Hackers are turning to IRC in retro-flavored cyberattack

Google fixes Chrome zero-day, and Canada Goose data breach affects 600,000 customers Created for znamenski.techradar@blogger.com | Web Version   February 18, 2026 CONNECT WITH TECHRADAR PRO  CONNECT WITH TECHRADAR PRO    Your round-up of the top security news of the week SIGN UP ⋅   SHARE Top stories Who remembers IRC? Clearly some hackers, as a new Linux botnet uses some incredibly old-school methods to cut costs SSHStalker botnet uses old IRC communication, automated SSH brute-forcing, cron persistence, and cryptomining to efficiently exploit Linux servers. Read more Canada Goose confirms data leak - around 600,000 customers thought to be affected Luxury retailer Canada Goose confirms data was leaked, but argues it wasn't breached, as hackers claim a third-party was hit instead. Read more Google patches first Chrome zero-day of the year - so update now or face attack An 8.3/10 use after free in CSS Google Chrome bug was patched after being abused by unnamed threat actors. Read more Nearly a million WordPress websites could be at risk from this serious plugin security flaw WPvivid Backup & Migration plugin allows for arbitrary file upload which can lead to remote code execution. Read more Fake Chrome AI extensions targeted over 300,000 users to steal emails, personal data and more - here's what we know Criminals are pushing surveillance tools into the Google Chrome Web Store - so be on your guard. Read more Microsoft patches concerning Windows 11 Notepad security flaw - Markdown issues could have let hackers slip in malware without warning Microsoft Patch Tuesday addresses high-severity flaw in Windows 11 Notepad that enabled remote code execution attacks. Read more Follow TechRadar Pro Contact Us: Feedback | Advertise Sign Up | Update Profile | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Terms and Conditions © Future Publishing Limited. Reg No. 2008885 England. Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA.