This Week in Cybersecurity - May 16, 2025
- Jordan Santos
- May 16
- 3 min read
Cyber threats made headlines again this week—from advanced AI-driven encryption methods to surprisingly simple attacks on critical infrastructure. Whether it's a browser vulnerability being actively exploited or industrial systems left open to the internet, one thing is clear: staying secure starts with the basics. Here's what SMB leaders need to know right now.
Top Threats This Week
AI-Powered Encryption: A New Frontier in Secure Messaging—or a New Risk?
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method that uses AI chatbots like ChatGPT to hide encrypted messages within human-like text—making them invisible to traditional cybersecurity systems. Called EmbedderLLM, the technique embeds secret data into AI-generated content and requires a special key to decode the message. While the system could offer a secure communication channel for journalists or citizens in oppressive regimes, it also raises concerns about misuse by cybercriminals. The encryption method is designed to be resistant to current and future decryption methods, including those powered by quantum computing, but practical implementation is still in early stages.
Takeaway: While this AI-powered encryption tool isn’t hitting the mainstream yet, it highlights how cyber threats—and tools—are evolving quickly. The same tech that protects can also be misused. Staying informed and investing in layered security is essential to keep your business prepared for what’s next.
Chrome Users Alert: Active Exploit Targets Sensitive Data Through Referrer Policy Flaw
Google has patched a high-severity Chrome vulnerability (CVE-2025-4664) that could allow attackers to steal sensitive cross-origin data using a manipulated referrer policy. Discovered by a security researcher and confirmed to be actively exploited in the wild, the flaw allows threat actors to capture query parameters—potentially exposing user credentials or sensitive account data. The vulnerability affects Chrome versions prior to 136.0.7103.113 and has also been added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, prompting mandatory patching for federal agencies by June 5, 2025. Users of Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi) are urged to update immediately.
Takeaway: Even a browser vulnerability can open the door to major security risks. Ensure your organization’s browsers are up to date across all devices and consider enforcing automatic updates and web usage policies. Staying on top of patching is a critical layer in your cybersecurity defense.
CISA & FBI Warn: Basic Cyber Hygiene Still Missing in Critical Infrastructure
Federal agencies including CISA, the FBI, DOE, and EPA have issued a joint advisory warning that "unsophisticated" hackers are successfully targeting industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) environments in critical sectors like energy, oil and gas, and transportation. The attacks exploit poor cyber hygiene practices—especially publicly exposed systems, unchanged default passwords, and unsecured remote access. Authorities urge asset owners to disconnect OT systems from the public internet, implement strong passwords, and adopt VPNs with phishing-resistant MFA to better protect against these avoidable threats.
Takeaway: Even unsophisticated attackers can do serious damage when basic defenses are overlooked. Whether you're in manufacturing, utilities, or any sector using industrial systems, now’s the time to review your remote access controls, enforce strong password policies, and shore up any exposed systems. The basics still matter—and ignoring them leaves you wide open.
Cyber Tip of the Week
Don’t Overlook the Basics. Strong passwords, updated software, and secured remote access are still among the most effective defenses against cyber threats—no matter how sophisticated (or unsophisticated) the attacker. Review your current practices and make sure these fundamentals are in place across your organization.
Stat of the Week
61% of SMBs were targeted by a cyberattack in 2023—and 40% involved employee credentials.
(Verizon DBIR)
Final Thoughts
This week’s news highlights a growing reality: cyber threats don’t always come from elite hackers using advanced tools. Sometimes, it’s the basics—like an exposed device or a weak password—that give attackers an open door. Whether it’s a cutting-edge exploit in your browser or a brute-force attempt on your industrial system, good cyber hygiene is your first and most effective line of defense. Stay vigilant, patch regularly, and don’t underestimate the power of simple security steps.
Have questions about your cybersecurity posture? Let’s talk.