Top Tech and Cybersecurity Headlines for August 6, 2025

Today’s tech stories are packed with ransomware tricks, AI-powered defense, a crypto courtroom clash, and everything in between. From Microsoft shelling out millions in bug bounties to Zoom being used for sneaky cyber tricks, these are the updates you don’t want to miss.

Akira Ransomware Exploits Intel Tuning Tool to Evade Defender

Security experts are raising red flags after the Akira ransomware group was caught manipulating Intel’s legitimate CPU tuning tool to disable Microsoft Defender. By exploiting Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) driver, attackers can silently bypass endpoint protections and extend their reach across targeted systems. This shows how even trusted hardware tools can become attack vectors in the wrong hands.

"Ghost Calls" Technique Abuses Zoom & Teams for Stealthy Attacks

A new C2 evasion tactic dubbed "Ghost Calls" exploits TURN servers used by Zoom and Microsoft Teams to tunnel malicious traffic through trusted services. This method allows attackers to mask their communication within normal voice and video traffic—slipping past many detection systems. Enterprises relying on collaboration apps should increase monitoring of unexpected traffic flows.

Microsoft Pays Record $17M in Bug Bounties

Microsoft has awarded a whopping $17 million to security researchers through its bug bounty programs over the past year. With contributors from 59 countries, the company is doubling down on incentivizing white-hat hunting to stay ahead of attackers. It’s a positive sign of how collaboration between tech giants and the security community is evolving.

Trend Micro's Apex One Hit by Active Zero-Day Attacks

Trend Micro has confirmed active exploitation of a zero-day remote code execution flaw in its Apex One endpoint platform. On-premise users are urged to patch immediately as attackers appear to be targeting vulnerabilities with increasing speed. This reinforces the importance of layered defense and timely software updates.

Dell ControlVault3 Bugs Let Hackers Bypass Windows Logins

Major flaws in Dell’s ControlVault3 firmware could allow users to bypass Windows logins and install persistent malware. These bugs affect over 100 laptop models and highlight the dangers of low-level firmware vulnerabilities that can survive reinstalls and factory resets. Dell users should prioritize firmware updates as they become available.

WhatsApp Adds Group Chat Scam Detection Feature

WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature to alert users when they're added to group chats by unknown contacts—helping reduce scam exposure. This simple UI tweak could go a long way in blocking phishing schemes that often begin with unwanted chats. It’s another privacy-conscious move from Meta’s messaging giant.

New Crypto Regulatory Concerns Emerge as Ripple Pushes Back

Ripple has voiced strong objections to a new Senate crypto bill, warning it could place digital assets like ETH, SOL, and XRP under permanent SEC oversight. The company argues that vague terminology could threaten innovation by dragging open blockchain networks into outdated legal frameworks. The crypto community is urging lawmakers to clarify definitions and protect software developers from liability.

Roman Storm Convicted for Unlicensed Money Transmission

Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm was found guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmission business, but not guilty of sanctions violations, while the jury deadlocked on money laundering charges. The case has far-reaching implications, raising questions about whether coders can be held accountable for the actions of users of their open-source software.

Google Caught in Salesforce Data Breach Wave

Google has become the latest victim of a broader wave of CRM data theft targeting Salesforce environments. The ShinyHunters extortion group appears to be spearheading the campaign, leveraging misconfigurations and weak access controls to pilfer high-value enterprise data. Companies using Salesforce should re-evaluate their third-party security postures immediately.

Bitcoin Consolidates in $110K–$116K Range

Bitcoin is holding tight inside a low liquidity "air gap" as traders eye support above $110,000. Glassnode reports suggest market demand is gradually accumulating while ETF outflows keep volatility contained. All eyes are on whether enough pressure builds to break above the $116.9K resistance and resume the uptrend.

PancakeSwap Pushes into Tokenized Stock Futures

PancakeSwap is bringing synthetic stock trading to DeFi with tokenized futures for Tesla, Amazon, and Apple—available with up to 25x leverage. While still blockchain-native, these contracts mirror traditional market operation hours and open a bold new front for crypto investors seeking equity exposure. It’s a noteworthy step in the fusion of traditional and decentralized markets.

XRP Gets Institutional Boost in Asia

XRP is seeing renewed interest in South Korea and Japan, buoyed by custody support from BDACS and ETF plans from SBI Holdings. This institutional re-entry is providing price stability and increased liquidity despite a relatively flat market. XRP may still be navigating regulatory tides, but the infrastructure to support it keeps expanding.

Rogue Apps Linked to VexTrio Stealing Data and Cash

Fake spam blockers and VPN apps have been linked to the VexTrio operation, engaging in ad fraud and invisible subscription scams. These malicious apps exploited both Apple and Google stores, highlighting ongoing challenges in app marketplace security. Always check app permissions and publisher credibility before downloading.

Lightning Network Capacity Falls—But That’s Not Bad News

Although Bitcoin’s Lightning Network capacity dropped 20% in 2025, experts say that’s more about network optimization than declining usage. Routing improvements, channel splicing, and increased stablecoin integration mean the network is becoming more efficient—not shrinking. In short, Lightning is evolving beyond capacity as a core performance metric.

National Bank of Canada Struggles with Online Outage

Banque Nationale du Canada’s online and mobile banking systems are offline due to unspecified technical issues. With Canada’s sixth-largest bank impacted, customers are facing delays and disruptions. While not confirmed as a cyberattack, the importance of offline system recovery—like bootable backups—cannot be overstated.

AI Powers Microsoft's Malware Detection in Project Ire

Microsoft has unveiled “Project Ire,” an AI-driven system designed to autonomously identify and classify malware threats. The initiative reduces analyst workloads and speeds up detection across its cloud and security services. It reflects the tech industry's ongoing shift toward neural detection methods in the fight against cyber threats.

AI Reshaping Adversarial Pentesting Platforms

AI is transforming platforms like Pentera, which now enables real-time adversarial validation tests for enterprise environments. As AI attacks grow more sophisticated, defense tools are evolving to test and respond dynamically. That means continuous assessment, not quarterly audits, is becoming the new standard.

Laser Digital Cleared to Launch Crypto Derivatives Desk in UAE

Nomura’s digital asset arm, Laser Digital, has received regulatory approval to offer institutional-grade crypto options in Dubai. Operating under the UAE’s VARA pilot regime, the move signals growing government-backed maturity in the digital asset space. The spotlight’s on the UAE as it cements itself as a global hub for crypto innovation.

AI Overdependence Could Cost Us Our Human Edge

A growing wave of studies warns that excessive reliance on AI tools may dull our problem-solving and decision-making skills. While automation is powerful, it risks crowding out the critical thinking and technical know-how needed to properly use it. As AI grows, so does the need for upskilling and balanced integration.

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