The $10 Cyber Threat Behind 2024’s Biggest Breaches

In a world where cybersecurity budgets can stretch into the millions, it’s hard to believe that one of the most devastating threats of 2024 cost just $10. Yes, you read that right. A tiny investment in a widely available tool turned into massive financial disasters for major companies. Let’s break down how this seemingly innocuous threat worked its dark magic and what it means for the future of online security.

What Is the $10 Cyber Threat?

The core of this threat lies in stolen or compromised session cookies—small pieces of data websites use to remember you’re logged in. With access to these cookies, attackers can bypass authentication systems entirely, making them one of the most effective weapons for account takeover (ATO) attacks. Cybercriminals have been buying these cookies on dark web marketplaces for as little as $10 per batch.

How It Worked in 2024’s Major Breaches

Many of 2024’s biggest cybersecurity incidents stemmed from session cookie theft. Here’s how the typical attack unfolded:

  1. Phishing for Cookies: Attackers sent phishing emails to lure victims into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments.
  2. Browser Malware: Some used simple malware extensions to grab session cookies from browsers.
  3. Cookie Reuse: Armed with stolen cookies, hackers bypassed multi-factor authentication (MFA) and accessed critical systems.

Since these attacks didn’t require breaking encryption or brute-forcing passwords, they often went unnoticed until it was too late.

The Scale of Damage

Among the high-profile victims of this cookie-based cybercrime spree were:

  • Financial institutions that saw millions drained from user accounts.
  • Large enterprises where proprietary data was stolen.
  • Government systems compromised for espionage.

The ease of access to stolen cookies and the lack of robust detection methods made 2024 a banner year for this type of attack.

Why Are Session Cookies Such a Weak Spot?

Session cookies aren’t new, but they’ve become more valuable as web applications and cloud-based systems grow. Here’s why they’re an Achilles’ heel:

  • Easy to Steal: Malware, phishing, and browser vulnerabilities make it easy for bad actors to capture cookies.
  • Authentication Bypass: A valid cookie can be more powerful than a password since it often bypasses MFA.

Defending Against Cookie-Based Threats

Despite the alarming success of cookie theft in 2024, there are effective ways to protect yourself:

  • Use Secure Browsers: Choose browsers with built-in security features and keep them updated.
  • Enable Cookie Expiration: Short session durations reduce the time attackers have to exploit stolen cookies.
  • Implement MFA Everywhere: While not foolproof against cookie theft, it adds another layer of defense.
  • Monitor for Anomalous Sessions: Use tools that detect unusual session activity, such as logins from unexpected locations.

The Future of Cookie Security

As more services shift online, session security will become even more critical. Developers and security professionals must prioritize securing session management by:

  • Adopting Zero-Trust Models: Assume all sessions are potentially compromised.
  • Using Hardware Security Keys: Moving beyond cookies and passwords to more robust authentication methods.

Conclusion

The $10 cyber threat of 2024 serves as a sobering reminder that small vulnerabilities can have colossal consequences. Investing in proactive security measures is more important than ever. Cybercriminals are creative and persistent, but with vigilance and smarter defenses, we can outsmart the cookie monsters of the internet.

Stay vigilant, stay secure—and maybe think twice before leaving those cookies lying around.

When Your WordPress Site Gets a Sneaky Skimmer: A Tale of Digital Pickpocketing

Imagine you’re running a cozy little online store on WordPress, selling your handcrafted cat sweaters. Business is booming, customers are happy, and Mr. Whiskers is the star of your marketing campaign. But lurking in the shadows of the internet, a digital pickpocket is eyeing your customers’ credit card information. Enter the stealthy skimmer malware, the cyber equivalent of a smooth-talking con artist.

The Art of the Sneak-In

This particular skimmer doesn’t kick down the front door; it slips in through the back, embedding itself into your WordPress database like an uninvited guest at a dinner party. Specifically, it hides in the wp_options table under the innocuous-sounding widget_block.

This clever disguise helps it avoid detection by traditional security measures, much like a chameleon blending into its surroundings.

A Master of Disguise

Once comfortably nestled in your database, the skimmer lies in wait, biding its time until a customer reaches the checkout page. It’s patient, like a cat stalking its prey. When the moment is right, it springs into action, injecting a fake payment form that looks just like the real thing. Your customers, none the wiser, enter their credit card details, which are then whisked away to the attacker’s server. It’s like handing your wallet to a stranger who promises to “keep it safe.”

The Great Escape

To cover its tracks, the skimmer doesn’t just snatch the data and run. No, it wraps the stolen information in layers of encoding and encryption, making it look as harmless as a kitten’s purr. This ensures that even if someone spots the data in transit, they won’t recognize it for what it truly is.

Guarding the Digital Catnip

So, how do you protect your online store from these stealthy skimmers? Here are some tips to keep your site as secure as Mr. Whiskers’ favorite catnip stash:

  • Regular Updates: Keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated. Cybercriminals love outdated software like cats love laser pointers.
  • Database Monitoring: Regularly check your database for any unexpected guests. If you didn’t invite them, they shouldn’t be there.
  • Security Plugins: Invest in reputable security plugins that can detect and remove malware. Think of them as the guard dogs of your website.
  • Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats. Knowledge is power, and in this case, it can save you from a world of trouble.

Remember, in the digital world, it’s always better to be the cat than the mouse. Stay vigilant, keep your claws sharp, and don’t let those sneaky skimmers make off with your customers’ data. After all, Mr. Whiskers wouldn’t approve.

Nvidia Unveils Project Digits: A Personal AI Supercomputer Redefining the Future

Nvidia made headlines at CES 2025 with the unveiling of its new personal AI supercomputer, Project Digits, powered by the advanced GB10 chipset. This project is designed to let individuals and small businesses use powerful AI computing without needing huge cloud systems. Project Digits marks a major step in making AI technology more accessible.

A Closer Look at Project Digits 🎯⚙️🚀

Project Digits is a compact yet mighty AI workstation capable of handling large AI models that typically require massive cloud servers. It uses state-of-the-art hardware and intelligent software to deliver fast performance while conserving energy.

At the core of this supercomputer is the GB10 chipset, Nvidia’s latest breakthrough in AI processing. Built with a cutting-edge design, the GB10 integrates improved tensor cores and new CUDA cores to accelerate deep learning tasks. This allows users to train and deploy sophisticated AI models faster and with lower power consumption.

Key Features of Project Digits 🛠️🔑✨

  1. AI-Optimized GB10 Chipset: A high-performance chip built for demanding AI applications, including natural language processing, computer vision, and AI-generated content creation.
  2. High Memory Bandwidth: Efficiently manages large datasets, enabling smoother execution of complex tasks.
  3. Edge-to-Cloud Flexibility: Operates independently for local computing while seamlessly connecting to cloud services for additional processing power when needed.
  4. User-Friendly AI Tools: Equipped with Nvidia’s AI software suite, making it easy for beginners to build, train, and deploy AI models.

Revolutionizing AI Accessibility 🌍📊🔓

Nvidia’s Project Digits democratizes enterprise-level AI capabilities for individuals and small teams. This advancement could transform industries where rapid AI responses are critical, such as:

  • Healthcare: Assisting doctors with diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.
  • Content Creation: Enhancing tools for video editing, graphic design, and automated writing.
  • Robotics: Empowering autonomous machines to make real-time decisions.

The Future of Personal AI Computing 🧠💻📈

By bringing supercomputer-like AI capabilities to desktops, Nvidia’s Project Digits is poised to redefine personal computing. Its blend of power and user-friendliness is set to spark innovation in research, product development, and entrepreneurship.

As CES 2025 unfolds, tech enthusiasts and industry experts will eagerly watch for more demonstrations and real-world applications of Project Digits. Nvidia’s bold innovation reinforces its leadership in AI and hints at a future where AI becomes a seamless part of everyday life. 🚀🌟🤖

This Week in Cybersecurity: Stay Ahead of the Digital Threats

Every week, the digital world throws new challenges our way. Hackers continuously adapt their tactics to outsmart defenses, while cybersecurity teams work tirelessly to protect data and systems. Whether it’s discovering vulnerabilities in trusted software or uncovering ingenious attack strategies, staying informed is critical to safeguarding your digital space.

In this week’s update, we’re breaking down the top cybersecurity stories and threats you need to know about, along with tips to keep you and your organization secure. Let’s dive in!


⚡ Threat of the Week: PAN-OS DoS Vulnerability

Palo Alto Networks has identified a high-severity vulnerability (CVE-2024-3393, CVSS score: 8.7) in its PAN-OS software. This flaw could lead to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks if exploited with specially crafted DNS packets. Firewalls with DNS Security logging enabled are particularly at risk.

While Palo Alto Networks is working on fixes, the vulnerability highlights the importance of updating software promptly and monitoring network activity closely.


🔔 Key Cybersecurity Headlines

1. TraderTraitor Strikes Again

Authorities from Japan and the U.S. confirmed that the North Korean-linked TraderTraitor group orchestrated a $308 million cryptocurrency heist targeting DMM Bitcoin in May 2024. The attackers exploited an employee of Ginco, a cryptocurrency wallet software company, via a fake pre-employment test, gaining access to wallet systems and manipulating transactions.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by social engineering and the need for robust access controls in financial systems.

2. OtterCookie Malware Spotted

North Korean cyber actors have introduced a new JavaScript malware, OtterCookie, as part of the Contagious Interview campaign. This malware communicates with command-and-control servers to execute shell commands, enabling data theft and more.

3. Malicious Python Packages Removed

Two Python packages—zebo and cometlogger—were found stealing sensitive information and were downloaded nearly 300 times before their removal. Developers are advised to verify package sources before integrating them into projects.

4. Pro-Russian Hackers Target Italy

Hacktivist group Noname057(16) launched DDoS attacks on Italian government websites, citing political motives. The event underscores the ongoing rise of hacktivism and its implications for global security.

5. UN Cybercrime Treaty Approved

The United Nations adopted a new cybercrime convention to strengthen international collaboration against digital threats. This treaty emphasizes faster, better-coordinated responses to cybercrime, making the digital and physical worlds safer for everyone.


🔧 Tools & Tips to Stay Safe

Tools

  1. LogonTracer: A tool for analyzing Windows Active Directory logs, simplifying the detection of suspicious logins.
  2. Game of Active Directory (GOAD): A ready-to-use lab for pentesters to practice in a vulnerable Active Directory environment.

Tip of the Week: Isolate Risky Apps

Not sure if a mobile app is safe? Use separate spaces to limit its access. For Android, create a guest profile under Settings > Users & Accounts. For iPhone, activate Guided Access via Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access. This isolation strategy keeps your personal data secure while testing uncertain apps.


Simple Steps to Strengthen Cybersecurity

  1. Keep Software Updated: Patch vulnerabilities promptly by regularly updating your devices and applications.
  2. Educate Your Team: Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious activities.
  3. Use Strong Passwords: Employ unique, complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
  4. Limit Access: Restrict sensitive data access to only those who truly need it.
  5. Backup Your Data: Regularly save copies of critical files to ensure swift recovery in case of incidents.

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving battle. By staying informed and proactive, you can build a strong defense against emerging threats. Remember, the smallest actions—like updating software or enabling two-factor authentication—can make a significant difference.

Thanks for joining us this week! Stay vigilant, prioritize your digital safety, and we’ll be back next week with more insights and updates.

North Korean Hackers Behind $308 Million Cryptocurrency Heist, Authorities Confirm

Japanese and U.S. authorities have officially attributed the $308 million cryptocurrency theft from DMM Bitcoin in May 2024 to North Korean cyber actors.

The theft has been linked to a cybercrime group known as TraderTraitor, also tracked as Jade Sleet, UNC4899, and Slow Pisces. The group employs advanced social engineering tactics to target multiple employees within the same organization, often tricking them into installing malware-laced cryptocurrency applications.

The alert, issued by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center, and Japan’s National Police Agency, highlights the devastating impact of the attack, which led DMM Bitcoin to cease operations earlier this month.

The TraderTraitor Modus Operandi

Active since at least 2020, TraderTraitor is notorious for targeting Web3 companies by deploying job-themed phishing campaigns or posing as collaborators for GitHub projects. These efforts have led to significant breaches, including an incident last year involving unauthorized access to JumpCloud’s systems.

In March 2024, the group targeted an employee of the Japanese cryptocurrency wallet company Ginco by posing as a recruiter. They convinced the employee to download a malicious Python script hosted on GitHub under the guise of a pre-employment test. The attacker then used the victim’s GitHub account to gain unauthorized access to Ginco’s wallet management system.

In May 2024, the attackers exploited session cookie data to impersonate the compromised employee and access Ginco’s unencrypted communications system. They manipulated a legitimate transaction request, resulting in the theft of 4,502.9 BTC, valued at $308 million at the time. The stolen funds were transferred to wallets controlled by TraderTraitor.

Stolen Funds and Laundering Techniques

Following the attack, the stolen funds were funneled through several intermediary addresses before being laundered via a Bitcoin CoinJoin Mixing Service. A portion of the assets was later transferred through bridging services to HuiOne Guarantee, a platform tied to Cambodia-based conglomerate HuiOne Group, which has been previously linked to cybercrime activities.

Related Activity by Lazarus Group

The incident coincides with a report from the AhnLab Security Intelligence Center (ASEC) identifying Andariel, a sub-group within the Lazarus Group, as deploying the SmallTiger backdoor in attacks targeting South Korean asset management solutions.

Implications for Cybersecurity

This incident underscores the increasing sophistication of state-sponsored cybercriminals and the need for robust cybersecurity measures, particularly in cryptocurrency and Web3 sectors. Businesses must prioritize employee training, secure communication systems, and robust transaction validation processes to mitigate risks.

Malicious Typosquats Found in npm Packages and VSCode Extensions

Threat actors have been caught distributing malicious typosquats of popular npm packages, such as typescript-eslint and @types/node, which have collectively been downloaded thousands of times.

The counterfeit packages, named @typescript_eslinter/eslint and types-node, are designed to deliver trojans and fetch second-stage payloads.

“Although typosquatting attacks are not new, the sophistication and effort put into these two packages to masquerade as legitimate ones are significant,” said Ax Sharma from Sonatype in a recent analysis published on Wednesday.

Sharma noted that the high download numbers for packages like types-node suggest either developers falling victim to the typosquats or attackers artificially inflating downloads to create a false sense of trustworthiness.

Malicious npm Packages

Sonatype’s investigation revealed that @typescript_eslinter/eslint points to a fake GitHub repository created by the account “typescript-eslinter” on November 29, 2024. The package includes a file called prettier.bat, which isn’t an ordinary batch file but rather a disguised Windows executable flagged as a trojan and dropper on VirusTotal.

The package executes the following behavior:

  • Drops prettier.bat into a temporary directory.
  • Adds it to the Windows Startup folder to ensure execution at every system reboot.

Another related package, @typescript_eslinter/prettier, mimics the well-known code formatter but stealthily installs the fake @typescript_eslinter/eslint library.

Similarly, the types-node package contacts a Pastebin URL to download malicious scripts that trigger an executable named npm.exe.

“The situation underscores the urgent need for stronger supply chain security and stricter monitoring of third-party software registries,” Sharma emphasized.


Malicious VSCode Extensions

In parallel, ReversingLabs discovered multiple malicious Visual Studio Code (VSCode) extensions in October 2024. These were later removed from the VSCode Marketplace, but not before attracting downloads. Another rogue npm package emerged a month later, gathering 399 downloads.

The following VSCode extensions, posing as legitimate tools, were part of the campaign:

  • EVM.Blockchain-Toolkit
  • VoiceMod.VoiceMod
  • ZoomVideoCommunications.Zoom
  • ZoomINC.Zoom-Workplace
  • Ethereum.SoliditySupport
  • ZoomWorkspace.Zoom
  • ethereumorg.Solidity-Language-for-Ethereum
  • VitalikButerin.Solidity-Ethereum
  • SolidityFoundation.Solidity-Ethereum
  • EthereumFoundation.Solidity-Language-for-Ethereum
  • SOLIDITY.Solidity-Language
  • GavinWood.SolidityLang
  • EthereumFoundation.Solidity-for-Ethereum-Language

“The campaign initially targeted the cryptocurrency community, but by late October, the focus shifted to impersonating the Zoom application,” explained ReversingLabs researcher Lucija Valentić. “Each subsequent extension became progressively more sophisticated.”

Obfuscated Code and Security Risks

Both the malicious npm packages and VSCode extensions include obfuscated JavaScript code, functioning as downloaders for second-stage payloads hosted on remote servers. While the exact nature of these payloads remains unclear, the findings reinforce the importance of caution when using tools from open-source ecosystems.

Valentić warned that malicious actors see the ability to install plugins and extend IDE functionality as an opportunity to compromise development environments. “The compromise of an IDE could serve as an entry point for further attacks on enterprise development pipelines.”

Key Takeaway

These discoveries highlight the growing need for enhanced supply chain security and vigilance when integrating third-party libraries or extensions. Developers must remain cautious to avoid inadvertently introducing malicious dependencies into projects.

NHIs Are the Future of Cybersecurity: Meet NHIDR

The digital landscape is evolving, and with it, the threat environment grows more complex. As cyberattacks surge in both frequency and sophistication, organizations face unprecedented challenges in protecting sensitive data and critical infrastructure. Among these challenges, the rise of Non-Human Identities (NHIs) has introduced a new frontier in cybersecurity.

What Are Non-Human Identities?

Non-Human Identities refer to digital entities such as APIs, IoT devices, machine learning models, and automated systems. These entities are essential for modern businesses, driving efficiency through automation, AI, and interconnected technologies. However, they also expand the attack surface, creating vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are quick to exploit.

Unlike human users, NHIs cannot rely on traditional security measures such as multi-factor authentication or behavior-based monitoring. Attackers can impersonate NHIs to infiltrate systems, move laterally across networks, and orchestrate large-scale attacks, often bypassing conventional defenses with ease.

The Rising Threat of NHIs

By 2025, NHIs are projected to become the primary attack vector in cybersecurity. As organizations embrace digital transformation, the exponential growth of NHIs creates an attractive target for hackers. From API exploitation to AI model manipulation, cybercriminals are leveraging NHIs to launch sophisticated supply chain attacks and compromise critical systems.

The challenge lies in detection and response. When an NHI is compromised, attackers can exploit it within minutes. Yet, most organizations take months to identify and mitigate breaches, leaving them vulnerable to catastrophic data losses and reputational damage.

Introducing NHIDR: A Game-Changer in Cybersecurity

To address this growing threat, Entro has introduced Non-Human Identity Detection and Response (NHIDR)—a cutting-edge solution designed to protect NHIs proactively. NHIDR empowers organizations by:

  • Establishing Behavioral Baselines: By analyzing historical data, NHIDR builds unique behavioral models for each NHI, eliminating the need for prolonged observation periods.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous surveillance of NHIs ensures that any deviation from established baselines is detected instantly.
  • Automated Remediation: NHIDR doesn’t just detect anomalies—it acts on them. When a threat is identified, it can revoke access tokens, rotate credentials, or isolate compromised identities in real time.

The Power of Real-Time Detection and Automated Response

Consider this scenario: A cybercriminal attempts to access sensitive data by exploiting an NHI. NHIDR detects the suspicious activity immediately, flags it, and initiates an automated response. Access is revoked, and credentials are updated—all before the attacker can proceed further.

This real-time capability is crucial for combating day 0 threats, which emerge faster than traditional security teams can respond. By automating responses, NHIDR not only thwarts attacks but also reduces the manual workload on security teams, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives.

Proactive Security for the Future

NHIDR represents a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive cybersecurity. By continuously monitoring and analyzing NHIs, it empowers organizations to prevent breaches before they occur. Its automated remediation processes minimize downtime, enhance security posture, and protect the digital identities that drive modern business operations.

The Bottom Line

As the reliance on NHIs grows, so does the need for advanced solutions like NHIDR. With its innovative approach to non-human identity security, NHIDR ensures that organizations can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, safeguarding their systems in an era of unprecedented digital transformation.

Embrace the future of cybersecurity. Embrace NHIDR.

Experts Alert Linear eMerge E3 Systems to a Serious Unpatched Vulnerability

An unpatched flaw in Nice Linear eMerge E3 access controller systems could enable the execution of arbitrary operating system (OS) commands, according to cybersecurity security researchers.

According to VulnCheck, the vulnerability, which has been given the CVE identifier CVE-2024-9441, has a CVSS score of 9.8 out of a possible 10.0.

“A vulnerability in the Nortek Linear eMerge E3 allows remote unauthenticated attackers to cause the device to execute arbitrary command,” SSD Disclosure said in an advisory for the flaw released late last month, stating the vendor has yet to provide a fix or a workaround.

The following Nortek Linear eMerge E3 Access Control versions are affected by the defect: 1.00.05 and 1.00.07, 0.32-03i, 0.32-04m, 0.32-05p, 0.32-05z, 0.32-07p, 0.32-07e, 0.32-08e, 0.32-08f, 0.32-09c, and 1.00.05.

After being made public, proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits for the vulnerability were made available, which sparked worries that threat actors might take advantage of it.

Notably, a threat actor called Flax Typhoon used another critical vulnerability that affected E3, CVE-2019-7256 (CVSS score: 10.0), to enlist vulnerable devices into the now-demolished Raptor Train botnet.

Even though the issue was first revealed in May 2019, the company didn’t fix it until earlier this March.

“But given the vendor’s slow response to the previous CVE-2019-7256, we don’t expect a patch for CVE-2024-9441 any time soon,” VulnCheck’s Jacob Baines said. “Organizations using the Linear Emerge E3 series should act quickly to take these devices offline or isolate them.”

According to a statement provided to SSD Disclosure, Nice advises users to adhere to security best practices, which include limiting internet access to the product, implementing network segmentation, and setting it up behind a network firewall.

Microsoft and the US Take Control of 107 Russian Domains in a Large-Scale Cyberfraud Raid

On Thursday, Microsoft and the US Department of Justice (DoJ) announced the seizure of 107 domains from state-sponsored threat actors connected to Russia, which were being used to enable computer fraud and abuse within the nation.

“The Russian government ran this scheme to steal Americans’ sensitive information, using seemingly legitimate email accounts to trick victims into revealing account credentials,” stated Lisa Monaco, Deputy Attorney General.

Threat actor COLDRIVER, also known as Blue Callisto, BlueCharlie (or TAG-53), Calisto (sometimes spelled Callisto), Dancing Salome, Gossamer Bear, Iron Frontier, Star Blizzard (formerly SEABORGIUM), TA446, and UNC4057, has been linked to the activity.

The group has been operational since at least 2012 and is considered to be part of Center 18 of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).

Two group members, Aleksandrovich Peretyatko and Andrey Stanislavovich Korinets, were sanctioned by the US and UK governments in December 2023 for their spear-phishing and malicious credential harvesting activities. The same two people were then subject to sanctions by the European Council in June 2024.

According to the Department of Justice, threat actors were using the recently taken over 41 domains to “commit violations of unauthorized access to a computer to obtain information from a department or agency of the United States, unauthorized access to a computer to obtain information from a protected computer, and causing damage to a protected computer.”

The domains are purportedly part of a spear-phishing campaign that targets the email accounts of the federal government of the United States and other victims in an attempt to obtain credentials and important information.

In addition, Microsoft announced that it had filed a corresponding civil action to take control of 66 more internet domains that COLDRIVER had been using to target more than 30 civil society organizations and entities between January 2023 and August 2024.

This includes think tanks and NGOs that assist government workers, military personnel, and intelligence officials, especially those who aid Ukraine and other NATO nations like the U.K. and the U.S. Access Now and the Citizen Lab previously documented COLDRIVER’s targeting of NGOs in August 2024.

New Zealand Women vs. India Women: A Growing Rivalry in Women’s Cricket

Over the past ten years, women’s cricket has experienced tremendous growth in terms of popularity and skill. The match between the Indian women’s cricket team and the New Zealand women’s team has been one of the most thrilling in recent memory. Fans are treated to exciting matches that highlight the advancement of women’s cricket on the global scene each time these two teams play.

Historical Context

India and New Zealand have historically been strong rivals in the women’s cricket league. Both sides have a long history of turning out elite players and have participated in prestigious competitions such as the T20 World Cup and the ICC Women’s World Cup. New Zealand has always been one of the stronger teams, especially in the early years of women’s international cricket, even though India has gained popularity more recently due to increased investment in women’s cricket.

In the past, New Zealand has typically prevailed over India in their interactions, but recently, the tide has started to turn. India’s younger players, including Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, have given the team new life and increased their threat level on the international scene.

Memorable Matches

Some of the recent clashes between these two sides have been high-octane affairs, particularly in the limited-overs formats.

1. 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup

In one of the pivotal matches of the 2017 Women’s World Cup, India faced New Zealand in a virtual knockout game. India, led by a masterclass century from Mithali Raj, posted a competitive total. New Zealand, in reply, crumbled under pressure, with India winning the match comprehensively. This win propelled India to the semi-finals and highlighted the growing strength of Indian women’s cricket.

2. 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup

In a closely fought encounter during the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, New Zealand emerged victorious against India by 62 runs. New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr played a stellar all-round game, scoring 50 runs and taking crucial wickets to break India’s back. India struggled to chase the total, with their batters failing to build substantial partnerships. The match was a reminder of New Zealand’s tenacity and ability to perform in pressure situations.

Key Players to Watch

1. Sophie Devine (New Zealand)

A powerful hitter and exceptional leader, Sophie Devine has been one of the pillars of New Zealand women’s cricket. Known for her aggressive batting style, Devine is a match-winner on her day and can change the course of a game with both bat and ball.

2. Amelia Kerr (New Zealand)

Amelia Kerr is a rising star in world cricket. At a young age, she’s already made a name for herself with her all-round performances. Her leg-spin and solid batting make her a key player in New Zealand’s lineup.

3. Smriti Mandhana (India)

Smriti Mandhana has been the face of Indian women’s cricket for several years now. Her ability to dominate bowling attacks with elegant stroke play and her consistency at the top of the order make her a vital part of India’s lineup.

4. Harmanpreet Kaur (India)

Known for her explosive batting and remarkable leadership, Harmanpreet Kaur is a player who thrives under pressure. Her century in the 2017 World Cup semi-final is still regarded as one of the greatest innings in women’s cricket history.

The Rivalry Today

As women’s cricket continues to evolve, so does the rivalry between New Zealand and India. The two teams now stand shoulder-to-shoulder in terms of talent and performance. Both teams have their eyes on major ICC tournaments, and each encounter between them is seen as a potential preview of key matchups in the knockout stages of global events.

Off the field, the visibility of women’s cricket has grown, and matchups like New Zealand vs. India are crucial in driving the sport’s popularity. With players like Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr, Smriti Mandhana, and Harmanpreet Kaur leading their respective teams, the competition between these two nations is fiercer than ever.

Conclusion

India vs. The New Zealand Women The rivalry between women is becoming more and more exciting. Due to the talent on both sides, cricket fans everywhere can expect an exciting game of cricket during these matches. Matches like these will be crucial to the future of women’s cricket as the sport continues to grow internationally and inspire the upcoming generation of cricket players and fans.

Watch this space for more fireworks as these two teams continue their global rivalry!