Cyber Security News

Hacking Editorial Brief — October 2, 2026

Law Enforcement Develops iPhone Reboot Bypass as ShinyHunters Resurfaces

Security researchers have disclosed that forensic device manufacturer Grayshift claims to have developed a workaround for Apple's automatic inactivity reboot feature, which locks iPhones after 72 hours of inactivity. A leaked video allegedly demonstrates the technique freezing iPhones in a "Before First Unlock" state, allowing investigators extended access windows for phone exploitation tools. The disclosure comes as the ShinyHunters threat group reappeared after reports suggested their infrastructure had been disrupted. The group told Dutch media their website had merely migrated to a new address rather than being shut down, contradicting earlier speculation about law enforcement action. ShinyHunters recently claimed responsibility for a massive data breach targeting Dutch telecommunications provider Odido.

Pentagon Breach Exposed 3 Million Personnel Records Through File-Sharing Flaw

The Pentagon's Defense Manpower Data Center disclosed a security vulnerability in its file-sharing system that allowed unauthorized access to unencrypted personnel records belonging to over three million individuals. The vulnerability was discovered on July 16, 2026, after remaining exploitable since October 2025. Meanwhile, Microsoft's 2026 Digital Defense Report concluded that threat actors currently hold an advantage over defenders in weaponizing artificial intelligence, with attackers using AI to accelerate vulnerability discovery and malware development. The assessment highlights the growing gap between offensive and defensive AI applications in active cyber operations. Bitget cryptocurrency exchange confirmed it has frozen only a minimal portion of the $387.5 million stolen in last week's zero-day attack and does not expect significant recovery of the stolen funds.

Sources: 404 Media · NL Times · Help Net Security · Bleeping Computer