Quick Takeaways
- A cybercrime coalition combining groups like Scattered Spider, LAPSUS$, and ShinyHunters operates openly on Telegram, frequently creating and deleting channels to evade moderation while coordinating widespread cyberattacks and extortion schemes.
- The groups collaborate within “The Com” network, sharing identities, tactics, and infrastructure, and have engaged in data theft, extortion, and potentially future ransomware activities under names like ShinySp1d3r.
- Their operations blend social engineering, exploit development, and narrative warfare, leveraging branding and reputation management reminiscent of hacktivist groups, and target entities worldwide, including governmental and corporate victims.
- The emergence of alliances like DragonForce with other ransomware groups reflects a move toward a “cartel-like” structure, sharing techniques and infrastructure, and expanding the malware capabilities, including using vulnerable drivers in sophisticated BYOVD attacks.
Underlying Problem
Since August 8, 2025, a loosely organized cybercriminal alliance known as The Com has been actively operating through at least 16 Telegram channels, often repeatedly removing and recreating them to evade platform moderation. This coalition integrates three notorious hacking groups—Scattered Spider, LAPSUS$, and ShinyHunters—and employs these channels not only to coordinate cyberattacks but also to amplify their messaging and sell illicit services. Specifically, the emergent subgroup Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters (SLH) has focused on data extortion campaigns, including targeting organizations like Salesforce, and offers extortion services that leverage their collective reputation to attract clients. Their strategic use of Telegram reflects a sophisticated understanding of social engineering, propaganda, and the importance of legitimacy within cybercriminal ecosystems. These actors also project a mythos of organization with signatures like “SLH Operations Centre,” while simultaneously engaging in geopolitical accusations—blaming Chinese state actors and criticizing law enforcement—along with pressuring corporate executives via targeted email campaigns. Further, associated groups under The Com umbrella, such as Shinycorp and UNC entities, have developed specialized tools and exploits, with indications that they plan to expand into ransomware, possibly launching a family called Sh1nySp1d3r, aimed at rivaling established strains like LockBit. The overarching narrative, as reported by cybersecurity firms like Trustwave SpiderLabs and Acronis, highlights a sophisticated, multi-layered threat landscape where profit motives and ideological elements intertwine, driven by a largely autonomous yet mutually reinforcing network of cybercriminal affiliates.
Security Implications
The convergence of notorious cybercriminal groups like Scattered Spider, LAPSUS$, and ShinyHunters into a formidable alliance signals a new, unprecedented level of threat that any business could face, regardless of size or industry; such a merger magnifies the sophistication, scale, and persistence of cyberattacks, making businesses vulnerable to devastating data breaches, financial loss, and operational paralysis. When these groups collaborate, they pool resources, exploit vulnerabilities more aggressively, and develop advanced tactics that outpace traditional security defenses, turning your company into a prime target for ransomware, intellectual property theft, or prolonged cyber espionage. The fallout isn’t just technical—it can severely damage your reputation, erode customer trust, and incur enormous remediation costs, ultimately threatening your entire business viability.
Possible Actions
In the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats, timely remediation is crucial to limit damage, restore normal operations, and prevent further exploitation, especially when high-profile threat actors like Scattered Spider, LAPSUS$, and ShinyHunters unite in a cybercrime merger like no other. Swift action helps organizations contain the breach, reduce recovery costs, and uphold stakeholder trust.
Mitigation Strategies
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Threat Intelligence Gathering: Continuously monitor for indicators related to these specific groups to understand their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
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Enhanced Detection: Deploy advanced security tools such as intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) to identify suspicious activities quickly.
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Access Controls: Implement strict access management policies, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) and least privilege principles, to minimize lateral movement opportunities.
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Vulnerability Management: Regularly scan and patch vulnerabilities, especially in critical systems, to close potential entry points for attackers.
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User Training: Educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts and social engineering tactics commonly used by these groups.
Remediation Measures
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Incident Response: Activate the incident response plan promptly upon detection to contain the breach and prevent escalation.
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System Isolation: Segregate compromised systems from the network to contain the spread of malicious activities.
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Forensic Analysis: Conduct thorough forensic investigations to understand the attack scope and methods used, informing future defenses.
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Data Recovery: Restore affected systems and data from secure backups, ensuring integrity and minimizing downtime.
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Communication Protocols: Notify relevant stakeholders, including customers and authorities, in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
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Policy Review: Update security policies and procedures based on lessons learned to prevent similar future incidents.
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Disclaimer: The information provided may not always be accurate or up to date. Please do your own research, as the cybersecurity landscape evolves rapidly. Intended for secondary references purposes only.
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