---
title: "Cyberattacks Targeting Institutions, Treasury Security Alarms, Telecom Network Breach, Cybersecurity News [January 20, 2025] | DuoCircle"
description: "Cyberattacks Targeting Institutions, Treasury Security Alarms, Telecom Network Breach, Cybersecurity News [January 20."
image: "https://www.duocircle.com/images/og-default.png"
canonical: "https://www.duocircle.com/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025/"
---

Quick Answer

Week 5, 2025 cyber news: coordinated attacks hit Swiss municipalities and banks, halting payment systems; alleged Treasury intrusion via zero-days and spear-phishing exfiltrates senior officials documents; nine telecoms breached with firmware implants on routers/switches exposing call and text metadata; ransomware surge against US healthcare, energy, and transportation prompts federal advisory urging MFA, audits, and patching; Cognizant and CrowdStrike announce Falcon platform partnership.

Cyberattacks Targeting Institutions, Treasury Security Alarms, Telecom Network Breach, Cybersecurity News \[January 20, 2025\]

Your browser does not support the audio element.

[ Download episode](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2025/01/Cyberattacks-Targeting-Institutions-Treasury-Security-Alarms-Telecom-Network-Breach-–-Cybersecurity-News-January-20-2025.mp3) 

Share 

[ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fannouncements%2Fcyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Cyberattacks%20Targeting%20Institutions%2C%20Treasury%20Security%20Alarms%2C%20Telecom%20Network%20Breach%2C%20Cybersecurity%20News%20%5BJanuary%2020%2C%202025%5D&url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fannouncements%2Fcyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=undefined%2Fblog%2Fannouncements%2Fcyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fannouncements%2Fcyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025%2F&title=Cyberattacks%20Targeting%20Institutions%2C%20Treasury%20Security%20Alarms%2C%20Telecom%20Network%20Breach%2C%20Cybersecurity%20News%20%5BJanuary%2020%2C%202025%5D "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=Cyberattacks%20Targeting%20Institutions%2C%20Treasury%20Security%20Alarms%2C%20Telecom%20Network%20Breach%2C%20Cybersecurity%20News%20%5BJanuary%2020%2C%202025%5D&body=Check out this article: undefined%2Fblog%2Fannouncements%2Fcyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025%2F "Share via Email") 

![cybersecurity news](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2025/01/dkim-selector-2.jpg) 

This week, in our ongoing coverage of [cybersecurity](/) news, we take a closer look at recent cybersecurity news, threats, and innovative solutions impacting the virtual landscape. We tried covering everything ranging from coordinated cyberattacks on municipalities and banks to growing national security fears as we examined the vulnerabilities that threaten critical sectors. We’ll also cover why ransomware is such a growing threat to **critical infrastructure** and how co-opetition is becoming a major theme in cybersecurity. We will conclude with a highlight of the strategic alliance between Cognizant and CrowdStrike that enhances enterprise defense against emerging [cyber threats](https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/browser-cyberthreats-surge-email/).

## Series of Cybersecurity Attacks Striking Banks and Public Authorities

From 20 to January 22, 2025, a wide range of municipalities and banks were allegedly impacted in a coordinated [cyberattack](https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/workplace-switzerland/several-swiss-websites-hit-by-cyber-attack/88756130?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) that severely impeded public services and halted government payment systems. [Malicious hackers](https://www.darkreading.com/cyberattacks-data-breaches/attackers-hijack-facebook-pages-promote-malicious-ai-photo-editor) attacked the websites of these institutions, making them inaccessible and raising alarm **among citizens and customers**.

**Using sophisticated methods**, cybercriminals were able to evade the security controls of the selected entities, showcasing vulnerabilities in the existing state of cybersecurity. Investigations are already underway to figure out who was behind the attacks and how much damage they caused. _Cybersecurity experts are scrambling to restore the affected systems, and to make sure there won’t be more attacks like this in the future_.

It highlights alarmingly rising threats of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and financial institutions. As this [incident demonstrates](https://menafn.com/1109115867/Several-Swiss-Municipalities-And-Banks-Hit-By-Cyberattack), strong cybersecurity and constant vigilance must be priorities in the fight against ever-evolving cyber threats. Organizations are encouraged to **revisit and bolster** their security measures to protect themselves from this kind of maliciousness.

## Alleged Treasury Cyberattack Sparks Alarms Over National Security

Between January 20 and January 22, a [sophisticated cyberattack](https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/us-treasury-dept-issues-sanctions-related-salt-typhoon-hack-2025-01-17/) reportedly infiltrated networks used by senior officials and accessed their sensitive information, **prompting security concerns** around financial systems. The attackers had used sophisticated [cyber-espionage](https://thehackernews.com/2024/09/chinese-engineer-charged-in-us-for.html) tools, including zero-day vulnerabilities and [spear-phishing](/content/phishing-prevention/spear-phishing-examples) emails, to enter. After intrusion, they traversed laterally through the networks, siphoning sensitive documents and communications.

_The attack appeared to have been highly coordinated, with experts highlighting it as one carried out by a professional group with substantial resources_. While they may look like simple data leaks, analysts say such breaches can have dire effects in enabling sensitive information to be used against the targeted society, damaging the **public’s faith and trust** in critical infrastructure. 

_The agency said that the investigation is underway to determine the extent of the breach, and it is also considering applying countermeasures, including mandatory software updates, network controls and employee training to address phishing threats_. [Joint initiatives](https://legacy.www.documentcloud.org/documents/25472740-letter-to-chairman-brown-and-ranking-member-scott/) are proactively working to identify the criminals involved and fortify preparations in the event of another attack. This news piece showcases the need to prioritize cyber defense as [digital warfare](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cybersecurity-age-digital-warfare-eng-rami-al-mushasha-fzvkf) continues to evolve and maintain public confidence and emphasizes how crucial it is to act proactively to **safeguard private data**.

## Malicious Hackers Allegedly Breached Telecommunications Network

A sophisticated hacking group was accused of [cyberattacking](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/cisa-update-treasury-breach) nine **telecommunications companies**, breaching critical network infrastructure. The attackers reportedly gained access to the call and text metadata of millions of users, including people in sensitive government positions. Taking advantage of weaknesses, they are thought to have implanted firmware on network routers and switches, allowing them to eavesdrop undetected on communications. They say stolen metadata might lead to espionage by mapping communication among influential people. 

[![cyberattacking](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2025/01/spf-record-9943.jpg)](/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025/attachment/phishing-by-hackers-and-cybercriminals-identity-theft-password-user-login-document-email-and-credit-card-hacker-logo-vector-illustration)

The breach has raised an alarm for the telecommunications industry to shore up its systems. Now, companies work with federal agencies to minimize [vulnerabilities](https://censys.com/cve-2024-12356/) and install advanced intrusion detection systems, perform routine audits of **company security measures** and train employees to recognize cyber threats. This raises the issue of what digital security should look like. _Collaboration between governments, private organizations, and global partners to counter advanced threats is paramount, experts say. National interests and public trust standards must drive proactive and collaborative efforts to secure critical infrastructure_.

## Ransomware Crisis Threatens Critical Infrastructure Globally

**On January 22nd, 2025**, a leading cybersecurity agency published an emergency notice about a spike in [ransomware attacks](https://www.telecomstechnews.com/news/critical-infrastructure-crosshairs-ransomware-attacks-soar/) against critical infrastructure sectors across the country. These attacks have affected sectors, including health care, energy, and transportation, with devastating financial consequences and putting public welfare at risk.

[![Ransomware Crisis](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2025/01/dkim-validation-3.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2025/01/dkim-validation-3.jpg)

Allegedly, the attackers are using [advanced phishing campaigns](https://hackread.com/ongoing-phishing-campaign-targets-employees/) to deploy ransomware payloads and are doing so by exploiting flaws in [outdated or unsupported software](https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/101166-understanding-the-security-risks-of-outdated-software) systems. This type of ransomware attack **aims to interrupt operations**, hold critical data hostage, and extort huge ransom payouts, where vital services could be compromised. 

_On Oct. 11, federal cybersecurity officials urged private companies and government agencies to take immediate action: undertaking frequent security audits, making sure that systems are always updated, and teaching staff how to spot phishing efforts_. Moreover, organizations are also advised to enable [multi-factor authentication](/email-security/multi-factor-authentication-mfa-and-its-impact-on-email-security/) to secure access and incoming breaches. These increasing numbers of ransomware attacks demonstrate how important to bolster cybersecurity for **important infrastructure sectors**. With the ever-changing digital landscape, organizations must remain proactive and secure these essential services from increasing cyber threats.

## Cognizant and CrowdStrike Forge Alliance to Elevate Security Posture

[Cognizant partners with CrowdStrike](https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/press-releases/cognizant-and-crowdstrike-partnership/) to strengthen enterprise cybersecurity through AI-native CrowdStrike Falcon platform Cognizant has announced that it has partnered with CrowdStrike to advance enterprise cybersecurity capabilities with the **AI-native CrowdStrike Falcon® platform**. This collaboration aims to improve the global enterprise’s [security posture](https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/security-posture) from different industries. 

This joint alliance primarily focuses on platform consolidation, [maintaining public confidence](https://news.cognizant.com/2025-01-21-Cognizant-and-CrowdStrike-Partner-to-Drive-Enterprise-Cybersecurity-Transformation?) enabling businesses to better respond to threats and optimize their security operations. This partnership will promisingly enhance the cyber security framework for clients by combining the latest technology from CrowdStrike with leading service delivery capability from Cognizant. _This collaboration comes at a time when the landscape of cyber threats is constantly evolving and becoming even more difficult to protect against_. These types of partnerships are essential as they provide the organizations with the right resources and tactics they need in order to **protect their digital assets** as cyberattacks continue evolving at an exponential rate.

## Topics

cyber securityNewsSecurityUpdates 

![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg) 

Brad Slavin 

General Manager

General Manager at DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead across the email security portfolio.

## Secure your email infrastructure

Protect, authenticate, and deliver. Contact our team to find the right solution.

[Contact Sales](/contact/) [Explore Products](/products/) 

Share this article

[ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.duocircle.com%2Fblog%2Fannouncements%2Fcyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025%2F) [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Cyberattacks%20Targeting%20Institutions%2C%20Treasury%20Security%20Alarms%2C%20Telecom%20Network%20Breach%2C%20Cybersecurity%20News%20%5BJanuary%2020%2C%202025%5D&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.duocircle.com%2Fblog%2Fannouncements%2Fcyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025%2F) [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.duocircle.com%2Fblog%2Fannouncements%2Fcyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025%2F) Copy 

Related Articles

- [ ![cybersecurity news](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2025/01/spf-permerror.jpg)  Microsoft Cybersecurity Transparency, Chrome Update Required, Google Calendar Phishing, Cybersecurity News \[December 23, 2024\] News ](/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-1-of-2025/)
- [ ![cybersecurity news](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2026/01/email-smtp-service-7865.jpg)  Trust Wallet Hack, Browser Extension Espionage, Unleash Protocol Loss, Cybersecurity News \[December 29, 2025\] News ](/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-1-of-2026/)
- [ ![cybersecurity news](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2025/03/phishing-protection-5643.jpg)  Bybit’s $1.5B Loss, FatalRAT Hits APAC, GitVenom Targets Wallets,, Cybersecurity News \[February 24, 2025\] News ](/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-10-of-2025/)
- [ ![cybersecurity news](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2026/03/email-smtp-service-6670.jpg)  LastPass Users Phished, Amazon Down US, UK Cybersecurity Boost, Cybersecurity News \[March 02, 2026\] News ](/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-10-of-2026/)

## Related Articles

[  News 6m  Microsoft Cybersecurity Transparency, Chrome Update Required, Google Calendar Phishing, Cybersecurity News \[December 23, 2024\]  Jan 2, 2025 ](/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-1-of-2025/)[  News 6m  Trust Wallet Hack, Browser Extension Espionage, Unleash Protocol Loss, Cybersecurity News \[December 29, 2025\]  Jan 5, 2026 ](/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-1-of-2026/)[  News 7m  Bybit’s $1.5B Loss, FatalRAT Hits APAC, GitVenom Targets Wallets,, Cybersecurity News \[February 24, 2025\]  Mar 3, 2025 ](/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-10-of-2025/)[  News 6m  LastPass Users Phished, Amazon Down US, UK Cybersecurity Boost, Cybersecurity News \[March 02, 2026\]  Mar 9, 2026 ](/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-10-of-2026/)

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/images/duocircle-logo.png"},"description":"DuoCircle is a portfolio of specialized email products covering protection, authentication, delivery, and routing. We deliver about 90% of category-leader capability at roughly half the price, backed by experts who own the outcome. Trusted by 50,000+ organizations since 2014.","subOrganization":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://www.phishprotection.com"}],"sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://x.com/duocirclellc","https://www.facebook.com/duocirclellc","https://www.g2.com/products/phish-protection-by-duocircle/reviews","https://github.com/duocircle","https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/duocircle-llc"],"contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","url":"https://support.duocircle.com"},"knowsAbout":["Email Security","Email Authentication","SPF","DKIM","DMARC","Phishing Protection","Spam Filtering","SMTP Relay","Email Deliverability","Email Forwarding"]}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebSite","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","description":"DuoCircle is a portfolio of specialized email products covering protection, authentication, delivery, and routing. We deliver about 90% of category-leader capability at roughly half the price, backed by experts who own the outcome. Trusted by 50,000+ organizations since 2014.","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/images/duocircle-logo.png"},"description":"DuoCircle is a portfolio of specialized email products covering protection, authentication, delivery, and routing. We deliver about 90% of category-leader capability at roughly half the price, backed by experts who own the outcome. Trusted by 50,000+ organizations since 2014.","subOrganization":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://www.phishprotection.com"}]}}
```

```json
[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BlogPosting","headline":"Cyberattacks Targeting Institutions, Treasury Security Alarms, Telecom Network Breach, Cybersecurity News [January 20, 2025]","description":"Cyberattacks Targeting Institutions, Treasury Security Alarms, Telecom Network Breach, Cybersecurity News [January 20.","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025/","datePublished":"2025-01-27T16:03:07.000Z","dateModified":"2025-04-22T12:29:12.000Z","dateCreated":"2025-01-27T16:03:07.000Z","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.duocircle.com/authors/brad-slavin/#person","name":"Brad Slavin","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/authors/brad-slavin/","jobTitle":"General Manager","description":"Brad Slavin runs DuoCircle, the company behind DMARC Report, AutoSPF, Phish Protection, and Mailhop. His focus is product strategy, customer relationships, and the commercial and compliance side of email authentication (DPAs, SLAs, enterprise procurement).","image":"https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg","knowsAbout":["Email Security Strategy","SaaS Product Management","Enterprise Compliance","Customer Success","Email Deliverability Business"],"worksFor":{"@type":"Organization","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com"},"sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradslavin"]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/images/duocircle-logo.png"},"description":"DuoCircle is a portfolio of specialized email products covering protection, authentication, delivery, and routing. We deliver about 90% of category-leader capability at roughly half the price, backed by experts who own the outcome. Trusted by 50,000+ organizations since 2014.","subOrganization":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://www.phishprotection.com"}]},"mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.duocircle.com/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025/"},"articleSection":"announcements","keywords":"cyber security, News, Security, Updates","wordCount":1006,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2025/01/dkim-selector-2.jpg","caption":"cybersecurity news","width":900,"height":506},"speakable":{"@type":"SpeakableSpecification","cssSelector":[".answer-block","h1"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https://www.duocircle.com/blog/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"News"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Cyberattacks Targeting Institutions, Treasury Security Alarms, Telecom Network Breach, Cybersecurity News [January 20, 2025]","item":"https://www.duocircle.com/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025/"}]}]
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.duocircle.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https://www.duocircle.com/blog/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"News","item":"https://www.duocircle.comundefined"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Cyberattacks Targeting Institutions, Treasury Security Alarms, Telecom Network Breach, Cybersecurity News [January 20, 2025]","item":"https://www.duocircle.com/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025/"}]}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BlogPosting","headline":"Cyberattacks Targeting Institutions, Treasury Security Alarms, Telecom Network Breach, Cybersecurity News [January 20, 2025]","description":"Cyberattacks Targeting Institutions, Treasury Security Alarms, Telecom Network Breach, Cybersecurity News [January 20.","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025/","datePublished":"2025-01-27T16:03:07.000Z","dateModified":"2025-04-22T12:29:12.000Z","dateCreated":"2025-01-27T16:03:07.000Z","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.duocircle.com/authors/brad-slavin/#person","name":"Brad Slavin","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/authors/brad-slavin/","jobTitle":"General Manager","description":"Brad Slavin runs DuoCircle, the company behind DMARC Report, AutoSPF, Phish Protection, and Mailhop. His focus is product strategy, customer relationships, and the commercial and compliance side of email authentication (DPAs, SLAs, enterprise procurement).","image":"https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg","knowsAbout":["Email Security Strategy","SaaS Product Management","Enterprise Compliance","Customer Success","Email Deliverability Business"],"worksFor":{"@type":"Organization","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com"},"sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradslavin"]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.duocircle.com/images/duocircle-logo.png"},"description":"DuoCircle is a portfolio of specialized email products covering protection, authentication, delivery, and routing. We deliver about 90% of category-leader capability at roughly half the price, backed by experts who own the outcome. Trusted by 50,000+ organizations since 2014.","subOrganization":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://www.phishprotection.com"}]},"mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.duocircle.com/blog/announcements/cyber-security-news-update-week-5-of-2025/"},"articleSection":"announcements","keywords":"cyber security, News, Security, Updates","wordCount":1006,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2025/01/dkim-selector-2.jpg","caption":"cybersecurity news","width":900,"height":506},"speakable":{"@type":"SpeakableSpecification","cssSelector":[".answer-block","h1"]}}
```