Security, Spoken cover image

Security, Spoken

A Hacker ‘Ghost’ Network Is Quietly Spreading Malware on GitHub

Jul 26, 2024
A clandestine network on GitHub controlled by Stargazer Goblin is spreading ransomware and info stealers, luring users with popular downloads that actually contain malicious software. The tactics of the hacker 'ghost' network include automated searches for linked accounts, fictitious reviews, and GitHub's countermeasures involving manual reviews and machine learning algorithms.
06:25

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • A network of ghost accounts on GitHub is spreading ransomware and info stealers discreetly.
  • Cybercriminals exploit GitHub's user base by using fake stars and hidden malicious code.

Deep dives

Spread of Malware on GitHub

A network of around 3,000 ghost accounts on GitHub has been discreetly manipulating the platform to spread ransomware and infostealers. Checkpoint researchers discovered a cybercriminal named Stargazer Goblin hosting malicious code repositories on GitHub, using false accounts to make these pages popular. The network's operations include sharing various ransomware and malware tools, posing as legitimate software downloads targeting Windows users. The network employs tactics like buying and selling repositories on criminal marketplaces, aiming to capitalize on users searching for free software.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode