Why are cyber attacks on the rise before the year ends

People are starting to shop online more, sharing personal and financial information, and rushing to meet end-of-year deadlines, which makes them less cautious. Hackers take advantage of this by sending fake holiday deals, phishing emails, and scam shipping notices, while many companies have fewer IT staff on duty to monitor threats. The mix of higher online activity, seasonal scams, and reduced security makes this time of year a prime target for cybercriminals.

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Daniel Masterson, Ai Courtrie Buson & Bard Gee
September 05, 2025

for the week August 31st, 2025, 88th edition

☝️ TWA

New ransomware and increased phishing attacks

Just because it’s easier and more convenient online doesn’t mean we get to let our guard down.

In the wake of the escalating cyber attack landscape, heightened vigilance is crucial in our daily lives.

🤷‍♀️ What now?: Always hesitate when you are giving out security information. Never directly do things you’re doubtful of. Cyber life is pretty much the same as real life.

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about this edition and Inside Hexagon

This Labor Day week in America appears to be relatively mellow on the surface, but we observed at HX Weekly that a significant amount of work is being done to prepare for the holidays. However, we don’t mean this in the context of security measures. Instead, we are witnessing preparations on the offensive side.

Keep your vigilance up this holiday season.

Hexagon Center is growing with a lot of plans for its future. As the organization grows, we are looking forward to serving you in many more ways than we do now. There are many ways you can join our growth as we set our sights on a bright future ahead.

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Glossary/Legend:

  • RAT payload - the malicious software component of a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that is designed to be delivered to and executed on a victim's computer

    • RAT is a type of malware that provides an attacker with remote administrative control over an infected machine.

    • Payload is the final package of malicious code that is installed and run on the victim's device to enable the attacker's remote control.

  • 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.

  • Cyberattack - A malicious attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer system, network, or device. The goal of a cyberattack is to disrupt or damage the target, or to steal data, intellectual property, or money.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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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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