The sale and purchase of unauthorized access to compromised enterprise networks has become a linchpin for cybercriminal operations, particularly in facilitating ransomware attacks.
Underground forums are sharing guidelines on breaching networks and selling the access they obtain, leaving the exploitation to other malicious actors. On underground criminal forums, these transactions allow actors with complementary skills to collaborate, amplifying the impact and reach of cyberattacks. The market for such access has grown notably, especially as ransomware operators increasingly employ double-extortion tactics.
Read more…
Source: Rapid7
Related:
- Facebook doxes APT32, links Vietnam’s primary hacking group to local IT firm
December 11, 2020
In a surprising and unexpected announcement on Thursday, the Facebook security team has revealed the real identity of APT32, one of today’s most active state-sponsored hacking group, believed to be linked to the Vietnamese government. The company said it took this step after it detected APT32 using its platform to spread malware in attempts to infect ...
- CISA and FBI warn of rise in ransomware attacks targeting K-12 schools
December 11, 2020
In a joint security alert published on Thursday, the US Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, warned about increased cyber-attacks targeting the US K-12 educational sector, often leading to ransomware attacks, the theft of data, and the disruption of distance learning services. “As of December 2020, the FBI, CISA, and ...
- Investigating the Gootkit Loader
December 11, 2020
Since October 2020, we saw an increase in the number of Gootkit cases targeting users in Germany. We investigated this development and found that the Gootkit loader was now capable of sophisticated behavior that enabled it to surreptitiously load itself onto an affected system and make analysis and detection more difficult. This capability was used to ...
- MountLocker ransomware gets slimmer, now encrypts fewer files
December 11, 2020
MountLocker ransomware received an update recently that cut its size by half but preserves a weakness that could potentially allow learning the random key used to encrypt files. This ransomware operation started in July 2020, and it targets corporate networks. Its operators steal data before encrypting it and threaten victims to leak files unless their multi-million ...
- The story of the year: remote work
December 10, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has caused sudden, sweeping change around the world. The necessary social distancing measures are having an impact on all of us. One large part of society that has been affected by these measures more than others is the employed. While direct customer facing businesses like restaurants and retailers have had to change ...
- Foxconn electronics giant hit by ransomware, $34 million ransom
December 9, 2020
Foxconn electronics giant suffered a ransomware attack at a Mexican facility over the Thanksgiving weekend, where attackers stole unencrypted files before encrypting devices. Foxconn is the largest electronics manufacturing company globally, with recorded revenue of $172 billion in 2019 and over 800,000 employees worldwide. Foxconn subsidiaries include Sharp Corporation, Innolux, FIH Mobile, and Belkin. BleepingComputer has been ...