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Why Zero-Day Exploits and RMM Abuse Are Surging in 2026 [Prime Cyber Insights]

/ 04:22/E956
This episode explores a volatile week in cybersecurity, centered on a massive surge in zero-day exploitation and a fundamental shift in attacker tradecraft. We analyze critical vulnerabilities from Dell, Apple, and Google Chrome that have allowed state-sponsored groups like UNC6201 to maintain network persistence for over 400 days using novel techniques like 'Ghost NICs.' The team also dives into the Huntress 2026 Cyber Threat Report, which reveals a staggering 277% increase in the abuse of Remote Monitoring and Management tools, a trend mirrored in the sophisticated Operation Doppelbrand phishing campaign targeting Fortune 500 financial institutions. We further discuss the $3.25 million 23andMe settlement for Canadian customers, the ongoing data extortion efforts against Eurail, and the legislative gridlock as the DHS shutdown leaves state cybersecurity grants unfunded. Systems expert Chad Thompson joins the desk to provide a perspective on how automation and architectural gaps are accelerating these infrastructure-level threats.

In this episode of Prime Cyber Insights, we break down a volatile week in digital risk, characterized by a massive surge in zero-day exploitation and a fundamental shift in attacker tradecraft. We examine critical vulnerabilities from Dell, Apple, and Chrome that have allowed state-sponsored groups like UNC6201 to maintain network persistence for over 400 days. The team also analyzes the Huntress 2026 Cyber Threat Report, which reveals a 277% year-over-year increase in Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tool abuse. From the sophisticated Operation Doppelbrand phishing campaign targeting the Fortune 500 to the $16 million Phobos ransomware disruption in Poland, we connect the dots between automation and infrastructure vulnerability. We also explore the impact of the DHS shutdown on state cybersecurity funding and the ongoing data extortion saga at Eurail.

Topics Covered

  • 🛡️ Dell and Apple Zero-Day Analysis
  • 🚨 Operation Doppelbrand Phishing Campaign
  • 📊 Huntress Report: The 277% RMM Abuse Explosion
  • 🔒 23andMe and Eurail Data Breach Fallout
  • 🌐 Industrial Ransomware Trends from Dragos
  • ⚖️ Federal Funding Gaps and the DHS Shutdown

Disclaimer: The information provided is based on news reports available as of February 2026 and is intended for informational purposes only.

Neural Newscast is AI-assisted, human reviewed. View our AI Transparency Policy at NeuralNewscast.com.

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (00:29) - Zero-Day Persistence and State Actors
  • (01:26) - The Rise of RMM Abuse
  • (01:48) - Data Extortion and Infrastructure Risks
  • (03:47) - Conclusion
Why Zero-Day Exploits and RMM Abuse Are Surging in 2026 [Prime Cyber Insights]

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