Hackers target US private equity firms in phone-based scheme

Ransom-seeking hackers have targeted dozens of prominent U.S. financial institutions and businesses over the past month, using phone calls to steal passwords, according to Google and internet intelligence data reviewed by Reuters. The hackers built 72 malicious websites aimed at employees of firms including Blackstone, Apollo, KKR, and CME Group. Google says the hackers recently shifted focus to private equity, law firms, and financial ratings agencies. Reuters could not establish whether any attempted hacks were successful.