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FBI Deletes PlugX Malware From Over 4,200 Computers

• Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
• Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) announced Tuesday that a court-authorized operation enabled the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to delete PlugX malware from over 4,250 infected computers across the United States.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

• The malware allowed hackers to control victim computers and extract confidential information.
• FBI obtained nine warrants to authorize malware removal from U.S.-based systems.
• PlugX infections primarily targeted Windows-based computers, including home devices.

PlugX, a malicious tool designed to infiltrate and exfiltrate data from compromised systems, has been used by Mustang Panda since at least 2014. The group reportedly operates under the sponsorship of the Chinese government, targeting U.S. entities, European and Asian businesses, and even Chinese dissidents.

Once a device is infected, the malware persists, allowing hackers to communicate with it whenever it’s powered on, as reported by The Record . Many victims remained unaware of the malware’s presence, which prompted federal authorities to act, as noted by the DoJ.

The Record reports that French authorities revealed that cybersecurity firm Sekoia alerted the Paris Prosecutor’s Office and national agencies about a botnet created using PlugX malware. The malware, used for espionage, had compromised thousands of devices in France and worldwide.

Sekoia experts identified and seized control of a command-and-control server managing infected devices. This breakthrough enabled the company to develop a remote disinfection method, which was shared with several countries via Europol.

The disinfection campaign began on July 18 and is set to continue for months. Authorities confirmed that PlugX has already been removed from devices in Malta, Portugal, Croatia, Slovakia, Austria, and France.

As a result, nine warrants issued by the Eastern District of Pennsylvania authorized the FBI to carry out this malware removal, concluding on January 3, 2025.

This initiative removed PlugX malware from 4,258 U.S.-based systems, including numerous home computers. It marked a significant milestone in addressing Mustang Panda’s extensive hacking activities, which U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero described as “reckless and aggressive.”

The FBI has alerted affected computer owners through their internet service providers and is continuing its investigation into Mustang Panda’s cyber intrusions. Authorities urge the public to use antivirus software and maintain updated security measures to prevent reinfections.

Anyone suspecting their system may be compromised can file a report through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or contact their local FBI office for assistance.

Image by Christina @ wocintechchat.com, from Pixabay

Survey Reveals 51% Of UK Companies Plan AI Investment Over New Hires

• Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
• Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

A recent poll reveals that over half of UK business leaders intend to invest in AI rather than hire new staff, citing rising employment costs as a driving factor.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

• 51% of UK businesses plan to invest in AI over hiring new staff.
• Labour reforms, including higher wages and worker protections, escalate employment costs.
• 57% of businesses expect to reduce hiring in 2025 due to regulatory changes.

Conducted by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the survey, first reported by the Financial Times , highlights a significant shift in corporate priorities following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ tax policy changes. This news follows the UK government announced plans to leverage AI for growth .

The study, shared with the Financial Times, found that 51% of business leaders plan to redirect funds from hiring to AI due to the increase in employers’ national insurance contributions announced in the October Budget.

Employers are also grappling with higher costs from an increased national living wage and anticipated workers’ rights reforms under the Labour government, which aim to eliminate zero-hour contracts and expand unfair dismissal protections, as reported by the Financial Times.

The poll, which surveyed leaders from 251 UK businesses employing more than 50 people, also revealed that 44% of respondents view AI investment as a priority this year. Meanwhile, 57% anticipate hiring fewer staff by 2025 due to these financial pressures and regulatory changes.

Companies have expressed concern about the financial strain, estimating billions of pounds in additional costs from higher national insurance rates and lower earnings thresholds for contributions.

An executive from one of the UK’s largest employers noted that the government “increasing the costs of employing people in multiple ways simultaneously right at the point when AI cost cutting possibilities emerge,” as noted by the Financial Times

Nick South, managing director at BCG, noted that advancements in AI, particularly generative AI, offer companies new opportunities to enhance productivity amidst rising employment costs. “Over time you will see organisations reshaping the size and shape of their workforces,” he said, as reported by the Financial Times.

This aligns with Sam Altman’s recent statement , where he suggested that by 2025, AI agents could enter the workforce and have a significant impact on company output. This trend underscores the growing role of AI in business strategy, particularly as companies navigate challenging economic conditions and rising regulatory demands.

Indeed, a recent WEF’s report predicted that digital access and AI will reshape the job market. Key technologies like AI, robotics, and automation are driving job growth in tech roles while decreasing demand for repetitive jobs. With skills evolving, WEF suggests that reskilling is essential, as 39% of skills may become obsolete by 2030 .

The report highlights government policies as a major factor driving the shift from hiring staff to investing in AI. However, it is important to note that the idea that AI can accomplish more with fewer resources might be the most appealing aspect to executives looking to reduce costs.

However, this approach also carries risks for companies, as relying heavily on AI could create challenges and vulnerabilities in the long run.Indeed, a recent survey reported by Medium , identified key vulnerabilities in AI agents.

These include unpredictable user inputs, complex internal processes, inconsistent behavior across different environments, and risks from interacting with unverified external sources, making it difficult to detect cybersecurity threats.