This Microsoft 'Feature' Just Became Your Biggest Vulnerability

Welcome to the first-ever edition of The Packet Pulse, an Advizex newsletter—where we cut through the noise so you don't have to. In this issue, we explore Microsoft-signed drivers becoming cybercriminals' new best friends and why ransomware gangs aren't just visiting networks—they're moving in with furniture.

This issue is brought to you with support from HPE Aruba Networking.

Now, let's dive in...

When "Trusted" Software Goes Rogue: Microsoft's Digital Signature Gets Hijacked

Cybercriminals discovered that Microsoft's stamp of approval on a driver called BioNTdrv.sys is their golden ticket to your systems. This "Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver" (BYOVD) technique lets attackers waltz past security, disable your protection tools, and set up ransomware shop—all while wearing Microsoft's digital tuxedo.

Why it matters: That trust model you've relied on for years? It just broke up with you via text. Your allowlists, signature verification, and driver authentication systems are now working against you. If something signed by Microsoft isn't trustworthy, what is?

Between the lines: The scary part isn't that this is some genius zero-day—it's attackers recycling old, forgotten flaws that your shiny new security tools are programmed to trust. It's like finding out your state-of-the-art home security system has an override code that's written on a post-it in your neighbor's kitchen.

By the numbers:

• 1 Microsoft-signed driver doing the damage

• 100% bypass rate of signature-based security

• $0 needed by attackers—they're using your trust against you

• Countless security tools thinking everything's fine

The bottom line: Your security strategy can't just focus on keeping bad software out—it needs to catch good software behaving badly. Trust is now your biggest vulnerability.

What you should do:

• Deploy behavior monitoring that flags even trusted software acting sketchy

• Audit your allowlists now (yes, right now—we'll wait)

• Rethink driver policies at the kernel level

• Run tabletop exercises where signed drivers are the threat actors

The New Ransomware Playbook: They’re Moving In, Not Just Visiting

Remember when ransomware gangs would smash-and-grab your data? Those were simpler times. Today's attackers aren't just encrypting files—they're building summer homes in your network.

What’s happening: Looking at Lee Enterprises’ attack (and a growing number of ransomware incidents), we spotted something the headlines missed: attackers maintained network access for weeks before deploying ransomware. They weren’t rushing to encrypt; they were methodically building infrastructure.

The big picture: Ransomware groups have gone corporate. They're establishing redundant access points, automated lateral movement tools, and data staging servers that survive initial detection. By the time you see the ransom note, they've already set up multiple ways back into your environment. Sneaky.

Yes, but: Most security teams are still playing 2021's game—detect ransomware, restore backups, declare victory. That's like treating the fever while ignoring the infection. One defense contractor learned this the hard way when their "successful" cleanup was followed by a second encryption event 17 days later. Ouch.

The bottom line: You haven't won when the ransom note appears—you've already lost weeks earlier when they first established persistence. Stop obsessing over detection speed and start hunting for attackers quietly setting up shop in your network.

Quick wins:

• Run weekly "persistence hunts" with tools like Autoruns across your enterprise

• Deploy honey tokens (fake admin credentials) as tripwires

• Capture and analyze PowerShell command logs—that's where the real action happens

1. Hackers Breach Polish Space Agency: How Long Were They Inside?

   Poland's cybersecurity services detected unauthorized access to the Polish Space Agency's IT infrastructure, with rapid containment measures reportedly implemented. 

   Our take: Critical infrastructure remains prime real estate for attackers. The big question: how long did they have access before discovery? 

2. Ransomware Group Qilin Cripples U.S. Newspapers in Prolonged Cyber Siege

   Russian-linked group Qilin disrupted newspaper operations across multiple Lee Enterprises publications, causing reduced sizes and missing features for nearly a month.

   Our take: Media organizations combine high visibility with traditionally underfunded security—a recipe for disaster when facing sophisticated threat actors.

3. 1.6 Million Android TV Boxes Hijacked for Crypto Mining & Data Theft

   Malware dubbed "Vo1d" has compromised Android TV boxes, allowing attackers to infiltrate Wi-Fi networks, steal data, and use devices for crypto mining.

   Our take: These forgotten devices often live for years without updates while enjoying privileged network access. Time to segregate your IoT to its own network.

I'm trusted until I'm not.
I open doors for those who shouldn't enter.
I wear a signature of approval.
I run with highest privileges, yet oversight is minimal.

What am I?

Think you know the answer? Reply with your guess! We'll reveal the solution in our next issue. (Hint: This week's Signal Boost might point you in the right direction).

That's a wrap for this edition of The Packet Pulse. If you found value in these insights, forward this to a colleague who still thinks "But it's digitally signed!" is an adequate security posture.

Remember: In a world where everyone's selling certainty, we're selling context. Because the only thing more dangerous than not knowing is thinking you do.

Stay connected,
The Packet Pulse Team
(Transmitted by Jared)

P.S. Have you caught a signed-driver attack in your environment? We'd love to hear your war stories—just reply to this email. No judgment, only solidarity... and maybe some best practices to share with others.