The FBI is warning the public about “time-traveling hackers” using a new trick to bypass security defenses and carry out malicious cyber attacks.
In this digital age, hackers are public enemy number one. We’ve seen these infamous individuals breach numerous companies and leak sensitive information.
Who could forget the GTA 6 leaks after a hacker gained access to Rockstar Games? Or scammers taking over McDonald’s Instagram account to promote a Grimace coin?
Well, they have a new trick of their sleeve: time travel. No, they’re not actually able to go back in time – this isn’t a new season of Mr Robot. However, these hackers can manipulate time for nefarious purposes.
Hackers use advanced “time travel” trick to bypass security
As reported by Fox News, these hackers are manipulating systems’ internal clocks to sneak through security.
This tactic was used by the Medusa ransomware gang in which the group exploited expired security certificates. By altering the date on an expired security certificate back to when it was valid, the hackers are able to trick the system into thinking they’re legitimate.
The FBI says this trick can disable security such as Windows Defender by tricking a computer into accepting outdated drivers or making malicious software appear trustworthy.
So, to counteract this, the FBI is encouraging individuals to use two-factor authentication, implement account recovery plans, purchase VPNs, and keep an eye out for anything that may seem suspicious such as a system time rolling back to a different period.
The Medusa gang has carried out numerous attacks since the group’s inception in 2022. In 2025, they were able to combine this “time travel” tactic with social engineering to target over 300 critical infrastructure sectors including medical, education, legal, insurance, technology, and manufacturing.
Victims were pressured to pay a ransom or have their data leaked. The FBI advised not paying on the basis that there was no guarantee the hackers would give the data back and it would encourage them to continue the illegal activities.
Time-traveling hackers aren’t the end of the chaos, either. In 2024, a group of ‘gay furry hackers’ breached a US nuclear lab and demanded research into creating IRL catgirls. If the gay furry hackers ever learn to time travel, it could be the end of humanity as we know it.
Content shared from www.dexerto.com.