Security experts have discovered a hacking operation that targets websites using outdated WordPress versions and plugins to modify content and trick users into installing malware. Simon Wijckmans, founder and CEO of online security startup c/side, [told TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/29/hackers-are-hijacking-wordpress-sites-to-push-windows-and-mac-malware/) the effort is still ongoing. Attackers intend to distribute malware that steals passwords and personal information from Windows and Mac users. C/Side has discovered that some infected websites are among the most popular on the Internet.

Himanshu Anand, a researcher at c/side, [described the operation](https://cside.dev/blog/10-000-wordpress-websites-found-delivering-macos-and-microsoft-malware) as a “spray and pay” strategy aimed at infecting any visitor to these sites rather than specific targets. Infected WordPress sites present users with a fake Chrome update message which, if accepted, results in the download of a malicious file disguised as an update. Wijckmans alerted Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, and provided them with information about the malicious sites.

Although Automattic representative Megan Fox declined to comment, c/side found more than 10,000 potentially affected websites. The organization detected malicious scripts on numerous domains through web scans and reverse DNS lookups, leading to the discovery of additional affected sites.

This hacking campaign promotes two types of information-stealing malware: Amos, which targets Mac users, and SocGholish, which targets Windows users. According to SentinelOne's [May 2023 report](https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/atomic-stealer-threat-actor-spawns-second-variant-of-macos-malware-sold-on-telegram/?ref=content.cside.dev), Amos is an information stealer intended to collect sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and digital currency credentials, which could lead to breaches of additional accounts. macOS security specialist Patrick Wardle pointed out that installing Amos requires many steps, indicating that Apple's security defenses are resilient.

Despite the simplicity of the hacking tactic, which relied on deceptive update prompts, the campaign reiterates the importance of using genuine [software updates](https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/29/hackers-are-hijacking-wordpress-sites-to-push-windows-and-mac-malware/) and downloading trusted apps to protect personal devices. This type of malware and credential theft has been associated with major hacks and data breaches, including the major [2024 incident involving Snowflake](https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/05/snowflake-customer-passwords-found-online-infostealing-malware/) and its customers' stolen passwords.

Learn about Code Labs Academy’s[ Cybersecurity Bootcamp](https://codelabsacademy.com/courses/cybersecurity) and start your career in cybersecurity today!


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Hacking Alert: Outdated WordPress Sites Targeted for Malware Distribution by Cybercriminals

The tech industry is currently in deep discussion following the release of the R1 reasoning model by Chinese AI company [DeepSeek](https://www.deepseek.com/). Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen hailed the open version of the concept, released earlier this week, as a big technological breakthrough. The R1 model is known for its cost-effectiveness, with a development budget of around [$5.6 million](https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/china-ai-deepseek-chatbot-6ac4ad33?st=wNw4tu\&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink), much lower than that of leading US AI companies.

This advancement is particularly notable given current U.S. sanctions, which restrict the sale of advanced chips to Chinese companies. According to the [MIT Technology Review](https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/01/24/1110526/china-deepseek-top-ai-despite-sanctions/), these limitations have prompted companies like DeepSeek to expand and optimize the use of their resources. While some, like Curai's Neal Khosla, are suspicious of this exploit, suggesting that the Chinese company may have ulterior intentions to threaten American dominance in AI, others deny the reality of these accusations.

[Yann LeCun](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/yann-lecun_to-people-who-see-the-performance-of-deepseek-activity-7288591087751884800-I3sN/), chief AI scientist at Meta, emphasizes the need to focus on the global benefits of such developments rather than framing them as a conflict between the United States and China. He says DeepSeek's success can be attributed in part to the use of open source technologies and collaboration, both of which have been key to achieving breakthroughs.

The advent of DeepSeek's AI assistant, which immediately became the top free app in Apple's App Store, surpassing even ChatGPT, suggests that consumers are very interested in this new technology. As the industry evaluates these developments, it is clear that DeepSeek's new strategy is changing attitudes and has the ability to reshape the competitive environment for AI technology.

The release of the model not only demonstrates major advances in AI using fewer resources and processing power, but it also has huge economic ramifications. The effectiveness of the model had a significant impact on semiconductor industry leader Nvidia, whose stock fell 16.9% and [lost approximately $600 billion](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/NVDA/?guccounter=1\&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly90ZWNoY3J1bmNoLmNvbS8\&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAL8TiSCZ6xTAgYckUoWey0R3BgMHkDdxfzUZvDRrQ4FiNj0WIoB-1wjtcttEvfRZLvwYhA8MEJqzREks_jldbUCHDJZ1mWb4b6TnLQisLKrPYwi2IjJ9OYCMmdWzEuNDqQRxZAV_FyHAczGA8wNcQzMVWvqRjEb2Evi80mn_d1f) in market capitalization following the announcement. The upheaval comes at a politically tense moment, as US policy shifts from severe limitations on the export of AI chips under former President Biden to a massive $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure in the part of President Trump's new Stargate project. These advances mark an important moment in AI, with the potential to reshape the global technological leadership and economic dynamics of the semiconductor industry.

Leverage the power of AI and data with Code Labs Academy’s[ Data Science & AI Bootcamp](https://codelabsacademy.com/courses/data-science-and-ai).


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Release of DeepSeek’s R1 Model Shakes Up the AI Industry


[Neko Health](https://www.nekohealth.com/gb/en), a Stockholm-based company co-founded by [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/intl-de)'s Daniel Ek, received a significant investment, raising $260 million in a Series B round. The investment boosted the company's post-money valuation to $1.8 billion. The company is at the forefront of the body scanner market, capitalizing on consumers' interest in understanding and preventing health problems before they become serious.

This significant financial contribution will allow Neko to expand its operations into new markets, notably in the United States, and to further strengthen its diagnostic capabilities, possibly through acquisitions. In addition, to meet the growing demand for its services, the company plans to open new clinics. In a [conversation with TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/22/neko-the-body-scanning-startup-co-founded-by-spotifys-daniel-ek-snaps-up-260m-at-a-1-8b-valuation/), CEO Hjalmar Nilsonne said the company surreptitiously purchased another startup that creates sensors, improving Neko's ability to collect data, while the details of the deal are unknown.

With a rapidly growing waiting list of more than 100,000 people, up from 40,000 just months ago, Neko Health has successfully scanned and examined 10,000 patients at its Stockholm and London clinics. The demand for a creative approach to healthcare is clear, and Neko is well positioned to meet this demand by expanding its presence and continuing its pioneering work in the healthcare sector.

Lightspeed Venture Partners led the Series B fundraising, which included contributions from General Catalyst, O.G. Venture Partners, Rosello, Lakestar and Atomico. This follows a successful Series A round in 2023 that attracted $65 million from big-name investors such as Lakestar, Atomico and General Catalyst, as well as early seed funding from Prima Materia, which Daniel Ek also co-founded.

This increased investment comes at a time when the global healthcare industry is focusing on preventative care and adopting new technologies to better detect and manage health conditions. As Neko Health grows and innovates, it emerges as a pioneer in integrating technology and healthcare to provide proactive solutions that have the potential to transform the way health problems are predicted and prevented.

Be at the forefront of tech with [Code Labs Academy](https://codelabsacademy.com/en).


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Neko Health Secures $260M to Enhance Body Scanning Technology


###### January 21, 2025

Swiss scientists have developed a biodegradable living battery capable of powering environmental sensors. Environmental sensors are useful for collecting data, but they often experience power supply issues. The Swiss researchers' solution is a 3D printed biologically degradable battery.

This battery uses the metabolism of two different types of fungi to produce energy, acting like a microbial fuel cell. Between 300 and 600 millivolts, as reported [in the paper ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering](https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c05494), the efficiency is not particularly high, but it is enough to run a four-cell temperature sensor for two and a half days. Usually, environmental studies and agriculture use these sensors.

Since these fuel cells historically use bacteria, the technique isn't exactly new. But this invention, made by the team at [Empa's Cellulose and Wood Materials Laboratory](https://www.empa.ch/web/s604/fungal-biobattery), is the first time that two separate fungi have been used to produce a functional fuel cell. While the cathode uses a white rot fungus that produces an enzyme to transport electrons, the anode releases electrons using regular baker's yeast.

The creation procedure involves 3D printing an ink composed of cellulose and fungal cells, to which graphite flakes and carbon black are added for conductivity. To keep the material electrically conductive and biodegradable, this ink is designed to promote fungal growth and preserve cell viability.

By eating the extra sugar molecules and, once the sugar is depleted, the cellulose itself, mushrooms also contribute to battery breakdown. When water and nutrients are added, the cells wrapped in beeswax, which can be kept dry, become active.

In the future, the Empa team intends to study more species of fungi that may be suitable for this technology and improve the functionality and durability of their fungal battery. According to them, fungi have untapped potential in materials science that deserves to be studied in more depth.

Stay on top of the[ latest in technology and innovation](https://codelabsacademy.com/news) with updates from[ Code Labs Academy](https://codelabsacademy.com/).


Hacking Alert: Outdated WordPress Sites Targeted for Malware Distribution by Cybercriminals

Release of DeepSeek’s R1 Model Shakes Up the AI Industry

Neko Health Secures $260M to Enhance Body Scanning Technology

Swiss Researchers Develop Biodegradable Battery Powered by Fungi for Environmental Sensors