Proofpoint has observed an increase in a technique leveraging unique social engineering that directs users to copy and paste malicious PowerShell scripts to infect their computers with malware.
Threat actors including initial access broker TA571 and at least one fake update activity set are using this method to deliver malware including DarkGate, Matanbuchus, NetSupport, and various information stealers. Whether the initial campaign begins via malspam or delivered via web browser injects, the technique is similar. Users are shown a popup textbox that suggests an error occurred when trying to open the document or webpage, and instructions are provided to copy and paste a malicious script into the PowerShell terminal, or the Windows Run dialog box to eventually run the script via PowerShell.
Read more…
Source: Proofpoint
Related:
- US Court Sentences Russian Lawmaker’s Son to 27 Years in Jail for Hacking
April 21, 2017
The son of a prominent Russian lawmaker was sentenced on Friday by a US federal court to 27 years in prison after being convicted of stealing millions of US credit card numbers and causing some $170 million in damages to businesses and individuals. This sentence is so far the longest sentence ever imposed in the United ...
- Improved cyber security for General Election after Russian hacking scandal
April 21, 2017
Cyber security chiefs are to give fresh guidance to protect the general election from being disrupted by hackers. Just weeks ago, Ciaran Martin, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, briefed political party bosses on how they can defend their organisations from online attacks. They were given an overview of threats, case studies on recent cyber ...
- Hong Kong to tighten cyber security rules after broker hacks
April 20, 2017
Hong Kong plans to toughen information security rules after a series of embarrassing hacks at the city’s brokers, the securities regulator said on Thursday. The draft rules would likely include requirements for two-step authentication for account log-in and for brokers to notify clients when a transaction had been made, a Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission ...
- Hackers Dump 1.7 Million Snapchat User Data on Dark Web
April 18, 2017
Anonymous Indian hackers are taking revenge on Snapchat’s CEO and claim to have leaked a database containing the credentials of 1.7 million users. The hackers are particularly upset after Evan Spiegel,Snapchat CEO, reportedly made a rather nasty remark regarding expansion plans. According to claims that emerged last week as an ex-employee filed a lawsuit against the ...
- Hajime worm battles Mirai for control of the Internet of Things
April 18, 2017
A battle is raging for control of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. There are many contenders, but two families stand out: the remains of the Mirai botnet, and a new similar family called Hajime. Hajime was first discovered by researchers in October of last year and, just like Mirai (Linux.Gafgyt), it spreads via unsecured devices that ...
- Why cybersecurity needs more attention from business leaders
April 10, 2017
As businesses have become more dependent on technology, their exposure to cybersecurity threats increases – driving a need for boards and senior management to understand the risks. Cybercrime has grown so much that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently began including it in official figures. In 2016, a report from the National Crime Agency found ...