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The FBI has issued a cautionary message regarding a new wave of cybercriminals dubbed “time-traveling hackers,” who are employing sophisticated methods to penetrate security systems and execute harmful cyber operations.
In the current digital landscape, hackers represent a significant threat, frequently breaching corporate defenses and exposing sensitive data. High-profile cases have become a staple of news coverage, from the Rockstar Games GTA 6 leaks to the hijacking of McDonald’s social media accounts.
These cyber adversaries have now introduced a novel tactic that involves manipulating time, though they do not possess the ability to literally travel back in time. This method allows them to exploit existing vulnerabilities for malicious objectives.
Hackers use advanced “time travel” trick to bypass security
As detailed by Fox News, these criminals are reportedly tampering with the internal clocks of systems to evade security measures.
An example of this tactic was seen with the Medusa ransomware group, which exploited the expiration of security certificates. By altering the date on these certificates to make them appear valid, they misled systems into accepting their actions as legitimate.
The FBI has underscored that this approach can disable crucial security tools such as Windows Defender, tricking systems into accepting outdated drivers and rendering malicious applications seemingly safe.
To protect against these sophisticated attacks, the FBI recommends users implement two-factor authentication, establish recovery plans for accounts, utilize VPN services, and remain vigilant for any unusual alterations, such as a system clock reverting to earlier dates.
The Medusa gang has been active since its founding in 2022, using their “time travel” strategy combined with social engineering tactics to target more than 300 sectors critical to infrastructure, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Their operations often involve inciting victims to pay a ransom or risk data exposure. The FBI advises against making payments, as there is no assurance that the attackers will restore access to the data, and doing so may encourage further criminal behavior.
The phenomenon of time-traveling hackers illustrates a troubling trend in cybercrime. In 2024, another group famously known as ‘gay furry hackers’ compromised a US nuclear laboratory, demanding absurd research into creating real-life catgirls. The possible implications could be dire if this form of hacking ever merges with genuine time manipulation.
Source
www.dexerto.com