18-Aug-2026 Microsoft Azure Claims, Google-Tracked BlackFile and AI Ransomware Attacks

Hacked dAily is the first AI-driven cybersecurity podcast, created by Cytadel Cyber and published daily. Built for CISOs, security leaders, and decision-makers, each episode delivers concise analysis of the threats shaping business risk. 1. A hacker claims to have stolen 36 million Microsoft Azure account records from major companies, allegedly by exploiting exposed cloud assets. The data has not been independently verified, but if confirmed, the incident would highlight how cloud misconfigurations can enable widespread credential compromise. 2. Cybercrime group BlackFile, also tracked by Google as UNC6671, remains active against financial firms and other enterprises through voice phishing and social engineering. Its multi-brand extortion model and million-dollar demands show that human-focused attacks continue to create serious financial and reputational risk. 3. A suspected Gentlemen ransomware affiliate reportedly used Claude Code during intrusions against at least eight organizations, including an energy utility, financial firm, and manufacturers. The case demonstrates how generative AI can accelerate credential theft, network access, data exfiltration, and ransomware operations—while also introducing risks of accidental disruption. 4. Operation Asterix combines vishing, phishing, fake support interactions, and fraudulent prompts to steal cryptocurrency access. The campaign underscores how attackers are blending communication channels and crypto-specific deception to target both individuals and organizations. 5. C2Looper malware variants are shifting command-and-control activity to GitHub, using mainstream cloud services to exchange commands, beacons, and stolen data. The approach can improve resilience and concealment, making detection, disruption, and takedown more difficult. Hacked dAily: practical cybersecurity intelligence for leaders who need to understand what happened, why it matters, and what comes next. Hacked Daily is sponsored by Cytadel, an offensive cyber assurance company specialising in AI-powered attacks. Cytadel’s expert-led Red Team Assessments follow real attack chains across people, identity and technology to verify whether they can become AI fraud or ransomware disruption. We verify your defences before attackers do. Learn more at cytadel.co.uk.