San Francisco-based AI startup Fieldguide has closed a $75 million Series C funding round led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives' growth equity group, achieving a $700 million post-money valuation. The raise brings total venture funding to $125 million as the firm expands its AI enterprise platform.
Ivanti has confirmed actively exploited, pre‑authentication remote code‑execution flaws in its Endpoint Manager Mobile platform, allowing attackers to hijack internet‑facing MDM servers, push malicious device profiles, and exfiltrate sensitive mobile data at enterprise scale
With 2.5bn active devices, Apple commands an AI footprint unmatched by any model laboratory or cloud provider. The company is converting hardware ubiquity into a competitive moat, bypassing the race for ever-larger models to integrate AI into a distribution network already serving billions.
Melbourne-based fleet management firm Netstar Australia has been hit by the Blackshrantac ransomware group in a data extortion attack, underscoring rising cyber risks in the telematics sector that handles sensitive GPS data for government and critical infrastructure operators.
Cyber News Centre's cyber update for 18th December 2025: Melbourne-based fleet management provider Netstar Australia has been targeted by the Blackshrantac ransomware group in a data extortion attack.
Netstar Australia is a Melbourne-based technology company specialising in GPS telematics and fleet management solutions. The company provides services to a diverse range of sectors across Australia, including government and critical infrastructure operators, with over two decades of experience in the industry.
Update: The Blackshrantac ransomware group, a data extortion actor first seen in September 2025, has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Melbourne-based Netstar Australia. The incident, discovered on December 17, 2025, is a data extortion attack, where the primary threat is the public release of stolen sensitive information rather than data encryption.
Blackshrantac operates as a data broker, using double extortion tactics to pressure victims into paying a ransom. The group has been linked to over 30 attacks globally since its emergence. While the full extent of the data compromised in the Netstar breach has not been disclosed, the company's services involve collecting and managing extensive telematics data, including real-time vehicle location, driver behaviour, and operational intelligence for its clients.
This attack follows a pattern of recent strikes by the group against various international targets, indicating a rapid and aggressive operational tempo. The incident places Netstar Australia among a growing list of victims as the threat actor continues to expand its activities, targeting organisations across multiple sectors and geographies. The attack was first reported by cybersecurity intelligence firm HookPhish, which tracks ransomware group activities.
Why it Matters: The attack on Netstar Australia highlights a significant and growing threat to the telematics and fleet management sector. These companies are custodians of highly sensitive data, including the real-time location of vehicles and assets for government agencies and critical infrastructure operators. A breach in this sector does not just represent a corporate data loss; it creates a national security risk. Compromised GPS tracking data could expose operational details of sensitive convoys, disrupt supply chains, and provide hostile actors with intelligence on the movement of critical assets.
The incident underscores vulnerabilities common in the automotive and telematics industry, where interconnected systems and third-party contractor dependencies create a broad attack surface. As threat actors like Blackshrantac focus on data extortion, the value of telematics data as a leverage point for ransom demands increases, making providers like Netstar a high-value target for cybercriminals.
Get the stories that matter to you.
Subscribe to Cyber News Centre and update your preferences to follow our Daily 4min Cyber Update, Innovative AI Startups, The AI Diplomat series, or the main Cyber News Centre newsletter — featuring in-depth analysis on major cyber incidents, tech breakthroughs, global policy, and AI developments.
Ivanti has confirmed actively exploited, pre‑authentication remote code‑execution flaws in its Endpoint Manager Mobile platform, allowing attackers to hijack internet‑facing MDM servers, push malicious device profiles, and exfiltrate sensitive mobile data at enterprise scale
The CL0P ransomware gang has breached Podiatry WA, a key Australian healthcare association, as part of a massive 22-victim global attack wave. The incident highlights the escalating threat of data extortion targeting professional services and healthcare sectors across Australia.
Microsoft has issued an emergency patch for a high-severity zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2026-21509) in Microsoft Office. The flaw, which bypasses key security features, is being actively exploited in targeted attacks, posing a significant risk to organizations globally, including in Australia.
Nike is investigating a massive data breach after the WorldLeaks ransomware group claimed to have stolen 1.4TB of sensitive data, including Jordan Brand design files, supply chain details, and internal documents. The breach poses a significant threat to Nike's IP operations in Australia.
Where cybersecurity meets innovation, the CNC team delivers AI and tech breakthroughs for our digital future. We analyze incidents, data, and insights to keep you informed, secure, and ahead. Sign up for free!
