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How Does SandStrike Spyware Attack Android Devices?

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On December 29, 2022

In Cybersecurity

SandStrike is a type of spyware that attacks different kinds of data on an Android device, like call logs, contacts, etc., to spy on and track the activities of its victims. The spyware is sent out using a VPN app infected with malware.

Let us understand the stepwise process of SandStrike spyware infection:

  1. The spyware exploits people’s religious faith to target them.
  2. The threat actors build authentic-looking social media profiles on various platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
  3. The pages share religion-oriented posts to grab the attention of firm believers of the religion.
  4. After gaining the victim’s attention, the threat actors share links for watching more videos around religion-focused topics.
  5. Generally, the links lead to apps such as Telegram channels or VPN apps owned by the cyber threat artists.
  6. The idea is to use VPN apps to bypass Government’s cyber security and watch religion or faith-oriented content that is otherwise banned by the Government.
  7. These links are injected with malicious code for SandStrike spyware.
  8. When victims click on the link to download the VPN app, the spyware is automatically downloaded and installed on the target device.

Users rely on VPN to seek privacy & security to hide their internet activity. However, the threat actors cunningly trick users and use the VPN to intercept the same. Once the SandStrike spyware is installed on the target device, it starts spying through the infected device.

What Type of Data Does SandStrike Target?

SandStrike spyware targets diverse types of data including, but not limited to:

  • Call logs
  • Contact list
  • Messages
  • Personal data
  • Search history
  • Saved financial details
  • Login credentials

In addition to scooping through the data on the device, the spyware also monitors the user’s activity to collect information that can be used for social engineering attacks.

The spyware collects all the data & sends it to remote servers owned by the threat actors. The cybercriminals use this data for financial gain by selling it on the dark web or using it to fabricate severe cyber-attacks such as identity theft, ransomware, etc.

How to Stay Protected Against SandStrike Spyware Attacks?

While antivirus and antimalware programs may not provide effective protection against spyware, a few best security practices can help protect your devices.

  1. Be cautious before clicking on social media and email links.
  2. Download VPN apps from the original developer’s link in the Google Play Store. Make sure to check the reviews, number of downloads, correct spelling of app name, and correct name of the developer before downloading the app.
  3. Refrain from saving your financial information on your browser or payment apps for easy payments.
  4. Download the latest updates for your operating system and apps on the device.

To know more about enterprise cybersecurity solutions for your business, contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

Top Cyber Security Defense Tips for MSP Businesses

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On December 28, 2022

In Security

MSP – Managed Service Provider can be defined as a third-party business providing services to manage its client’s IT infrastructure and systems remotely. To provide services seamlessly, Managed Services Providers are required to gain access to clients’ systems, data, and information (user locations, infrastructure, IT structure, and network). A cyber security breach can expose clients’ data and compromise the system’s security.

The cyber security of a managed service provider is connected with that of its clients, highlighting the significance of a cyber-security defensive strategy for MSPs.

Consequences of a cyber-security incident on the MSP network.

  1. Loss of Reputation: A data breach can result in a loss of client trust, which can be a big blow to the business.
  2. Loss of Business: Loss of trust and reputation can provoke some clients to stop doing business with the MSP and shift to a new service provider.
  3. Financial Loss: Loss of clients causes financial loss for a managed service provider. Additionally, the business has to spend financial resources on restoring its systems and network and might be required to pay legal penalties associated with the mishandling of client data.

Best practices and defense strategies for MSPs:

  1. Manage Vulnerability: Ensure that client systems and networks are routinely scanned and tested to detect obsolete systems and identify areas that require updates or patches. Vulnerability management aids in the prevention of zero-day attacks by stopping cybercriminals from obtaining access and exploiting vulnerabilities.
  2. Threat Detection: Firewalls and intrusion detection systems are crucial for detecting threats. They aid in identifying and blocking potentially hazardous traffic using advanced settings.
  3. Preventing Targeted Attacks: Some common examples of targeted attacks against Managed Service Providers include password spraying, brute force attacks, and phishing. These targeted attacks can be avoided by encouraging users and employees to practice password and internet usage recommendations.
  4. Zero Trust Model: A zero trust model bases authorization on carefully examining each access request. Additionally, to stop the lateral spread of the attack, the organization’s network should be divided, and components should be independent of each other.
  5. Streamlined Offboarding: Offboarding process refers to removing accounts and tools that will not be used by the organization in the future. These may include accounts of employees leaving the organization. It is important to delete shared accounts and revoke access of transitioning employees. Organizations should perform regular audits to detect any dead accounts or network ports.
  6. Backups: MSPs should maintain regular data backups and encourage their clients to do the same. This helps maintain business operations by restoring the data and infrastructure in case of a cyber-attack or data breach.

To know more about cyber security defense tips for MSP businesses, contact Centex Technologies. You can contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

Tips to Prevent Unauthorized Access to Windows Network

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On December 27, 2022

In Security

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Tips to Improve Supply Chain Cyber Security

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On November 30, 2022

In Cybersecurity

A supply chain is a network of facilities that are responsible for the procurement of raw materials, the transformation of those raw materials into intermediate commodities, and finally, the delivery of finished goods to end users via a distribution system. It is the network of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in the delivery of a product or service to a customer. While these supply chain components are essential for smooth operations of a business, they can also expose a business to cyber security risks.

The following tips can help in improving cybersecurity for supply chain network of a business.

  1. Verify Third-Party Vendors: Prevention is the most effective method for enhancing the cybersecurity of a supply chain. Cybercriminals find third-party vendors to be an easy and lucrative target, as a majority of third-party vendors have inconsistent cybersecurity protocols. Once attackers infiltrate the network of these vendors, they can acquire access to their client’s data. This makes it important to assess the cyber security practices of the third-party vendors to check if they are as per the industry standards. Also, analyze the history of cyber security breaches the third-party vendors have experienced in the past.
  2. Access Management: Understand the role and responsibilities of the vendor. Analyze the tasks the vendor needs to perform and the data that is essential to accomplish them. Grant access to the necessary data and tools to the vendor instead of providing open access. This ensures minimized exposure in case the vendor experiences a breach.
  3. Understand the Risks: Knowing the risks you may encounter is essential to formulate an effective mitigation plan. To begin with, list all cyber security risk scenarios through which cybercriminals can infiltrate your network. Once you understand the risks, work towards mitigating these risks starting with the risk with highest impact.
  4. Know Your Critical Systems: Critical systems and data include the information and systems that are essential for smooth operations of a business. These systems and data may include user data, business documents, financial data, communication channels, business core applications, etc. Knowing your key systems allow you to know what must be protected in all situations. Develop strategies to safeguard these systems and data.
  5. Speed Up Detection: Despite effective measures, understand that you might face supply chain based cyber-attacks. Early detection of infiltration helps in timely response, recovery, and remediation of the breach. Educate your employees to be able to detect an attack at first instance and report it to the right department.
  6. Recovery Plan: Lay out a well-defined recovery plan and document it. Make sure to include every employee’s role in the recovery plan and share it across the organization. Take regular backups to aid in data recovery and minimize the impact of a breach.
  7. Penetration Analysis: Cyber security is a dynamic environment as cybercriminals come up with new methods to bypass security measures. Regular penetration analysis and vendor monitoring help in detecting vulnerabilities at the earliest. This helps in preventing zero-day attacks.

To know more about tips to improve supply chain cyber security, contact Centex Technologies. You can contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

Cyber Security Challenges for Online Retailers in Holiday Season

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On November 30, 2022

In Security

With the holiday spirit on a high, it is the season for shopping.

Online shopping has taken over as the preferred method of shopping due to a change in consumer behavior. Since more and more people are choosing to shop online, businesses are shifting to online retailing to take advantage of the opportunity. However, this has also given a chance to cyber criminals to exploit vulnerabilities and trick users into fraud.

Given the rising cyber threats, here is a list of cyber security challenges online retailers need to be aware of this holiday season:

  1. Botnet Attacks: A botnet attack is an attack where a large number of internet-connected devices are infected by malware and are then used to launch cyber attacks as a bot network. Botnet attacks against online retailers or e-commerce sites usually involve advanced bots to bypass their cyber security system. An advanced bot is trained to imitate human behavior when accessing a browser. One of the most common forms of botnet attacks is Traffic Overload or DDoS attack. A large network of bots sends multiple redundant requests to the server of the online retailer site to cause traffic overload. As a result, the server is not able to receive requests from the customers resulting in Distributed Denial of Service. These attacks are majorly used to disrupt the business during peak shopping season.
  2. Unauthorized Account Access: These attacks rely on credential theft to access users’ or retailers’ accounts. User accounts typically include gift cards, discount vouchers, and stored financial information such as credit card details. While this can result in financial loss for users, threat actors can also target retailers using intercepted user accounts. They can make fraudulent purchases using merchants’ simple financing options over the holiday season.
  3. Malware/ Ransomware: As the holiday season is a busy time of the year for retailers, cybercriminals try to disrupt operations by installing malware or ransomware. Attackers may exploit vulnerabilities in the code or may run a social engineering attack to hack into the system.
  4. Redirection Attacks: Cybercriminals analyze online retailer websites to find vulnerabilities they can exploit. Once they find a vulnerability, they utilize this chance to insert malicious code injections. These codes are generally added to the payment page of the website. When a user clicks on this malicious code, he is redirected to a fake website that is built to mimic the original payments page. The user is requested to provide financial details to make the payment & finalize his purchase. These details are sent by the server to a threat actor who can use it for financial or credential theft.

Online retailers need to be cautious to prevent these attacks. Common preventive measures include installing regular updates to patch vulnerabilities, implementing access management strategies, promoting multi-factor authentication for user accounts, etc.

To know more about cyber security challenges for online retailers, contact Centex Technologies. You can contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.

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