Fake Court Notices Spread LodaRAT

eSecurity Planet · Medium sophistication
Last updated October 30, 2026

A real phishing campaign is using convincing court notices to trick recipients into opening attachments or downloading files that deliver LodaRAT malware. The malware can steal browser session cookies and give attackers remote control of Windows systems. Employees should verify unexpected legal notices through trusted, independent channels before taking action.

Key findings

  • A phishing campaign is using convincing court notices to distribute LodaRAT.
  • LodaRAT can steal session cookies and remotely control Windows systems.
  • Unexpected legal notices should be independently verified through trusted channels before recipients open attachments or download files.
  • The broader weekly report warns that breached customer and order data can make later phishing messages appear more convincing.

Who’s being targeted

  • Commonly targeted roles: All employees, Legal teams, Executive assistants, Finance teams, Customer support teams.
  • Affected industries: Cross-industry, Organizations receiving legal or regulatory correspondence.
  • Attack channels: email.
  • Impersonated: A court or legal authority.

Awareness takeaways

  • Independently verify an unexpected court notice through an official, known contact method before opening its attachment or downloading a file.
  • Treat unexpected legal, regulatory, and other high-pressure messages as potential phishing, especially when they demand immediate review of a document.
  • Report suspected phishing quickly, because a successful attachment-based infection may lead to stolen active sessions and remote control of a work computer.
  • Warn customers after a breach that attackers may use leaked order or transaction details to make phishing messages look credible.

Red flags to watch for

  • The legal notice is unexpected.
  • The message asks the recipient to open an attachment or download a file before independently verifying the matter.
  • The sender or court details cannot be confirmed using trusted contact information.
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Read the video transcript

“Court Notice: Review the attached legal document.” Got that email? It claims to be from a court and pushes you to open an attachment or download a file. That file can deliver LodaRAT. Here’s the catch: LodaRAT can steal your browser’s active session cookies and remotely control your Windows PC. A convincing notice isn’t proof it’s real. Before opening anything, call the court using its official website’s number, not the email’s.

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