The report shares statistics and observations from incident response practice in 2023, analyzes trends and gives cybersecurity recommendations. #Cybersecurity #Incident #Internal #LockBit #Ransomware #Security #Statistics #Threats #response #services
From OneNote to RansomNote: An Ice Cold Intrusion - The DFIR Report
In late February 2023, threat actors rode a wave of initial access using Microsoft OneNote files. In this case, we observed a threat actor deliver IcedID using this method. After loading IcedID and establishing persistence, there was no further actions, other than beaconing for over 30 days. The threat actor used Cobalt Strike and AnyDesk to target a file server and a backup server. * The threat actor used FileZilla to exfiltrate data from the network before deploying Nokoyawa ransomware.
In 2023, ransomware actors intensified their operations, targeting high-profile institutions and critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and government agencies. Major ransomware supply chain attacks were carried out exploiting the ubiquitous file transfer software MOVEit, impacting companies ranging from the BBC to British Airways. As a result of these attacks and others, ransomware gangs reached an unprecedented milestone, surpassing $1 billion in extorted cryptocurrency payments from victims. Last year’s developments highlight the evolving nature of this cyber threat and its increasing impact on global institutions and security at large.
As we move further into 2024, we must be cautious (maybe even fearful!) of ransomware cases increasing even more than in previous years. Though governments around the world are taking more interest in the worldwide threat, we can see from the increase of cases that our actions have not been enough to thwart the ransomware threat. As new groups continue to form, former groups continue to evolve into new brands, and the big players continue to ramp up their efforts, we must remain vigilant and focus on our preparation and early detection capabilities.
Ransomware gang takes credit for Christmas attack on global Lutheran organization
The World Council of Churches reported an incident in December, and the Lutheran World Federation said it experienced a related incident. The Rhysida gang claimed it carried out the attack on the federation.
Lockbit ransomware disrupts emergency care at German hospitals
German hospital network Katholische Hospitalvereinigung Ostwestfalen (KHO) has confirmed that recent service disruptions were caused by a Lockbit ransomware attack where the threat actors gained access to IT systems and encrypted devices on the network.
The ticking time bomb of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013
I monitor (in an amateur, clueless way) ransomware groups in my spare time, to see what intelligence can be gained from looking at victim orgs and what went wrong. Basically, I’m a giant big dork with too much free time. I’ve discovered two organisations with ransomware incidents, where the entry point appears to have been Exchange Server 2013 with Outlook Web Access enabled, where all available security updates were applied.
Healthcare software provider data breach impacts 2.7 million
ESO Solutions, a provider of software products for healthcare organizations and fire departments, disclosed that data belonging to 2.7 million patients has been compromised as a result of a ransomware attack.
Justice Department Disrupts Prolific ALPHV/Blackcat Ransomware Variant | United States Department of Justice
The Justice Department announced today a disruption campaign against the Blackcat ransomware group — also known as ALPHV or Noberus — that has targeted the computer networks of more than 1,000 victims and caused harm around the world since its inception, including networks that support U.S. critical infrastructure.
Welltok data breach exposes data of 8.5 million US patients
Healthcare SaaS provider Welltok is warning that a data breach exposed the personal data of nearly 8.5 million patients in the U.S. after a file transfer program used by the company was hacked in a data theft attack.
MadCat ransom gang caught stealing from other criminals
A new strain of ransomware called MadCat has been linked by security researchers to suspected scammers who pretend to sell passport details on the dark web so they can rip off their fellow crooks.
Understanding the Phobos affiliate structure and activity
Cisco Talos identified the most prolific Phobos variants, TTPs and affiliate structure, based on their activity and analysis of over 1,000 samples from VirusTotal dating back to 2019. We assess with moderate confidence Eking, Eight, Elbie, Devos and Faust are the most common variants
Rhysida ransomware gang claims attack on British Library • The Register
The Rhysida ransomware group says it's behind the highly disruptive October cyberattack on the British Library, leaking a snippet of stolen data in the process. A low-res image shared to its leak site appears to show a handful of passport scans, along with other documents, some of which display the format of HMRC employment documents.
2023’s ransomware rookies are a remix of Conti and other classics
Ransomware’s business model is a big part of what’s made it such a potent threat for so many years. However, we dug into multi-point ransomware attacks from 2023, and found another factor in ransomware’s staying power: a seemingly endless supply of new cyber crime groups starting ransomware operations.
Gang says ICBC paid ransom over hack that disrupted US Treasury market | Reuters
China's biggest lender, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, paid a ransom after it was hacked last week, a Lockbit ransomware gang representative said on Monday in a statement which Reuters was unable to independently verify.