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Decoy Dog is No Ordinary Pupy – Infoblox Reveals Shift in Malware Tactics After Initial Discovery

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2 years ago

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Infoblox Inc., the company that delivers a simplified, cloud- enabled networking and security platform for improved performance and protection, today published a second threat report with critical updates on “Decoy Dog,” the remote access trojan (RAT) toolkit they discovered and disclosed in April 2023. The malware uses DNS to establish command and control (C2) and is suspected as a secret tool used in ongoing nation-state cyberattacks.

The threat actors swiftly responded following Infoblox’s disclosure of the toolkit, adapting their systems to ensure continued operations, indicating that maintaining access to victim devices remains a high priority. The analysis shows that the use of the malware has spread, with at least three actors now operating it. Although based on the open-source RAT Pupy, Decoy Dog is a fundamentally new, previously unknown, malware with many features to persist on a compromised device. Many aspects of Decoy Dog remain a mystery, but all signs point to nation-state hackers. Infoblox released a new data set containing DNS traffic captured from Infoblox’s servers to support further industry investigation of the C2 systems.

The question many in the industry continue to silently ask is:  Are we really securing our network if we’re not monitoring our DNS? There is a significant risk that Decoy Dog and its use will continue to grow and impact organizations globally. Currently, the only known means to detect and defend against Decoy Dog/Pupy today is with DNS Detection and Response systems like Infoblox’s BloxOne® Threat Defense.

“It’s intuitive that DNS should be the first line of defense for organizations to detect and mitigate threats like Decoy Dog. Infoblox is the industry’s best-of-breed DNS Detection and Response solution, providing companies with a turn-key defense that other XDR solutions would miss,” said Scott Harrell, Infoblox President and CEO.  “As demonstrated with Decoy Dog, studying and deeply understanding the attacker’s tactics and techniques allows us to block threats before they are even known as malware.”

Through large-scale DNS analysis, Infoblox has learned key features of the malware and the actors who operate it. Directly following the first announcement on social media, every Decoy Dog threat actor responded to Infoblox’s disclosures in different ways. Some of the name servers mentioned in Infoblox’s April 2023 report were taken down, while others migrated their victims to new servers. Despite their efforts to hide, Infoblox has continued to track the activities and has since learned a great deal more about them. Infoblox has been able to infer the nature of some communications, and estimates that the number of compromised devices is relatively small. Infoblox has also been able to distinguish Decoy Dog from Pupy and determine that Decoy Dog has a full suite of powerful, previously unknown capabilities, including the ability to move victims to another controller, allowing them to maintain communication with compromised machines and remain hidden for long periods of time. Some victims have actively communicated with a Decoy Dog server for over a year.

“The lack of insight into underlying victim systems and vulnerabilities being exploited makes Decoy Dog an ongoing and serious threat,” said Dr. Renée Burton, Head of Threat Intelligence at Infoblox. “The best defense against this malware is DNS. Malicious activity often goes unnoticed because DNS is undervalued as a critical component in the security ecosystem. Only enterprises with a strong protective DNS strategy can protect themselves from these types of hidden threats.”

In total, Infoblox is currently monitoring 20 Decoy Dog domains, some of which were registered and deployed within the last month. This toolkit exploits an inherent weakness of the malware-centric intelligence ecosystem that dominates the security industry today. Furthermore, this malware was discovered solely because of DNS threat detection algorithms. Organizations best defense against these attacks is protection at the DNS level, within every network. Infoblox’s BloxOne® Threat Defense customers remain protected from Decoy Dog and these known malicious threat actors.

“We urge the industry to take this research forward, further investigate and share their findings,” added Harrell.

Hands-On, Real-Life Experience of Pupy at BlackHat: Dr. Renée Burton will be discussing why “Decoy Dog is No Ordinary Pupy” in detail, along with other key findings at Black Hat cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday, August 9 from 1:15 pm-1:35 pm PT. Throughout the conference, attendees will be able to meet with Infoblox researchers and demonstrate their skills with a series of hands-on challenges using a live Pupy controller via Infoblox’s Double Dog Dare experience. Additional short introductions to Decoy Dog and Pupy will be held at the booth theater both days. This unique experience will allow participants to see firsthand how the DNS traffic is used to relay communications between the client and server to better understand the serious threat this malware poses.

The Hidden Potential of DNS in Security: Decoy Dog and Pupy take advantage of the lack of DNS oversight that often occurs in networks. In fact, over 90% of all malware uses DNS in some way. Infoblox knows it’s imperative that security professionals understand the ways in which malware exploits DNS and how DNS Detection and Response can often thwart these attacks. Experts in the field recently released a new book titled “The Hidden Potential of DNS in Security.” This book gives readers everything they need to know about lookalike domains, domain generated algorithms (DGAs), DNS tunneling, data exfiltration over DNS, why hackers use DNS, and how to defend against these attacks.

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Deep Dive Dubai Launches Sunken City Walk, a Cinematic Underwater Experience that Makes Adventure Just a Step Away

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1 day ago

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September 11, 2025

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Deep Dive Dubai

Deep Dive Dubai has unveiled its newest attraction for experience seekers with the launch of Sunken City Walk. The guided underwater activity invites guests to step into a cinematic cityscape filled with surreal details. From an underwater swing and motorbike to a café table that looks straight out of a movie scene, this is Dubai’s latest must-try attraction.

Deep Dive Dubai

The hour-long journey begins with a full briefing and safety overview, followed by guests changing into wetsuits and equipment provided on-site. They then join trained instructors for a 20-minute guided underwater walk through the Sunken City—an accessible, certification-free experience that requires no swimming skills, making it ideal for guests aged 10 and above. Currently offered at an introductory price of AED 600, with an optional 30-second keepsake video for AED 200, the experience is currently available in four daily slots at 11 AM, 12 PM, 2pm, and 3pm.

Jarrod Jablonski, Director, Deep Dive Dubai, said that “With Sunken City Walk, we’re continuing to shape Dubai’s reputation as a city of unforgettable experiences. It’s a unique attraction that reflects Dubai’s spirit, where visitors can discover adventure in ways they never thought possible.”

The launch reflects a global trend that travellers are choosing experiences over possessions. Supporting this, Shamal’s Experience Economy Report stated that 75% of UAE residents are more willing to spend on experiences, with 80% allocating a dedicated monthly budget. The launch also aligns with Dubai’s commitment to strengthening its global tourism appeal. According to Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city welcomed 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, a six percent increase year-on-year, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading lifestyle and tourism hubs. Sunken City Walk at Deep Dive Dubai adds a new way for visitors to experience the city’s spirit of reinvention, where adventure is always just a step away.

While Sunken City Walk offers a first taste of underwater adventure, guests can plunge into the incredible world of diving at Deep Dive Dubai, choosing from experiences such as scuba diving, freediving, and specialised diving courses.

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Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

Published

3 months ago

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June 3, 2025

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Ourwatr

Staying hydrated just got easier, and greener, thanks to Ourwatr, that’s launching a nationwide free mineral water programme starting June 2025. It’s a first in the region: clean, refreshing mineral water made freely available across the country, delivered through a unique model that blends sustainability, community care, and social impact.

From metro stations and shopping malls to parks and government offices, thousands of chilled bottles of mineral water, sourced locally from Dibba, Fujairah, will soon be within everyone’s reach, every day. Ourwatr’s mission is simple: hydration is a right, not a privilege.

“At Ourwatr, we believe that drinking water should be accessible to all,” says Abhinav Murali, Co-founder.

“That’s why we’re giving away premium mineral water for free, and every bottle supports communities in need. It’s hydration with heart, proudly made right here in the UAE.”

Stamp of UAE quality

All Ourwatr bottles carry the prestigious EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification, guaranteeing they meet strict UAE national and international quality standards. When you grab a bottle, you’re assured of top-quality water, safe, pure, refreshing and approved by the country’s standardisation authority.

Mission in a bottle

With temperatures rising across the UAE, especially during summer, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever, for workers, families, children, and the elderly alike.

“In our desert climate, hydration isn’t just healthy; it’s life-saving,” adds co-founder Bharath Mohan.
“Each bottle we provide is a small act of kindness toward our community.”

Ourwatr is more than just a startup, it’s a mission in a bottle. Launched by three young, UAE-based entrepreneurs, the idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: access to free, convenient hydration isn’t always a given.

Wanting to change that, the trio built a business with heart at its core. The team is also in talks with various UAE charitable organisations and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. For every bottle distributed, a portion will be donated to local charities, turning everyday hydration into a meaningful act of giving.

A Model Built on Purpose and Sustainability
Ourwatr isn’t just about water, it’s about doing good. Instead of selling to consumers, the company partners with brands and organisations who cover the production and distribution costs. In return, sponsors co-brand the bottles, using them as a platform to share positive messages and shared values, while making a real difference.

“Sustainability isn’t just about less waste,  it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change,” explains Sharat Nair, Co-founder.

The bottles are crafted from recyclable materials, aligning with the UAE’s zero-waste goals and green agenda.

Backing UAE Vision 2030
Ourwatr’s initiative supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 goals around health, sustainability, and quality of life. The startup is already collaborating with local authorities to expand water access and reach as many people as possible.

More than just water, Ourwatr is delivering hope, equality, and care, one bottle at a time.

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Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

Published

4 months ago

on

May 16, 2025

By

Ardee Al Marjan

Ardee Developments has announced the launch of sales for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island, its highly anticipated branded residential offering in partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

Official sales will commence on 1 June 2025 with expression of interest starting 15 May 2025, marking a major milestone in the evolution of Ardee Al Marjan Island, the company’s flagship, multi-billion-dirham development set to redefine coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah.

Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island will comprise 523 upscale residences — including apartments, townhouses, and sea villas — ranging from one to six bedrooms and spanning 86 m² to over 300 m². Every home is thoughtfully designed to embody refined beachfront living, with uninterrupted sea views and elegant interiors that reflect timeless sophistication.

Bringing together the prestige of the Fairmont brand with the ease of resort-style living, residents will enjoy exclusive access to a private beach, the Fairmont Fit Fitness Centre and Studio, family & kids pool, adults sky pool & terrace & bar, dedicated boardroom and private dining room, resident’s owners lounge as well as wellness facilities including treatment rooms, screening room, games room, kids club and seamless connectivity to the adjacent Fairmont resort.

Further enriching the offering is a tailored suite of à la carte services. From in-home catering and private chef experiences to childcare, dog walking, housekeeping, personal concierge support, and a home maintenance program while residents are away, every element is designed to simplify and enhance everyday living. In addition, residents will enjoy exclusive access to the Accor Owner Benefits Program. This includes Diamond status in the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) programme, the ability to gift Gold status to family and friends, and VIP privileges at over 5,700 hotels and resorts around the world.

With prices starting from AED 2.49 Million, Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island offers an exclusive opportunity for discerning buyers seeking long-term value, effortless luxury, and a lifestyle defined by exceptional quality in one of the region’s most iconic coastal destinations.

Beyond the residences, guests were given an exclusive look at the next phase of the Ardee Al Marjan Island masterplan. The development is progressing into a fully integrated coastal destination that blends residences, hospitality, leisure, retail, and entertainment on an unprecedented scale.

Key components of the masterplan include branded and serviced residences, private villas, townhouses, a flagship luxury hotel, and a vibrant retail and F&B promenade. The destination will also feature a variety of curated lifestyle offerings — from wellness hubs and gaming lounges to family entertainment zones and waterfront experiences — all designed to create a future-ready, immersive community.

Prioritizing walkability, nature access, and sea connectivity, the project will boast expansive green spaces, direct beach access, and panoramic views, setting a new standard for contemporary island living in Ras Al Khaimah.

Vishal Mehta, CEO of Ardee Developments, added: “As we prepare to open sales of Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island this June, we are proud to invite buyers into a community that reflects excellence at every level. In partnership with Al Marjan Island, Fairmont Hotels, and Christie’s International Real Estate, we are shaping a new era of luxury coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah — one defined by world-class design, hospitality, and lifestyle, brought together in a truly integrated destination.”

To support global sales efforts, Ardee Developments has appointed Christie’s International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah as the exclusive master agency. Christie’s will lead GCC and international outreach and client servicing, ensuring a seamless buyer journey.

“This is a vibrant and integrated coastal lifestyle community that combines natural beauty, unparalleled hospitality and leisure not seen in the area before,” said Jackie Johns and Dinesh Chhatwani, Managing Partners at Christie’s International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah. “Ras Al Khaimah’s momentum as a global hospitality and investment hub, and its rapidly growing real estate market, makes it the ideal launchpad for Ardee Developments to execute its grand vision.”

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