As cryptocurrencies become more popular, crypto-malware ransomware attacks have also been on the rise, targeting a variety of organizations and individuals. The examples provided highlight the impact these attacks can have on businesses, governments, and even cities.
It's concerning to see the frequency and success of these attacks due to the various tactics used by cyber adversaries. From exploiting unpatched software vulnerabilities to targeting specific sectors like healthcare, the damage caused by these attacks can be significant. The use of ransomware as a service platforms like Hive adds another layer of complexity to these attacks, making it easier for malicious actors to target a wider range of victims.
To protect themselves, users and organizations need to be proactive in their cybersecurity measures. Installing anti-malware software, keeping software updated, and educating employees on how to recognize and respond to phishing attempts are crucial steps in preventing ransomware attacks. Additionally, having a robust backup system in place can help mitigate the impact of an attack by allowing for the restoration of encrypted files without having to pay the ransom.
It's important for individuals and organizations to stay informed about the latest threats and trends in ransomware attacks to better protect themselves and their data. By taking proactive steps and remaining vigilant, we can help prevent these malicious actors from succeeding in their extortion attempts.
Topic 2: Use the internet to research some of the recent different crypto-malware ransomware attacks. What do they do? Why are they so successful? How are they being spread? What can users do to protect themselves?
1. CrowdStrike Intelligence has been tracking the original BitPaymer since it was first identified in August 2017. In its first iteration, the BitPaymer ransom note included the ransom demand and a URL for a TOR-based payment portal. The payment portal included the title “Bit paymer” along with a reference ID, a Bitcoin (BTC) wallet, and a contact email address.
2. Hive is a Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) platform that targets all kinds of businesses and organizations, but is more well known for going after healthcare organizations. In April 2022, Hive leveraged a pass-the-hash technique to coordinate an attack that targeted a large number of Microsoft’s Exchange Server customers. Affected sectors included the energy, financial services, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors.
3. Developed and operated by the cyber adversary, BOSS SPIDER, SamSam has been observed using unpatched server-side software to enter an environment. Most notably, SamSam was behind the 2018 ransomware attack on the city of Atlanta, Georgia. The attack left 8,000 city employees without their computers, and citizens were unable to pay their parking water bills and parking tickets.
What do they do?
Crypto-malware ransomware attacks encrypts a victim’s file(s) in demand of a payment (ransom) to restore access. If the ransom payment is made, ransomware victims receive a decryption key. If the payment is not made, the malicious actor sometimes publishes the data on the dark web or the victim does not gain access to their encrypted file(s).
Why are they so successful?
They are successful due to lack of resourses to train employees, exploiting unpatched software, social engineering, employee curiosity.
How are they being spread?
Mostly through email, malicious websites, unpatched software.
What can users do to protect themselves?
Installing anti-malware software, remain vigilant against unknown email sender(s), remain vigilant against clicking link(s) in emails, go into your web browser and select the 'Always ask you where to save files' in settings.
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