New Cyber Espionage Group Targets Academics and Policy Experts
Cyber Security News by CyberSum.net
A newly identified threat group, UNK_SmudgedSerpent, has been linked to cyber attacks targeting academics and foreign policy experts. The campaign, which occurred between June and August 2025, utilized phishing tactics and malicious URLs to deploy Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software. The attacks coincided with heightened geopolitical tensions and shared similarities with previous attacks by known cyber espionage groups. The campaign impersonated prominent figures and think tanks to increase the likelihood of success. Proofpoint noted that the adversary adapted its tactics in response to target suspicions, highlighting the evolving nature of cyber espionage.