Top Tech & Cybersecurity Headlines – August 5, 2025

Cyber summer is still in full swing as we dive into today's hottest stories—from major data breaches and malware trends to big moves in crypto and AI. Whether you're keeping tabs on Salesforce-linked attacks, privacy-first crypto tokens, or zero-day exploits, here are the key updates you should know.

Pandora and PBS Confirm Data Breaches

Jewelry giant Pandora has confirmed a data breach tied to ongoing Salesforce-based cyberattacks that are targeting major organizations globally. Meanwhile, PBS reported a breach that leaked employee contact details on Discord servers. As cloud services grow, maintaining tight access control has never been more crucial.

Cisco.com Accounts Compromised in Vishing Scam

Cisco revealed that basic user info was accessed following a voice phishing (vishing) attack on an employee. The incident highlights how conversational social engineering is back with a vengeance.

SonicWall Zero-Day Attacks Prompt Urgent Steps

Following targeted ransomware attacks exploiting its SSL VPN, SonicWall is urging users to disable the VPN service immediately while a patch is under development. The flaw has already been linked to at least 20 intrusions, with Akira ransomware responsible for many cases.

Adobe AEM Forms Faces Zero-Day Exploits

Emergency patches are out for Adobe Experience Manager Forms on JEE after proof-of-concept exploits emerged enabling remote code execution. Users should update immediately to avoid becoming collateral in fast-moving exploit campaigns.

ClickFix Malware Bypasses CAPTCHAs for Cross-Platform Infections

A new malware strain called ClickFix is using fake CAPTCHA pages to infect users across operating systems. It replaces the older ClearFake malware and is spreading through seemingly legitimate ad networks.

Cursor AI Editor RCE Risk Discovered

The AI-based code editor Cursor contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to execute remote code by manipulating approved configuration files. The issue is tracked as CVE-2025-54136 and poses a medium-to-high severity remote execution risk.

Summer Cyberattacks Surge in 2025

Cyberattack volume has surged across the board this summer, with numerous attack groups targeting orgs using zero-day chains and phishing with alarming success. It's a timely reminder that threat simulations and proactive defenses are essential.

Android Zero-Day Exploits Patched for Qualcomm Flaws

Google’s August security update resolved six Android vulnerabilities, including three that were actively exploited Qualcomm flaws. All users are advised to patch immediately to thwart potential spyware threats.

Microsoft Ups Zero Day Quest Prize to $5M

Microsoft has boosted its hacker bounty contest offering to a record $5 million for vulnerability hunters participating in Zero Day Quest. It sets the tone for what's being called "the largest hacking event in history."

JetBrains Launches Kineto, No-Code AI App Builder

JetBrains is entering the no-code arena with Kineto, an AI-powered builder enabling users to create applications without a coding background. It’s aimed at democratizing development in a world increasingly impacted by AI productivity tools.

AI or Bust? Developers Weigh In

A growing number of developers feel AI is reshaping careers, with a few suggesting a pivot to AI tools like GitHub Copilot is no longer optional. Still, early adopter sentiment is mixed, with some saying the tech still lacks precision.

Broadcom Powers AI with New Jericho4 Networking Chip

Broadcom’s Jericho4 chip boasts 3.2Tb/s per port and links data centers over 96km apart. It aims to support sprawling AI workloads across vast infrastructure.

Cardano’s Midnight Launches NIGHT Token Distribution

The Midnight Network, a privacy-focused Cardano sidechain, has kicked off the distribution of its NIGHT token to eligible wallets across multiple chains. The claim process, dubbed Glacier Drop, will run for 60 days with several future redemption phases.

Indonesia Eyes Bitcoin Reserves via Mining

Indonesia is in talks to integrate Bitcoin mining and holdings into its official reserves. Inspired by initiatives in El Salvador and Bhutan, the country is exploring BTC as a hedge against inflation.

Bitcoin Treasuries Buy $552M Worth as ETF Investors Exit

While ETF investors pulled $1.25B from Bitcoin funds, public treasuries stepped in with major purchases. Companies like Metaplanet added hundreds of millions worth of BTC in recent days.

Ethereum ETFs Witness Record Outflows

In contrast to July’s bullish run, Ethereum ETFs saw over $465M in outflows on August 4, largely led by BlackRock’s ETHA fund. Despite this, ETH's price has remained stable at around $3,623.

Tether and Stablecoins Surge with GENIUS Act Support

The U.S. GENIUS Act sparked a record $1.5 trillion in stablecoin volume in July. Circle’s USDC led with nearly 50% of transactions, while USDT continued to dominate fees across nine major blockchains.

SEC Says Liquid Staking Tokens Are Not Securities

The SEC clarified that most liquid staking setups and receipt tokens (SRTs) don’t qualify as securities—offering clearer guidance for DeFi protocols and token issuers.

Philippines Flags Major Crypto Exchanges

The Philippine SEC has warned residents against using exchanges like Bybit, KuCoin, OKX, and Bitget, which it says are unlicensed. Enforcement actions may follow