Latest cybersecurity reporting from selected sources.

Treasury Links Russian Bulletproof Host Network to Prolific Ransomware OperationsThe U.S., U.K. and Australia sanctioned Russian bulletproof host Media Land for supporting major ransomware gangs, including LockBit and Play, a move paired with new global guidance urging internet service providers to tighten access controls and disrupt cybercrime infrastructure.

Also, Australian Police Arrest 55 in New Round of Anom App StingThis week: UPenn hit by email breach, Australian police arrested 55, 'SesameOp' backdoor hid C2 traffic, BEC scammers used AWS, hackers stole trucking cargo, Ukrainian national extradited to United States for role in Conti ransomware and a supply chain risk in advanced installer tool.

Group's Advisory Follows an Updated Joint Alert from US, Australian AgenciesThe American Hospital Association is warning hospitals and other healthcare sector organizations of rising double-extortion attack threats involving the Play ransomware group. The AHA alert follows an updated joint government advisory issued last week about Play's latest tactics.

Ransom Threats to Be Reported Under New Australian LegislationAustralian organizations have 40 days to prepare for a new law requiring mandatory reporting of ransomware payments to authorities. The law covers about 6.5% of registered businesses which, starting May 30, must report ransomware payments within 72 hours to the Australian Signals Directorate.

Researchers: Ransomware Group Emerged Last Fall; Variant of Babuk MalwareA new ransomware gang, Termite, has started leaking on the dark web samples of sensitive data stolen in an attack on Australian fertility clinic Genea. A court has issued a restraining order in hopes of preventing the threat actor or others from further disseminating, using or publishing the data.

US, UK and Australia Target Zservers for Supporting LockBit, Other Cybercrime GroupsA Russian bulletproof hosting service used by cybercriminals including the LockBit ransomware group has been sanctioned by Australian, British and American agencies. Zservers has been advertised in criminal forums as an aid to avoid law enforcement investigations and takedowns.

New Law Calls for Better Reporting, Securing Devices and Critical InfrastructureThe Australian government's proposed cybersecurity legislation passed both houses of the Parliament on Monday, formalizing the government's strategy to boost ransomware payment reporting, mandate basic cybersecurity standards for connected devices and enhance critical infrastructure security.

News Comes on Heels of Treasury Forcing Chinese Investors to Divest BianLian SharesAustralian mining giant Northern Minerals says cybercriminals stole sensitive corporate secrets from its systems not long after the government forced several Chinese investors to divest their shares in the company. The incident did not have a material impact on Northern's operations or systems.

e-Prescription Provider Brings in Government on Ransomware ResponseAustralian e-prescription firm MediSecure said it is dealing with a large-scale cyberattack that could affect the personal and health information of millions of patients. The company says it is working with the Australian government on a "whole-of-government response" to the ransomware attack.

3 Suspects Charged With Using Sugar Ransomware, Phishing Attacks Against RussiansRussian authorities have reportedly arrested three accused members of the SugarLocker ransomware-as-a-service operation. Their alleged crime? Targeting Russians, although one suspect has also been tied to a massive hack of Australian health insurer Medibank and subsequent data leak.

Australia Envisions Cybersecurity Leadership in the Pacific With New StrategyThe Australian government says it will mandate ransomware reporting by businesses, boost law enforcement capacity and fund startups with innovative cybersecurity solutions under a strategy unveiled Monday. "We cannot continue as we have," said Cyber Security and Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil.