMS, indicating a "spray and pray" approach to achieve compromises at scale. The group has adapted to exploit various public vulnerabilities, including critical issues in applications like Microsoft Exchange and Zimbra Collaboration, demonstrating their capability to leverage weaknesses in essential systems. Microsoft describes Seashell Blizzard as a key component of Russia's cyber strategy, particularly in efforts to destabilize Western institutions.
Winsage
February 13, 2025
Microsoft has warned that the Russian hacking group Sandworm's BadPilot unit has shifted its focus from Ukraine to targets in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. BadPilot operates as an "initial access operation," breaching networks to establish footholds for further exploitation. Over the past three years, their targeting has evolved from Ukraine to a broader range of English-speaking Western nations. The group has targeted various sectors, including energy, telecommunications, and international governments, using known vulnerabilities in software such as Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet's security tools. They install software for persistent access and have been linked to disruptive cyber operations, including the NotPetya malware attack. Currently, there are no indications that BadPilot plans to escalate its activities beyond espionage.
AppWizard
February 11, 2025
A fresh English translation patch has been released for the PC-98 RPG Appare-den: Fukuryū no Shō, enhancing accessibility for Western gamers. The game, originally launched in 1995, is a top-down adventure developed by Technical Group Laboratory, focusing on Gento, a general store owner in a reimagined Edo period Japan, who embarks on a quest with a cat-like companion, Benimaru, to deliver a secret scroll and thwart a world domination conspiracy. The game features engaging battle sequences, intricate character animations, and a diverse cast inspired by historical figures and Japanese folklore. The translation patch was developed by 46Okumen, known for their work on other titles, and is currently available for download in version 0.9.9. The team also plans to create a scanlation of the Japanese manual and artbook.
AppWizard
February 4, 2025
The Drowner's Map is obtained from a drowned treasure hunter and points to the Water Goblin's Treasure located on the southern shore of Rocktower Pond. Players can find the treasure by following a path west from Zhelejov, passing Bozhena's shack. At the end of the trail, they need to navigate through reeds near the shore to discover a small clay pot containing 125 Groschen. The Water Goblin's Hut is located on the opposite side of Rocktower Pond.
BetaBeacon
February 3, 2025
Animus - Stand Alone is an RPG and action game being developed by TENBIRDS. The game is set in a dark and spooky world where the player's goal is to escape dangerous locations by defeating groups of enemies and bosses. The game features highly detailed 3D models, monsters, and cool effects. The character in the game has the ability to heal, block hits, move sharply, and combine two types of attacks.
TrendTechie
December 23, 2024
Crimea has been discussed as a potential hub for computer piracy, particularly after the imposition of sanctions in 2022, which created opportunities for a resurgence in digital piracy. Experts suggest that lifting sanctions might lead to a decline in piracy as the region could shift towards legitimate digital content distribution. In 2018, Yatsenko, the Minister of Information for the Donetsk People's Republic, proposed creating a digital ecosystem to rival Western offerings, though implementation faced challenges. The ongoing conflict and prioritization of traditional industries over the tech sector may hinder progress in fostering a digital piracy landscape. Historical examples, such as lobbying by Latvian fishing interests in Moscow, raise questions about the potential for IT sector lobbying in Crimea. There is speculation about the possibility of a virtual pirate republic or a unique Russian iteration reflecting local culture and identity.
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