Call of the Cyber Duty (A Global Cyber Challenge)
In this episode of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast, host Sherrod DeGrippo is joined by Henning Rauch, to discuss Call of the Cyber Duty is a 42-hour global cybersecurity challenge hosted by Microsoft’s Kusto Detective Agency. The competition runs from 12:00 AM Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on June 8, 2025, and ends at 12:00 AM UTC on June 18, 2025, at 10:00AM UTC. Once a team member opens the first case, they have 42 hours to complete it.Participants will solve a series of investigative puzzles using Kusto Query Language (KQL) — no prior Kusto experience required. This free, gamified threat-hunting experience is open to individuals and teams, with a $10,000 grand prize, an interactive mystery plot, and a Hall of Fame for the top solvers. Expect fun twists, real-world security skills, and even a surprise appearance by mentalist Lior Suchard or the illusive Professor Smoke! Later in the episode, Sherrod is joined by security researchers Anna Seitz and Rebecca Light to explore two evolving cyber threats. Anna breaks down the unprecedented collaboration between Russian state-affiliated threat actors Aqua Blizzard and Secret Blizzard, who are combining efforts to target Ukrainian military systems. Rebecca dives into the resurgence of DarkGate malware—this time delivered through a deceptive technique called ClickFix, which uses fake CAPTCHA-like prompts to trick users into activating malicious payloads. In this episode you’ll learn: What Kauzar V2 malware is and how it enables long-term remote access and data theft How Russian threat groups Aqua Blizzard and Secret Blizzard are collaborating Why DarkGate malware remains relevant thanks to its adaptability and evasion tactics Some questions we ask: Are Russian threat actors adopting cybercriminal tactics like initial access brokers? How does Kauzar V2 malware function, and why is it significant in this campaign? What is ClickFix, and how does it differ from typical malware delivery methods? Resources: View Henning Rauch on LinkedIn View Rebecca Light on LinkedIn View Anna Seitz on LinkedIn View Sherrod DeGrippo on LinkedIn 🕵️♀️ Register for the challenge (free!) https://detective.kusto.io/register 🎬 Official trailer featuring Lior Suchard https://youtu.be/sPmTX0ZrnE 🌐 Event homepage (info hub) https://detective.kusto.io Related Microsoft Podcasts: Afternoon Cyber Tea with Ann Johnson The BlueHat Podcast Uncovering Hidden Risks Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts Get the latest threat intelligence insights and guidance at Microsoft Security Insider The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network.