CircleCI Hacked: Cookie Theft Bypasses 2FA Process

cookies, Google Authenticator, Ophtek, Phishing, Two Factor Authentication, , , ,
14
Mar 2023

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is there to provide a high level of security, but what happens when this process is compromised?

CircleCI is a platform used by software developers to build, test and implement code. Therefore, due to the amount of confidential and potentially valuable data CircleCI holds, it’s a highly attractive target for threat actors. Thankfully, for those using CircleCI, strong security practices are in place to provide a secure environment, and one of the most important is 2FA. Nonetheless, threat actors are persistent and innovative individuals, and the presence of 2FA merely represents a challenge. And it was this obstacle hackers managed to overcome in December 2022 when they breached CircleCI.

As 2FA is such a critical element of excellent cybersecurity practices, it’s important that we understand what went wrong at CircleCI.

How 2FA Failed at CircleCI

The first sign of CircleCI becoming compromised came in early January 2023 when a user discovered that their OAuth token – used to identify customers to online platforms – had been accessed by an unauthorized party. CircleCI were unable to pinpoint how the security token had been compromised, but immediately began to randomly rotate the OAuth tokens in use by their users.

Further investigation, however, revealed how access to the OAuth tokens had been breached. A developer at CircleCI had fallen victim to a malware attack, one which focused on stealing data. Among the stolen data was a session cookie which had already been validated through the 2FA process and, therefore, ensured that anyone in possession of it could gain quick and easy access to the CircleCI network. And this is exactly what the threat actors did, stealing encryption keys, OAuth tokens and customer data.

Can You Combat a Compromised Cookie?

2FA has long been championed as one of the cornerstones of IT security, but this attack on CircleCI has brought the spotlight on to one of its glaring weaknesses. The success of the attack also highlights the popularity of this technique, which has recently been deployed against several major IT organizations. Accordingly, to protect your IT infrastructure, it’s crucial that your organization practices the following:

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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What is Ransomware as a Service?

Ophtek, Phishing, Ransomware, Security, Suspicious links, Updates, , , , ,
28
Feb 2023

There’s a lot of money to be made in hacking and threat actors are now turning it into a business with Ransomware as a Service (RaaS).

Ransomware, of course, is well known to anyone who steps online in the digital age. With the ability to encrypt your data and demand a ransom fee, it has not only generated headlines, but also caused significant headaches for business owners. And, with ransomware attacks increasing by 41% in 2022, it’s a strategy which is showing no signs of slowing up. Therefore, not only do you need to be aware of ransomware, but you also need to keep up with associated developments such as RaaS.

As RaaS has the potential to create attacks which are both wider ranging and easier than before, it’s crucial you understand how it operates

The Basics of Ransomware as a Service

We’re all aware of what ransomware is, but what is RaaS? After all, surely ransomware is the opposite of a service? Unfortunately, for PC owners, ransomware software and attacks are now available for hire in the form of RaaS. Similar to Software as a Service (Saas) – examples of which include Gmail and Netflix – RaaS allows threat actors to harness the power of hacking tools without having to design them. If, for example, a threat actor doesn’t have the time (or skills) to build a ransomware tool, what do they do? They purchase one.

Typically, RaaS kits are found on the dark web, so don’t expect to find them taking up space on Amazon. Depending on the sophistication of the RaaS, the cost of purchasing them can range between $30 – $5,000. Threat actors looking to purchase RaaS are also presented with several different purchasing options such as one-time fees, subscription tiers or even affiliate models. It’s estimated that over $10 billion exchanges hands each year – mostly in cryptocurrency – for RaaS kits.

Examples of RaaS include Black Basta, LockBit and DarkSide, with more available for those looking to unleash ransomware easily and quickly. These RaaS kits are also much more than just hacking software, they also offer user forums and dedicated support teams to help customers get the most out of their ransomware. Again, this is very similar to the way in which successful SaaS developers provide extra value for their product. However, whereas SaaS is provided by legitimate developers, RaaS tends to be created by criminal gangs with the sole intent of generating illegal funds.

Staying Safe from Ransomware as a Service

The end result of an RaaS attack is the same as a standard ransomware attack, so there’s nothing specific you need to do if an attack comes through RaaS. Instead, you just need to stick to good old fashioned ransomware security practices:

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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Middle East Countries Targeted by World Cup Malware

Hackers, malware, Ophtek, Phishing, World Cup, , , ,
20
Dec 2022

The World Cup has arrived and, as ever, it is creating headlines around the world, but it’s also creating numerous opportunities for hacking groups.

Fair play should be at the heart of everything taking place on the pitch during the World Cup, which is being held in Qatar, but matters off the pitch are slightly different. Threat actors thrive on a good opportunity and the popularity of the World Cup – over 3.5 billion people watched the last World Cup final in 2018 – makes it full of potential. And it’s an opportunity which hackers have taken advantage of, with a string of malware campaigns launched before the first ball is kicked.

While these attacks have, so far, mostly targeted countries in the Middle East, it’s likely these efforts will spread globally as the tournament progresses. Therefore, you need to understand the tactics that the hackers are following.

Football Phishing Attacks Hit the Middle East

Security researchers at Trellix have discovered, in the lead up to the World Cup, a significant increase in the number of phishing attacks hitting the Middle East. These phishing campaigns have been shown to be unashamedly cashing in on the interest in the World Cup, with many of the emails claiming to originate from either departments within FIFA or even from specific team managers.

The emails being delivered to unsuspecting victims are used to tempt the recipients into clicking links which, for example, promise to take them to payment pages for match tickets. However, the true destination of these links are malicious websites. As with most malicious websites, the potential for risk is very high, and the websites involved in this latest attack have been found to be housing malware such as Emotet, Qakbot, Remcos, Quad Agent and Formbook. All these malware strains have the potential to harvest data and gain remote access to infected PCs.

How To Defend Against the World Cup Malware

Whilst the malware at the heart of this campaign may not be the most dangerous ever seen, the fact remains that it is malware. And all malware should be considered a major problem for your IT infrastructure. Accordingly, protecting yourself against these phishing campaigns, and any others in the digital wild, is paramount for your cybersecurity. Therefore, make sure you adopt these tactics into your team:

  • Analyze every email: if an email sounds too good to be true, it’s likely it is. Say, for example, you receive an email from a manager of one of the World Cup teams, it’s unlikely they would be contacting you directly. Likewise, if you receive an email regarding payment for something you’ve never ordered – such as World Cup tickets – you should be equally suspicious.
  • Use an anti-malware suite: one of the best ways to protect your organization is by installing an anti-malware suite. This is a collection of tools which provides protection against malicious websites and emails by evaluating their risk level as well as monitoring network connections and installing a firewall.
  • Install all updates: you can maximize your security by ensuring that all software updates are installed and in place. Taking this crucial step will maximize the security of your IT infrastructure by protecting you against software vulnerabilities.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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7 Quick Tips to Improve the Security of Your PC

download privileges, Ophtek, Password Security, Phishing, shut down pc, Updates, , , , ,
20
Sep 2022

It’s impossible for a PC to be 100% secure, but there’s nothing to stop you strengthening the defenses of your PC.

With cyberattacks on small businesses at an all-time high, there’s never been a more important time to strengthen your PC’s security. However, as ever, budgets are a crucial factor in achieving this. Thankfully, investing thousands upon thousands of dollars isn’t your only option (although it certainly helps) as simpler solutions are available. Many of these are processes which are either overlooked or simply unknown to most PC users. But the enhanced security they offer is unarguable. Therefore, it’s time integrate these 7 quick tips to improve the security of your PC:

  1. Automatic updates: software vulnerabilities are a sure-fire way to open your IT infrastructure to the world, so it’s vital you install updates as soon as possible. Installing updates, though, is far from glamorous and this is why many PC users fail to install them when available. Luckily, it’s possible to implement automatic updates in Windows to take the pain out of this process.
  • Never write down your passwords: it may be one of the biggest sins when it comes to PC security, but PC passwords are routinely written down in every single business in the world. And it’s a practice which needs to stop. The only place passwords should ever be stored is in either your memory or a password manager.
  • Shut your PC down: when you’ve finished on your PC for the day, you should always shut it down. It may be tempting to leave it running, so that you can start straight away again the next day, but all this does is label your PC as a sitting duck for hackers.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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New Phishing Scam Uses a Photo from the Webb Telescope

GO#WEBBFUSCATOR, network activity, Ophtek, Phishing, SMACS 0723, Updates, Webb Telescope, , , , ,
13
Sep 2022

A new malware threat has been discovered which uses the public excitement around the Webb telescope to deliver a phishing scam.

The first image to be released by the Webb telescope project was entitled SMACS 0723, and its new, stunning view of the galaxy created headlines around the world. However, it’s this level of interest which has led to hackers using it as bait. The image is used as part of an email phishing scam and, unfortunately, fails to highlight the wonders of space. Instead, it compromises a PC and leaves it at risk of further attacks.

Phishing scams are a contemporary irritant in the IT security world, so we’re going to delve deeper into this one and see what we can do to help protect your PC.

The Threat from Outer Space

This latest strain of malware has been given the rather complex name of GO#WEBBFUSCATOR but the way in which it operates is simple. Security experts Securonix have discovered a phishing email – described as one promoting satellite service plans – which contains an infected Microsoft Office document. If this document is downloaded and opened, the malware will – if Word macros are enabled – begin to release its payload.

The malware begins by downloading the SMACS 0723 image, but this image is far from innocent as it contains hidden Base64 code. With this code activated, the infected PC is then systematically tested for vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Once these have been detected and analyzed, the hackers begin a campaign of exploitation to take control of the PC. It’s also interesting to note that the computer language behind this malicious code is constructed from Go, a cross-platform language which highlights the scope of the threat actors behind GO#WEBBFUSCATOR.

Staying Safe on Planet Earth

The number of vulnerabilities this malware targets, along with its deceptive approach, make it a powerful weapon for hackers. Therefore, protecting yourself against its dangers is paramount and you must make sure you:

  • Monitor network activity: once malware such as GO#WEBBFUSCATOR has made its way onto your PC, it’s likely that you will notice a surge in unusual activity on your network e.g. increased traffic and downloads. And this is likely to be one of the only signs you receive, so it pays to keep a close eye on any spikes in network activity.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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