War and Cyber Crime

This week, we highlight a significant discrepancy between reports of surging **cybercrime** linked to the Iran war and official government statements downplaying the immediate risks. The text emphasizes the growing danger of **AI-driven attacks**, which are currently outpacing defensive capabilities and being utilized for sophisticated **identity theft and phishing** schemes. Readers are warned about specific vulnerabilities affecting **SaaS applications** and **mobile devices**, alongside reports of state-sponsored hacking operations originating from **North Korea and China**. To address these concerns, the source advocates for **proactive cyber hygiene** and directs the public toward educational resources and technical updates. The publication concludes by announcing a **logo redesign** and a new schedule for security-focused **public service announcements** on social media.

AuthorAuthorAuthor

Daniel Masterson, Ai Courtrie Buson & Bard Gee
March 20, 2026

HX Weekly
by Hexagon Center

for the week of March 15, 2026, 113th edition

Your quick weekend update and reminder.
☝️ TWA

The Cybercrime Truth

To effectively safeguard ourselves against potential threats, it is imperative that we obtain accurate and reliable information.

🤷‍♀️ What now?: Develop good cyber habits and be cyber smart.

about this edition and Inside Hexagon

I’m sure you have noticed the change in our logo. The logo has undergone a redesign, resulting in a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

HX Weekly’s crucial work should not be overlooked, especially since we’re discussing such topics here. The lack of content in Headline Highlights should not be seen as less activity in the cybersecurity world as the news is curated from a pool of cybersecurity news. We recently reinvented Headline Highlights to be more relevant to our readers. However, we also use this platform to disseminate important messages, such as device updates.

Every Wednesday at midnight Pacific Time, Hexagon Center YouTube channel will release a new PSA commercial every seven hours until Tech Terms Tuesday at 10 AM Pacific Time every Tuesdays. Visit youtube.com/@hexagoncenter to watch the latest commercial. Sharing Hexagon Center’s work not only protects you but also helps protect the person you share it with. Don’t forget to share, comment, and follow Hexagon Center for more valuable content.

We hope you are watching the videos. Tell us what you like, or don’t like about them.

Thank you.

HOUSEKEEPING

Glossary/Legend:

  • Zero Trust - a strategic cybersecurity framework based on the principle of "never trust, always verify," requiring strict identity authentication and authorization for every user and device, whether inside or outside the network perimeter. It assumes breach, removes implicit trust, and employs granular, least-privilege access controls to protect resources. 

  • Holistic security - a comprehensive strategy that integrates various protection layers—physical, digital, psycho-social, and organizational—to safeguard individuals, communities, or systems, recognizing that true security involves overall well-being, not just isolated technical defenses.

  1. Personal Identifier - A unique word or phrase shared exclusively with an individual or a group, serving as a means of identification and affirmation within the established relationship. It is recommended that 2 or more Personal Identifiers be established per person.

  2. Malware (short for malicious software) - refers to any intrusive software developed by cybercriminals (often called hackers) to steal data and damage or destroy computers and computer systems.

  3. Ransomware - A type of malware that locks or encrypts a victim's files and demands a ransom payment to unlock and decrypt them. Ransomware can infect a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, printers, and more.

Privacy Notice: HX Weekly and the Hexagon Center are committed to your digital security. We do not collect, track, or store any personal information from our subscribers beyond the email address provided for delivery.

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Even though we aim to provide you the most current and critical information to keep you safe, threat actors work 24/7 and this newsletter publishes only once a week. Even though we are available via a hotline, it is crucial that you stay up to date via other sources as well to be informed on how you may be at risk.

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DISCLAIMER

Cybersecurity is an ever-changing field, and threats may evolve. While Hexagon Center strives to provide accurate and timely information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. Users are responsible for implementing their security measures and staying informed about the latest cybersecurity developments. Hexagon Center is not responsible for any cyber or scam attacks by our readers. HX Weekly tips are advice are not official positions of Hexagon Center nor is Hexagon Center responsible for its content.

Content of this newsletter is not an official representation of Hexagon Center.

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