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Zero-day: Birth of a new threat

  • min read
    • They're inside your system but no one knows how they got there – or how to stop them. These destructive attacks are called zero-day threats, because your security team will have zero days to prepare. Zero-day attacks involve cybercriminals using vulnerabilities no one knows about. They're hard to detect and can go on for years. Zero-day: Birth of a New Threat is Tomorrow Unlocked's latest film in the hacker:HUNTER Behind the Screens series. Michael Gregg, CEO of Managed Service Provider Catalyst Network Solutions, discusses these attacks and his clever way to trick cybercriminals into giving up their secrets. He also shares ways to spot these sometimes-subtle attacks. Understanding zero-day attacks While you may not have heard of zero-day attacks, some of the most well-known cyberattacks fall into this category, such as WannaCry and BlueKeep. But what does it mean? Software developers are always looking out for vulnerabilities hackers could use to gain access to systems through their software. When you receive software updates, these often include 'patches' for recently discovered security holes. "It's called zero-day because that's exactly how long you've had to prepare for it," says Gregg. Zero-day attacks might include reaching a vulnerable system using phishing – manipulative emails to users aiming to convince them to open a file or visit a malicious site. That action downloads the attacker's malware, which infiltrates user files. It can take time for developers to find the vulnerability that allowed the attack. In recent years, hackers have become faster at exploiting vulnerabilities soon after discovery. Zero-day attacks are especially dangerous because only attackers know about them. Once they have access through a zero-day vulnerability, criminals can attack immediately or wait for the best time. What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP?) Gregg's company, Catalyst Network Solutions, is a Kaspersky partner Managed Service Provider (MSP.) MSPs offer cybersecurity-as-a-service. Rather than or as well as an inhouse cybersecurity team, businesses hire MSPs to take care of their cybersecurity. Using MSPs makes it easier for businesses to have a range of cybersecurity expertise on-hand in a market where hiring cyber experts can be challenging. MSPs typically provide services to multiple companies and organizations, giving them broad-based knowledge of cyberthreats and cyber solutions. With the wide range of business tech that needs securing today – from light switches to security cameras to fridges – the value of wide-ranging experience is rising by the day. Tricking cybercriminals with their own tricks The data tricks cybercriminals into using, and so revealing, their zero-day methods. This has allowed Gregg's team to prevent and stop attacks faster. Preventing zero-day attacks As soon as a zero-day threat is understood, software developers will release updates to patch it, so your business should ensure it always installs updates promptly. If you can't stop a zero-day attack happening, there are ways to ensure it's caught early. Gregg advises "There's never a call that's not worth making," when it comes to cybersecurity. Signs of zero-day attacks can be subtle. "If your mouse is moving in a weird way, you're getting out-of-place keystrokes or your computer's running slowly," let the cyber professionals know – whether you have an internal team or a Managed Service Provider.
cryptomining

Cryptojacking could be costing your business and the Earth

  • min read
    • As you read this, a cybercriminal could be stealing your business's electricity and computer processing power. 'Cryptojacking' means high energy bills for business and a big environmental impact everyone wants to avoid. Cryptojacking is illegally using another's devices for the power needed to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The threat is already common and fast-growing, costing business billions worldwide and responsible for significant, unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. So, what can you do to stop it? How cryptojackers compromise your servers and devices To use your processing power, cryptojackers must sneak mining malware into your systems. They may enter your equipment thanks to leaked login details, brute force or through unpatched vulnerabilities in your operating system and other software. They may also get crypto-mining malware in through USB flash drives or network storage. Once inside, it spreads in a worm-like way. What cryptojacking costs business We've all seen news reports of falling cryptocurrency values, but it's still worthwhile for cybercriminals to mine cryptocurrency if they get electricity and processing power for free. But it takes a lot of electricity and processing power to make little gain – a hefty 53 US dollars of system resources for 1 US dollar in crypto earnings. And it's common. In 2022, Kaspersky research found cryptojacking accounted for more than 5 percent of attacks on internet-connected computers. In the same year, Kaspersky software detected nearly 30 million cryptojacking attempts aimed at business systems. Environmental impact of cryptojacking Its sky-high energy use should make preventing cryptojacking part of your corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. What to ask your IT director about While cryptojacking's high computational power requirements reduce device performance, the reduction isn't always obvious to users, so preventing cryptojacking requires work on multiple fronts. IT should regularly audit the corporate network looking for anomalies across every endpoint, including easily overlooked queue management systems, point-of-sale terminals and vending machines, which cryptojackers have been known to target. Your business should use proven endpoint security that gives multi-level, comprehensive protection, including behavioral detection that can roll back  malicious actions. Cybersecurity education for all employees (not just IT) is paramount, making sure staff follow best practice so they don't unwittingly give away system access. Cryptojacking is a damaging and wasteful threat leading to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions and high electricity bills for businesses already challenged by high energy costs. With widespread staff cybersecurity education and the right solutions protecting your business, cybercriminals won't be able to exploit your precious processing power.
cybersecurity predictions

What a year of changing cyberthreats can tell business

  • min read
    • For business leaders, knowing what's changing in cybersecurity helps you recruit the right people with the right skills today for what you'll soon need. Kaspersky's 2022 Security Bulletin (free download) analyzes which attacks their global cloud service Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) has detected, blocked and disabled over the past year. There are some numbers your business will want to know about. 15 percent of users had a malware attack Kaspersky Security Network blocked malware-class attacks on some 15 percent of users in 2022, or around 1 in 7. This shows just how common malware is. The malware class of attacks covers familiar cybercrime tools like viruses, trojans and ransomware. The countries where Kaspersky's software blocked the most malware attacks in 2022 were Tunisia, Taiwan and Algeria. 506 million web-based attacks Web-based attacks result from users downloading files that then trigger a cyberattack. These might come from websites made by cybercriminals, infected online resources within user-created content (like online forums) or legitimate resources that cybercriminals have hacked. Cybersecurity education can be a powerful tool in preventing web-based attacks. Heathrow Airport has a novel staff cybersecurity education that carefully targets those needing it most with 10-minute online learning modules. 1.4 million cryptocurrency mining attempts Cryptocurrency mining is very much on the rise. Kaspersky Security Network detected around 1.4 million attempts to install mining software in the past year. Mining means digitally solving complex mathematical problems that verify cryptocurrency transactions, which also earns cryptocurrency. It slows devices and uses much electricity. In November 2022, Kaspersky announced they'd seen a 230 percent growth in cryptocurrency mining in the third quarter of 2022 compared with the same period in the year before. 102 million attempts to visit malicious URLs Malicious URLs are a common tool in 'phishing' attacks – when cybercriminals send emails inducing recipients to click on links, downloading malware. Endpoint security is vital in protecting against phishing, as is employee cyber-awareness. 377,000 attempts to steal money These attacks were often in the form of 'banking Trojans'. In early 2022 a particularly sophisticated money-stealing Trojan popped up that masquerades as a banking app and imitates phone conversations with bank employees. The app fooled many, highlighting the need to teach employees 'cyber hygiene' – like remembering to pause and think before downloading anything. Those who provide legitimate apps or financial services might also reflect on how they can show customers their products are trustworthy. These big numbers in cybersecurity over the past year show how threats to business are growing and changing. Cybercriminals always find new ways to get through consumers' and employees' defenses. By combining hiring the right people with robust cybersecurity education and strong security solutions, your business will greatly reduce its chances of a serious attack succeeding. Then, you can spend your time on what you do best.
cybersecurity new team sport

Why cybersecurity is the new team sport

  • min read
    • The pace of technological change is accelerating, and we readily adopt its many advantages. But despite this massive technological change, approaches to the threats it brings have changed little. The result is, we're losing the battle against constant attacks and breaches. For CEOs and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs,) history may supply an answer – not in the form of technological genius, but in the form of humanity. Our recent history and deepest past show why cybersecurity must become the new team sport. The futuristic wild west of IT When I started working with computers in the early 1980s, they were controlled by men with beards in woolen tank tops. They ruled from a refrigerated IT throne – refrigerated because the IT team would often share the room with servers that need to be kept cool – knowing everything that went on in their realm. If something happened that was not allowed, it was fixed and hidden from the outside world with a combination of embarrassment and corporate secrecy. Today, we're in more of a futuristic wild west. The business perimeter contains many more applications, devices and entry points. Specialist 'gun slingers' – in the form of CISOs – have the IT administrator's security responsibilities. Each tries their best to cope with the onslaught of potential threats – anything from a nation-state attack to an employee accidentally sending data somewhere they shouldn't. Start-up mentality not all it's cracked up to be "Fail fast" and "move fast and break things" are often hailed as mantras of tech start-up success. But history also shows bad people have these same mentalities. They don't worry about due diligence or putting new ideas and technologies through rigorous testing. They try anything they think will work without considering if it will breach compliance. Meanwhile, budget, resources and red tape often tie CISO hands. They can feel held hostage by a board that doesn't understand the need for rapid reaction to combat the latest advance in 'dark tech.' We've seen this challenge before Up to now, I've described a futile, dystopian, 'Mad Max' world. But I think the battles CISOs fight today are our history, not of our future. Companies, and those in cybersecurity, often call their critical data and intellectual property the 'crown jewels,' referencing the ceremonial treasures acquired by English kings and queens. Those crown jewels are protected by thick walls, with guards and few entry points – like how IT administrators guarded our data back in the 80s. CISOs are inevitably 'outgunned,' under-resourced and underfunded in a battle against an agile and risk-indifferent enemy. So how do we 'fight the good fight' and win? Again, history has answers. Early 1900s business theorist Harrington Emerson is sometimes paraphrased, "Methods are many, principles are few. Methods may change, but principles never do." So let's go back to first principles. We're stronger together Humans first formed settlements as they started farming some 14,000 years ago. Having individuals in these settlements with different skillsets and abilities facilitated their growth. Some of us have an aptitude for the cerebral, like designing and inventing. Others are more physical, excelling in building and protecting. Settlements developed when we used complementary skills to advance a common goal, like making a safer, more prosperous place to live. Settlements collaborated – sometimes merging, sometimes building coalitions. And in times of crisis, while a few favored 'everyone for themselves,' most joined together for the greater good. Charles Darwin said, "It is the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) that those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively prevailed." History has countless examples of international teamwork, from expeditions into unchartered territory to the allied nations of World War II, and more recent history. COVID-19: Each taking on a little During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as individuals, we took precautions to keep ourselves and our families safe. But our actions of self-isolation, social distancing and complying with lockdowns knowingly served to protect society. Some countries legally enforced these measures. In others, it was a request. Regardless, most adhered, each playing their part by taking on a little of the responsibility to keep everyone safe. Eventually, the infection rate dropped and with much help from modern medical science, the world could open up. During the pandemic, countries teamed up, sharing information about infections – different strains, different consequences and symptoms. The data grew as individuals and teams combined findings, leading to the creation of vaccines to reduce the impact of the virus. It didn't stop there – sharing goes on, so vaccines can be tweaked to ensure continued efficacy. Extrapolating from this, the roadmap for cybersecurity should see the CISO as part of a team – not just within one organization, but within a global network, openly sharing intelligence and insight. On the other side of the planet, a CISO who has seen similar adds more context. As the chain passes from CISO to CISO, value increases. Quantity and depth of data grow, like crowdsourced security. This level of open collaboration may sound far-fetched, but intelligence agencies worldwide have shared information on threats similarly since September 11, 2001. This operating model may be closer than we think. CISOs already attend lunches or drinks where they swap 'war stories' under the Chatham House rule: You may use the information, but you may not disclose its source. Cybersecurity researchers in different companies and institutions worldwide combine their findings, writing shared reports. We already collaborate this way, instinctively reaching out for help, as we did in the days of early human settlements, but mostly we do it individually. Corporate legalities and organizational culture tend to restrict rather than encourage inter-company information exchange – it doesn't have to be that way. History shows collaboration naturally happens between groups with a common cause, and today is no different. By encouraging CISOs, staff and researchers to exchange knowledge and skills through a system for sharing threat information, we can nurture the communication of cooperation. We are better together, and together we can play the new team sport of cybersecurity.
cyber threats business 2022

Five business cyberthreats taking center stage in 2022

  • min read
    • Every year, businesses face a changing threat landscape. It pays for leaders to know what the experts think will come next. If you're upgrading your cybersecurity or looking for a new vendor, knowing what attacks are likely in 2022 will help you make the right choice. It turns out our predictions for 2021 were on the money. So what should you and your colleagues plan for this year? We're forecasting these four events that could have flow-on effects for other industries. 1.  Financial organizations will face more threats around cryptocurrency Cryptocurrency keeps growing, and people will keep investing in it for many reasons, including its anonymity, which also makes it attractive to cybercrime groups. In the scramble for cryptocurrency investment opportunities, cybercriminals will use social engineering campaigns, fabricating and selling rogue devices with backdoors to steal financial assets. More financial industry cyberthreats we'll see in 2022 2.  Fake medical documentation will trouble healthcare We saw the trade in faked medical documents like COVID-19 vaccination passports and test results in 2021. Fake vaccines were even spotted for sale on the dark web. As more countries roll out privileges alongside vaccination or test documentation, criminals will roll out more fakes. Medical-themed bait has long featured in cybercrime. With the pandemic triggering increased use of online medical services, patients watch for notifications about test results and messages from doctors. More healthcare cyberthreats likely in 2022 3.  Governments will conflict and compromise with big tech Governments are wary of big tech's growing power and data hoarding. As states build more digital infrastructure for delivering services and deeper insights into their population, they'll show more interest in what citizen data big business holds. We'll see more regulation, such as privacy and data localization laws, and regulation around how law enforcement can access data. Apple's new system that scans devices for child abuse images shows the challenges of balancing user privacy against stopping crime. More privacy predictions for 2022 4.  Industrial attacks will become more focused In many parts of the world, a rapidly snowballing trend is laser-focused attacks, particularly on Industrial Computer Systems (ICS.) We've seen increasing theft of authentication data using spyware, with each attack directed at only a handful of targets. We think these kinds of attacks will make up an even greater portion of the threat landscape in 2022, and we'll see the tactic used more widely. These attacks show why industrial shop floors must be protected. Industrial internet of things (IIoT) devices are easily overlooked and often vulnerable. More predictions for industrial cybercrime in 2022 5.  Ransomware attacks will get more targeted 2021 was a big year in ransomware, with a 30 percent growth in Ransomware 2.0, also known as double extortion. These attacks go beyond demanding a ransom to de-encrypt systems to using stolen sensitive data as leverage to pressure victims to pay up. In November 2021, the US FBI warned ransomware actors are "using significant financial events, such as mergers and acquisitions, to target and leverage victim companies for ransomware infections." At these times, any leaked information could have devastating consequences, making victims more inclined to pay ransoms. In 2022, this type of extortion will become more common. Regular, high-quality cybersecurity training for all staff is one of the best ways of avoiding falling victim to ransomware. Kaspersky is one of several organizations behind the No More Ransom initiative, providing free decryption tools and advice for ransomware victims. More on ransomware activity in 2021 As your strategic plans for 2022 take shape, improving cybersecurity will no doubt be among them. Your business must adapt as cybercriminals' ways and means change. These predictions will help you and your team be forewarned and forearmed.
cybersecurity predictions 2021

What does 2021 have in store for cybersecurity?

  • min read
    • Predicting the future is notoriously precarious. Who would have foreseen a year like 2020? Kaspersky's Global Research and Analysis Team reflect on this year in cybercrime and deduce what we should expect in 2021. Leaked patient records and COVID pressures in healthcare 2020 was the year everyone had a vested interest in new medical technologies' success. Cybercriminals attacked medical devices, hospitals and research institutions, intent on stealing COVID-19 vaccine insights. We also saw the first known directly fatal cyberattack: A patient died because ransomware infection of medical equipment caused care delays. Other cybercrime groups surprised us by ruling out attacking medical institutions. The cybersecurity community set up CTI League: Experts helping medical organizations respond to cyberthreats. Kaspersky gave healthcare organizations free access to tailored cybersecurity. In 2021, expect more attacks on COVID-19 vaccine developers attempting to steal critical data that could help other nations get ahead. Private healthcare organizations will further come under attack, as many don't have the resources to protect valuable patient data. With the transition to cloud computing, we may see patient data leaks from cloud services. Criminals can use personal data in hacked medical records to dupe people into revealing more. More healthcare industry cybersecurity predictions for 2021 Cybercriminals have learned about industrial networks Attacks on industrial networks will become more targeted. By watching randomly infected machines, cybercrime groups have learned organizations' IT setup and know how to exploit it. They can then on-sell network access to more sophisticated cybercrime groups who will take control of finance systems to steal cash. As many industrial control systems (ICS) use old operating systems, the end of support for systems like Windows 7 creates an exploitable loophole. We could see another significant, multi-industry crime campaign like WannaCry. As utilities and government services go through digital transformation they're more vulnerable to attack. Cybercriminals can use a government service as an entry point into industrial systems to disrupt services like public transport. In 2020, COVID-19 restrictions on working on-site delayed IT-system upgrades. During an attack, it may be harder for IT admins to regain system control quickly. Basic malware could spread and become more serious. Upgrading endpoint security and training workers are vital. More industrial cybersecurity predictions for 2021 Online education revolution brought new threats Education changed abruptly in 2020. 1.5 billion students took classes from home. Educators had to learn new skills, like running a class on Zoom or using TikTok lessons. For those who can access the technology, these new services enhance education. But they come with new threats. Learning management systems (LMS) like Google Classroom are exploding. And with growth comes cybercrime. We saw a staggering 20,000 percent growth in threats to online learning platforms between 2019 and 2020. Privacy usually involves getting the user's consent, but a child can't easily manage their privacy settings. Video will keep growing as a learning tool. About 60 percent of teachers use YouTube in the classroom. There's increased risk of exposure to age-inappropriate content, and new threats like Zoombombing could expose learners to harmful content. Games like Minecraft are a great way to make learning more interactive but exposes students to risks like cyberbullying, trolls and malicious files. Teachers must moderate content in their learning management systems, but with the popularity of social platforms and games for pupil engagement, the challenge has leveled-up. More education cybersecurity predictions for 2021 Poverty driving more financial cybercrime in 2021 In 2021, financial companies became less secure thanks to due hastily deployed remote working solutions. Some bought retail laptops that didn't match the security standards of the organization. Limited employee training, default configurations and remote access all contributed to increased attacks. There's rising extortion using distributed denial of service (DDoS) and ransomware. Targeted ransomware is the new normal for financial organizations. Criminals increased ransoms, emboldened by successful attacks and media coverage. To cover their tracks, they'll now expect you to pay in cryptocurrencies. People are often the weakest link, like in the failed attempt to infiltrate Tesla. Stay at home orders didn't affect cybercriminals: Brazilian cybercrime groups went global in 2020, expanding to Europe and beyond, including attempts to hack ATMs. Bigger crime groups are evolving their business models to boost profits by hiring more people within their virtual walls rather than outsourcing. To crack down on cybercrime, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control warned of sanctions for organizations facilitating ransom payment. Next, we predict sanctions against institutions and nations that don't combat cybercrime coming from their territory. More financial cybersecurity predictions for 2021 Crime gangs collaborating on advanced threats Advanced persistent threats (APTs) are the most dangerous kind of attacks, often seen in geopolitical clashes, intent on harming national interests. With the trend towards improved organization security and more people working from home, crime groups will exploit network technologies such as virtual private networks (VPNs,) using social engineering to get access. 5G is big news, with bogus stories of health risks and some nations limiting or banning Huawei products in their 5G infrastructure. Security researchers are examining Huawei and other 5G providers for implementation flaws. If found, they'll make the front pages. As more devices depend on 5G for connectivity, attackers will have more incentive to seek vulnerabilities to exploit. As ransomware becomes the weapon of choice for many criminals, we may see ransomware players' concentrate. In 2020 the Maze and Sodinokibi gangs pioneered an affiliate collaboration model. These bigger groups may combine to deliver APT-style attacks that overwhelm a target organization's system, to access specific data. We'll likely see attacks like these disrupt everyday lives. It could be an intentional attack on critical infrastructure like utilities or collateral damage from ransomware targeting big organizations we all rely on, like supermarkets, mail or public transport. More advanced threat predictions for 2021 Threats may be increasing, but fortunately, there's better education, technology and intelligence available today to help your organization stay secure and face the future.
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About Secure Futures

Secure Futures magazine is your go-to business guide for opinions, trends and insight into the world of technology and cybersecurity. We help your business to bring on the future. Brought to you by Kaspersky, the global cybersecurity experts.

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