Tag: Cyber Crime

What Is CryptoWall Ransomware?

On November 23, 2020

A ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts user files on victim computer or network. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim in exchange for the decryption key. CryptoWall is a family of such file-encrypting ransomware. It first appeared in early 2014 and has numerous variants including Cryptorbit, CryptoDefense, CryptoWall 2.0, and CryptoWall 3.0. The early variants used RSA public key for file encryption, however, the new versions use AES key for file encryption. The AES key is further encrypted using a public key. This makes it impossible to get the actual key needed to decrypt the files.

Mode Of Infection:

Traditionally, CryptoWall ransomware was distributed via exploit kits. But, now spam emails are also used to infect the victims. The spam email contains RAR attachment that includes a CHM file. When the victim opens the CHM file, it downloads ‘CryptoWall binary’ to the system and copies itself into the %temp% folder.

CHM file – Compiled HTML or CHM file is an interactive html file that is compressed inside a CHM container and may hold other files such as JavaScript, images, etc. inside it.

Execution:

The Cryptowall binary downloaded on the system is compressed or encoded. Useless instructions and anti-emulation tricks are deliberately inserted in the coding to break AV engine protection.
On execution, it launches a new instance of explorer.exe process.
In the next step, the ransomware injects its unpacked CrytoWall binary and executes the injected code.
The original process automatically exits itself after launching the injected explorer process.
The files are encrypted and the ransomware deletes the volume shadow files using ‘vssadmin.exe’ tool. This makes sure that the encrypted files may not be recovered.
The CryptoWall binary is copied to various locations such as %appdata%, %startup%, %rootdrive%, etc. The copies are added to the auto start key to help them stay persistent even after the infected system is rebooted.
A new svchost.exe process is launched with user privilege and malicious binary code is injected into it.
The ransomware connects to I2P proxies to find live command and control server.
The server replies with unique encryption key generated specifically for the target system. The key starts the file encryption thread and drops ransom notes in all directories.
Finally, it launches Internet Explorer to display ransom notes and the hollowed svchost process kills itself.

Protection:

Keep antivirus up-to-date
Back up the files
Apply windows update regularly
Avoid clicking random emails
Disable remote desktop connections
Block binaries running from %appdata% and %temp% paths

For more information on Cryptowall ransomware, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Tips To Reduce Cyber Crime In Inbound Call Centers

By centexitguy

On October 28, 2020

In Security

Business security is one of the prime priorities for every business and as the number of cyber attacks is on a rise, the cyber security practices have become a necessity. Cyber criminals tend to find weak entry spots for targeting a business. Due to the nature of operations, inbound call centers act as an easy target for cyber criminals. The inbound call centers receive customer calls and acquire customer information to answer their queries. If hackers breech the inbound call system, they can get hold of consumer’s personal information.

Thus, businesses need to be vigilant and take proper steps to secure consumer information. Here are some tips to reduce cyber crime in inbound call centers:

Regularly Audit The Environment: Audits are generally overlooked, but regularly auditing the network environment of the call center can help in detecting any intrusion at an early stage. Audits can also help businesses in detecting any vulnerability in the system. A simpler way is to automate the network audit using a remote monitoring and management system (RMM). Also, businesses should consider password audit for all the staff in the inbound call center. This helps in tracking the users with weak or outdated password.
Strengthen The Authentication Process: Passwords alone may not be sufficient for proper authentication of users. So, inbound call centers should strengthen the system by incorporating multi-factor authentication. Also, it is important to backup the authentication data with either a knowledge based, possession based, or inherence based requirement such as having a physical key or smartphone for receiving one-time password.
Boost Weak Security Through Automation: A great approach to ensure security of the systems is to automate the security process. A common example is to automate password generation such that the users themselves don’t know their passwords until the time of login. This eliminates the risk of knowingly or unknowingly leak of passwords by the users. This can be achieved by using software such as Password Management System or privileged Identity Management.
Secure The Endpoints: Endpoints are highly vulnerable because cyber criminals attack these endpoints to create holes in the network security perimeter. Inbound call centers can use advanced endpoint detection solutions to improve system’s ability to defend itself.

For more information on tips to secure network in inbound call centers, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Everything You Need To Know About Click Fraud

By centexitguy

On September 30, 2020

In Security

As the number of organizations investing in digital marketing is increasing, there has been an increase in fraudsters trying to take advantage of digital marketing platforms to drain revenue from such organizations. Click fraud is an example of frauds based on digital marketing and occurs on PPC online advertizing.

Let Us Understand The PPC Concept-

PPC or Pay-Per-Click is an online advertizing campaign. An organization contacts relevant websites, bloggers, influencers, etc. to place its ad on their page to attract target audience. When a user clicks on the advertizement, he is redirected to the landing page of the advertizing website resulting in higher lead generation. The website that places the ad on its page is paid a certain amount for every user that clicks on the advertizement.

What Is Click Fraud?

A click fraud is a technique that is used to falsely increase the number of clicks on a PPC ad. In other words, a click fraud or ‘invalid clicks’ (as termed by Google) is when a paid advertizement is intentionally clicked repeatedly. Higher the number of clicks on the ad, higher is the amount paid by the advertizer to the host website (where the ad is posted). The aim of a click fraud is to either generate higher revenue for the host website or drain revenue from the advertizer. One of the common techniques employed in click frauds is the use of click bots.

What Is A Click Bot?

A bot is a software that operates on the internet and is used to perform repetitive tasks. Click bots are used by the fraudulent websites to repetitively click on advertisements posted on their website in order to increase the number of clicks.

How Does Click Fraud Impact The Advertizer?

A click fraud impacts an advertizer in numerous ways:

It costs an advertizer higher PPC cost.
It drains a business of investment money that could be used for other business development tasks.
It results in inaccurate results from PPC campaign data analysis leading to misinformed critical marketing decisions.

How To Fight Against Click Fraud?

It is common for competitors to launch click fraud attacks to impact each other’s marketing campaign. In order to avoid this, search Google for keywords relevant to your niche and identify your competitors. After identifying the major competitors, use tools like ClickForensics, AdWatcher or ClickDefense fraudulent ad clicks.
Closely monitor your campaigns using different tools. It will give you a fair idea of how the campaign is performing in relevance to your campaign goals.
Some websites may offer low PPC rates; however be vigilant to choose high-value sites. Thoroughly research the websites to find a relevant & suitable site that is full of potential customers.
Employ bot management to identify fraud bots and block them from an application/website.
You can also invest in fraud prevention software that are specifically designed to spot and avoid click frauds.

For more information on Ads management and click-fraud prevention, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Understanding Clop Ransomware

By centexitguy

On August 21, 2020

In Security

Clop is a ransomware-type virus that belongs to the CryptoMix family. The word ‘Clop’ itself means ‘bug’ in Russian. The virus is mostly aimed at English-speaking users and tends to target complete networks instead of individual users.

Clop ransomware infects systems running on the Microsoft Windows platform. It has been designed to encrypt data and rename every file by appending the ‘.clop’ extension. After successful encryption of files, Clop generates a text file containing the ransom message and places its copy in every existing folder. Another unique character of Clop ransomware is the string ‘Dont Worry C|0P’ included in the ransom note. The decryption keys are stored on a remote server controlled by cyber criminals. This makes it necessary for every victim to pay the ransom in order to get the decryption key.

What Is The Payload Used For Clop Ransomware?

Transmission:

The Clop ransomware is distributed in the form of an executable that has been a code-signed digital signature. It makes the executable appear more legitimate and helps it in bypassing the system security.

The virus infection is spread through a macro or JavaScript attachment in a spam email. Sometimes, the virus may be delivered as a downloadable link in an email. Other ways of spreading the Clop ransomware include exploit kits, malwertizement, and compromised websites.

Execution:

After infection, the virus first stops the Windows services and programs to ensure the disabling of antivirus software such as Windows Defender etc. Additionally, it closes all the files so that they are ready for encryption. For disabling the Windows Defender, the virus configures various Registry values that disable behavior monitoring, real time protection, sample uploading to Microsoft, Tamper protection, cloud detections, and antispyware detections. In the case of older computer systems, Clop uninstalls Microsoft Security Essentials to surpass the security.

After terminating processes, it creates a batch file, which is executed soon after the ransomware is launched. The batch file disables windows automatic Startup repair. The ransomware then starts encrypting the files on the victim system and adds the ‘.Clop’ extension to the name of encrypted files.

The ransom note is created under the name ‘ClopReadMe.txt’ and a copy is placed in every folder.

How To Stay Protected?

Use an updated version of antivirus.
Scan the spammed mails.
Avoid clicking on unidentified links, advertizement or websites.
Create regular backups of the files.

For more information on how to secure your network for various threats, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Surprising Places Where Hackers Hide

By centexitguy

On June 27, 2019

In Security

Though most of the businesses follow the basic IT security protocols like using strong passwords, installing updated security solutions and blocking unauthorized access; there is a constant increase in number of hacking instances. Nowadays, hackers utilize diverse mediums to serve as an entry points to infect a system or network and initiate widespread attacks. It is important to be aware of these entry points in order to develop effective cybersecurity strategies.

Off-brand Apps: Some apps may not be available on certain operating systems. Hackers design off-brand apps with similar features and offer them for download on these operating systems. Once a user installs this app, the system is compromised and hackers gain access to his personal data like login details, photos, videos, etc. An example of such attack is the phishing attack that targeted Snapchat users. Hackers sent a link to users via a compromised account. This link pointed to a mobile site that was designed to look like Snapchat login page. As the users entered their login information, the details were copied and saved by the hackers. The stolen login information including passwords of affected users was then publicly posted on a phishing site.
Home Appliances: Hackers now use home appliances like smart refrigerators to launch an attack. The smart home devices are generally factory configured including a preset password. It is common for users to forget to reset or personalize their password which makes them an easy target for hackers.
Your Car: Most cars are installed with wireless or Bluetooth connectivity. The system enables users to enjoy benefits like keyless entries, remote start, navigation, etc. These features collect data like locations saved in navigation system, location where car is parked and other such vulnerable data. Car manufacturers tie up with third party data storage companies to store this personal information of users. This provides an opportunity for hackers to breach the system and steal the data.
Cash Register: Hackers steal payment card details of customers by using POS Malware. When a card is swiped to make the payment, the payment card data is encrypted. The data is then decrypted in RAM of processing device to complete the payment. POS Malware attacks inefficiently secured systems to steal the payment card details from their RAM. The unencrypted data is then sent to the hacker. Stolen card details are then sold by the hackers.
Fax Machine: The communication protocols of fax machines offer security vulnerabilities that can be used as loopholes by the hackers to launch widespread cyberattacks in organizations. Hackers create a colored jpeg image file coded with any type of malware. The coded image is sent to a target fax device where the image is decoded and saved into fax-printer’s memory. The malware can now spread over any network to which the fax printer is connected.

For more information about cybersecurity risks, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.