The integration of AI into cyberattack methodologies is accelerating. Organizations must proactively adapt their cybersecurity strategies to address the evolving threat landscape. For a deeper dive into these developments or assistance in implementing the recommended pilots, feel free to reach out.
Major Incidents & Threats
UK Retail Sector Under Siege
A coordinated wave of cyberattacks has disrupted major British retailers:(Latest news & breaking headlines)
- Marks & Spencer (M&S) has been grappling with a significant cyberattack since Easter weekend, disabling its ability to process online orders, hire new staff, or maintain regular website functions. (AP News)
- Harrods acknowledged a cyber threat and has taken precautionary steps, including limiting internet access. (AP News)
Experts suspect either a shared technology vendor or a domino effect from the M&S attack might be the breach source. (Latest news & breaking headlines)
France Accuses Russia-Linked Hackers
The French government has accused APT28, a hacking group linked to Russian military intelligence (GRU), of conducting a series of cyberattacks between 2021 and 2024. These cyberattacks targeted French government ministries, local governments, the aerospace and finance industries, and notably an organization involved in planning the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. (AP News)
AI & Cybersecurity: Key RSAC 2025 Takeaways
At the RSA Conference 2025 in San Francisco, the cybersecurity community continued to focus heavily on AI’s transformative impact on the sector. (IT Pro)
- Cisco unveiled its open-source 8-billion-parameter Foundation AI Security Model to empower the community.(IT Pro)
- Google Cloud revealed how APT groups are using AI tools like Gemini for research and phishing but found no new AI-specific attack vectors.(IT Pro)
Policy & Public-Private Tensions
U.S. Cybersecurity Leadership in Flux
Tensions between the cybersecurity industry and the U.S. government have resurfaced amid the Trump administration’s approach to cybersecurity partnerships. Despite past improvements in collaboration under President Biden, these relationships are now being tested further by federal workforce layoffs, prominent firings, budget cuts, and political divisions. (Axios)
Texas Advances State-Level Cyber Command
The Texas House has approved House Bill 150, which proposes the creation of the Texas Cyber Command in San Antonio, with strong bipartisan support. The initiative was introduced by Governor Greg Abbott in his 2025 State of the State address as a critical measure to protect against escalating cyber threats targeting state infrastructure and services. (San Antonio Express-News)
Recommended Internal Pilots
- AI-Driven Threat Simulation: Evaluate open-source AI models like Cisco’s Foundation AI Security Model for simulating advanced persistent threats (APTs) and enhancing incident response strategies.(IT Pro)
- Supply Chain Risk Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive review of third-party vendors and partners to identify potential vulnerabilities, especially in light of the coordinated attacks on UK retailers.(Latest news & breaking headlines)
- Public-Private Collaboration Framework: Develop a structured approach to engage with government cybersecurity initiatives, considering the evolving dynamics between the private sector and federal agencies.
Early Warning Alert
The integration of AI into cyberattack methodologies is accelerating. Organizations must proactively adapt their cybersecurity strategies to address the evolving threat landscape.
