Tag: Security

The techniques cybercriminals use to hack into systems are not any simpler. Today, there’s a glut of malware types that don’t rely on traditional methods for infiltration. Fileless malware, in particular, is an incredibly elusive and dangerous threat that can bypass even the most sophisticated security measures.

What is fileless malware?

Fileless malware is a type of malicious program that operates without using executable files to infect a computer like how traditional malware does. Instead, it operates within the system’s memory (RAM) or uses legitimate programs already running on your machine to covertly infect your systems.

The initial exploit, or intrusion point, can vary, but the most common method used by cybercriminals is through phishing emails containing malicious links or attachments. Once clicked or opened, the malware will execute its code and spread quickly by escalating its privileges and exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system or applications. It typically leverages built-in system tools such as PowerShell and WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) to carry out its malicious activities without ever leaving a single file or detectable footprint on the hard drive.

Although fileless malware doesn’t install itself permanently on a system, it can establish a persistent foothold by modifying system configurations or scheduling tasks to run malicious scripts every time the system boots up. Its ability to adapt and mimic legitimate processes means it can avoid detection for longer periods, leading to greater damage over time.

How to mitigate fileless malware threats

To protect against fileless malware, businesses need to take a proactive approach and implement multiple layers of security measures. Here are key strategies for mitigating the risk of fileless malware attacks:

Implement advanced endpoint protection
Rather than relying solely on basic antivirus software, which may not detect fileless threats, it’s crucial to deploy advanced endpoint protection solutions that can monitor system behavior. These tools can identify suspicious activity in real time, even if no files are involved, by recognizing patterns of abnormal memory usage or unexpected behaviors in trusted programs.

Utilize application whitelisting
Application whitelisting is the practice of allowing only approved programs to run on a system. It can be accessed through the operating system’s security settings or through third-party software, where you can determine which applications and scripts are allowed to run based on their digital signatures, publisher, or file paths. By implementing a strict whitelist, businesses can prevent unauthorized programs from running and stop fileless malware in its tracks.

Regularly update software
Exploiting software vulnerabilities is a common entry point for fileless malware. To prevent this, it’s critical to ensure that all your software, operating systems, and third-party applications are up to date with the latest patches. Regular patching closes known vulnerabilities that attackers could use to compromise your system.

Train employees on phishing awareness
Many fileless malware attacks begin with a phishing email that tricks the user into clicking a malicious link or opening an infected document. Providing regular cybersecurity training to your employees on how to recognize phishing attempts, suspicious links, and unexpected attachments can significantly reduce the chances of malware gaining initial access to your network.

Segment networks
If a fileless malware attack successfully infiltrates one part of your network, segmentation can contain the threat, prevent it from spreading, and reduce the overall impact of fileless malware. To segment your network, you can create separate subnets or VLANs and implement strict access control policies that prevent unauthorized communication between different parts of the network.

Monitor and analyze network traffic
Network traffic monitoring can identify anomalies or unusual communication patterns that might indicate a fileless malware infection. For instance, if a system suddenly starts communicating with unknown or suspicious IP addresses, it could be a sign of malware activity. Early detection of any unusual network behavior can help organizations respond quickly and mitigate potential damage.

Fileless malware is incredibly sophisticated, and your technical expertise must match its stealthy and evasive nature. If you don’t have cybersecurity experts on your team, working with a managed IT services provider like us can help you implement the necessary security measures and continuously monitor your systems for any signs of fileless malware. Contact us today to protect your business from this growing threat.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

In the offices of a renowned robotics firm, Lisa, a lead engineer, was designing a new autonomous drone system. Her concentration was broken by an unexpected email from Dr. Morris, a prominent figure in robotics and someone Lisa greatly respected.

The subject of the email read, “Urgent: Proposal for Collaborative Project in Robotics.” Intrigued, Lisa opened the email, which articulated a proposal for a joint venture between her firm and the university where Dr. Morris was a lead researcher.

Attached was a document named “Project Specifics.pdf.” The email captured the tone Lisa would expect. She was ready to open the attachment when a detail made her pause: the email address looked strange. She found the professor’s official university email on the department website and sent an inquiry, attaching the received proposal for reference. Dr. Morris replied, confirming Lisa’s suspicions: she had not sent the email and it was likely a scam.

Did you spot the red flags?

• Lisa should not have forwarded the document to Dr. Morris in case the attachment contained malware.
• Lisa should have alerted her IT team and her fellow employees about the message.
• The sender’s email address looked suspicious. Always use the SLAM method to evaluate the different parts of a message.

What you should know about this scam

If you are unsure whether an email is legit or not, it is best to research the organization’s contact information or verify the message with the sender through another source.

Spear phishing attacks often use specific details about an individual to get them to trust the message. With AI, cybercriminals can generate these messages easier than ever before. Just because a message includes information personalized to you, doesn’t mean you can automatically trust it.

Carrie lives in the city and often finds herself in crowded places such as subways and airports. She passes the time traveling by scrolling on her phone. One day, Carrie was on a bus when a notification popped up on her phone. It was an AirDrop requesting to send her a file. Carrie didn’t realize she had her share settings open to everyone. She didn’t know the sender but out of curiosity, she accepted the file.

The file was nothing special. It had data related to a company Carrie was not familiar with. She clicked around on the file, and it opened a strange link. Carrie closed out of the file and the link and assumed it was sent to her by mistake. But really, it carried malware that worked its way through her device. Over the next few days, her phone began to behave erratically, with apps crashing and battery life draining unusually fast. Carrie ignored the signs, assuming she just needed a new phone.

Did you spot the red flags?

• Carrie should have had AirDrop turned off when not in use or set to private. Some use AirDrop to send inappropriate photos or malicious files.
• When Carrie started noticing her phone acting erratically, she should have scanned her device with a trusted antivirus app.

What you should know about this scam

AirDrop has had issues in the past with vulnerabilities, allowing cybercriminals to see a user’s phone number or email address. Keep devices updated to make sure any security vulnerabilities are patched as soon as possible.

AirDrop on Apple devices and Nearby Share on Android devices let users send pictures or files without an internet connection. They use Bluetooth and create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network. Keep these sharing features private or off when not in use, and only accept files from trusted contacts.

Max enjoys staying up to date with economic and business news. One morning, as Max scanned news stories online, a breaking headline popped up about a severe economic crash. The article was detailed and convincing, citing unnamed experts and confidential reports. It painted a grim picture of the days ahead, advising readers to divest from certain stocks and invest heavily in others it claimed were recession-proof.

Driven by a mix of fear and the opportunity to outmaneuver the market, Max made the decision to adjust his portfolio accordingly, redirecting significant funds into the recommended assets.

Days turned into weeks, and the predicted economic catastrophe failed to materialize. It was only then that the truth dawned on him – he had followed the advice of a fake news article designed to manipulate the market or get unsuspecting users to click on certain malicious links.

Did you spot the red flags?

• Max should have verified the news through other sources before making decisions based on one article.
• Instead of scanning news stories online from random websites, Max should have specifically gone to the websites of credible news outlets that he trusted.
• Max should have paused before acting on emotions fueled by something he saw online.

What you should know about this scam

Many headlines (real and fake) related to current events use emotionally charged language or shocking details to get the user to click a link or stay on their site. It is important to be aware of this. Take a step back and think twice before acting on a headline.

Some cybercriminals create fake news websites that resemble the design, name, and URL of real news websites. It is important to scrutinize websites and URLs before interacting with a site or clicking on links.