Hackers Now Utilizing Standard Tools in Data Breaches

Several significant developments have emerged in today's dynamic cybersecurity landscape, highlighting threat actors' evolving tactics and the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

Firstly, the emergence of ShrinkLocker, a ransomware variant exploiting Windows BitLocker, underscores cybercriminals' adaptability in leveraging built-in encryption features for malicious purposes.

Secondly, pharmacy benefit management company Sav-Rx's disclosure of a data breach affecting 2.8 million Americans underscores the ongoing challenges in safeguarding sensitive personal and medical information.

Standard tools are now being employed against organizations, as hackers no longer need to develop or learn new techniques, all while evading detection. This trend has significantly reduced the time required to execute a successful attack, particularly because most organizations rely on well-known software.

 1. Ransomware Exploits Windows BitLocker

A new strain of ransomware, dubbed ShrinkLocker, has surfaced. It leverages the Windows BitLocker feature to encrypt victim data. Threat actors are manipulating BitLocker, a full-volume encryptor integrated into the Windows operating system, to encrypt entire hard drives, rendering data inaccessible. Researchers from Kaspersky have identified this new threat, highlighting the importance of robust cybersecurity defenses.

 2. Sav-Rx Discloses Data Breach

Pharmacy benefits management company Sav-Rx has disclosed a data breach affecting 2.8 million Americans. The cyberattack, which occurred last October, resulted in the theft of personal data, including sensitive medical information. Investigations into the breach have been ongoing for eight months, underscoring the complex nature of cyber incidents and the importance of timely detection and response.

 3. New ATM Malware Poses Global Threat

A new strain of ATM malware has been advertised on the dark web, claiming to compromise a significant percentage of ATMs worldwide. Targeting machines from leading manufacturers, including Diebold Nixdorf and NCR, the malware seriously threatens financial institutions and consumers. The availability of a three-day trial further underscores the sophistication of cybercriminal tactics.

 4. Phishing Campaigns Targets Finance Companies

A phishing campaign employing a Python clone of the popular game Minesweeper has surfaced, targeting finance companies in Europe and the U.S. The campaign utilizes malicious scripts hidden within the game code to install remote management software, granting threat actors access to compromised systems. Vigilance against phishing attempts remains essential in mitigating cyber risks.

 5. High-Severity Vulnerability Affects Cisco Firepower Management Center

Cisco has issued a warning regarding a high-severity vulnerability in the web-based management interface of the Firepower Management Center (FMC) Software. Exploitable via SQL injection, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using Cisco's security solutions. Immediate action is advised to mitigate potential exploitation. 

6. Recovery Efforts Continue at Ascension Following Cyberattack

Healthcare network Ascension is gradually recovering from a recent cyberattack, which disrupted operations across its 140 member hospitals and senior care centers. The incident underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding patient care and sensitive medical information. Despite ongoing recovery efforts, challenges persist, highlighting the far-reaching impact of cyber incidents on healthcare organizations.

 7. Courtroom Recording Software Compromised with Backdoor Installer

Justice AV Solutions (JAVS), a widely used technology for recording courtroom proceedings, has been compromised by hackers. A backdoor installer implanted in a software update allows threat actors to gain complete control of systems, posing significant privacy and security risks. Organizations utilizing JAVS technologies are advised to address the security issue and mitigate potential threats immediately.

Stay informed and proactive about evolving cyber threats. Cybersecurity remains a top priority for safeguarding digital assets and maintaining trust in an increasingly interconnected world.

In summary, the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, presenting complex challenges for organizations and individuals alike. By remaining vigilant, proactive, and leveraging robust cybersecurity solutions, stakeholders can effectively mitigate risks and safeguard against emerging threats in an increasingly interconnected digital environment.

 Stay informed and proactive in the face of evolving cyber threats. Cybersecurity remains a top priority in safeguarding digital assets and maintaining trust in an increasingly interconnected world.

VirusTotal Malware Analysis Tool VS Joe Sandbox VS Any.Run Malware Analysis Tool

What is a sandbox, and why do you need one to analyze malware?

A sandbox is an isolated computer and network environment designed for analyzing software behavior. This environment is typically designed to run risky files and determine whether those files pose a malware threat. Some sandboxes are also designed to examine URLs to determine whether they are suspicious and could lead to malware infection. Modern sandboxes enable businesses and individuals to test any type of file, including Microsoft Office files, PDF files, and executable files.

VirusTotal Malware Analysis Tool 

Virus Total is an online service that uses antivirus engines and website scanners to analyze suspicious files and URLs in order to detect different types of malware and malicious content. It provides an API through which users can access the data generated by VirusTotal.

Cyber security and professionals use the free VirusTotal online service, but there is also a paid version that allows you to analyze files or URLs in order to identify malware detectable by antivirus engines, and it is one of the most popular in the community, so we decided to get a piece of that action.

Joe Sandbox Malware Analysis Tool

The free version of Joe Sandbox enables users to send files, browse a URL, download and execute a file or submit a command line. It works for Windows operating systems, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS, making it a complete solution for customers with a large variety of operating systems in their IT infrastructure.

The only Windows systems accessible in the free version are a Windows 7 64-bit virtual machine and a Windows 10 64-bit physical machine. Other systems are available in the Cloud Pro service. Not many sandboxes offer the possibility of running files in a real physical system, which is one of the greatest features of Joe Sandbox.

ANY.RUN Malware Analysis Tool

ANY.RUN sandbox supports parsing public submissions. In this manner, an analyst can first search the database for any known indicator of compromise (IOC) and malware to see if it has already been publicly analyzed and then obtain the results. It contains millions of public submissions and is updated daily.

ANY.RUN's free version allows users to send files or URLs to a Windows 7 32-bit virtual machine, while the paid version allows users to send files to Windows Vista, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

The most powerful feature of ANY.RUN is the ability to interact in real-time with the virtual environment that runs the suspicious file or URL. Once a file is submitted, the user has 60 seconds to interact with the entire environment (or more on paid plans). This is a fantastic feature when analyzing malware that waits for specific user actions before running any payload. Consider malware that quietly waits for the user to launch a specific application (such as a browser) or to click on a dialog box. This is where the sandbox comes in handy.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing VirusTotal and Joe Sandbox, Any.Run you should also take into the following products.

• Cuckoo Sandbox - Cuckoo Sandbox provides a detailed analysis of any suspected malware to help protect you from online threats.

• Hybrid-Analysis.com - Hybrid-Analysis.com is a free malware analysis service powered by payload-security.com.

• Jotti - Jottis malware scan is a free online service that enables you to scan suspicious files with several...

• Metadefender - Metadefender, by OPSWAT, allows you to quickly multi-scan your files for malware using 43 antiviruses.

• Falcon Sandbox - Submit malware for analysis with Falcon Sandbox and Hybrid Analysis technology. CrowdStrike develops and licenses analysis tools to fight malware.

What is Malware Analysis? Malware analysis is the process of determining the behavior and intent of a suspicious file or URL. The analysis' output aids in the detection and mitigation of a potential threat. Reverse engineering, sometimes called back engineering, is a process in which software, machines, aircraft, architectural structures, and other products are deconstructed to extract design information from them. Often, reverse engineering involves deconstructing individual components of larger products. Reverse engineering malware involves disassembling (and sometimes decompiling) a software program. Through this process, binary instructions are converted to code mnemonics (or higher-level constructs) so that engineers can look at what the program does and what systems it impacts.