Tag: Cybersecurity Page 6 of 10

Most Dangerous Virus & Malware Threats Of 2020

On October 22, 2020

Cyber criminals keep on evolving virus and malware to make them advanced and more dangerous. This allows them to target new vulnerabilities and operating system versions. To keep the business network secure, it is important for businesses to have in-depth information about new virus and malware. This knowledge comes handy in creating strategies to protect the systems against these virus & malware.

So, here is a list of most dangerous virus & malware threats of 2020 to help businesses understand and strategize against these cyber attacks:

Clop Ransomware: Clop is a variant of CryptoMix ransomware that targets Windows users. Clop ransomware blocks the Windows processes and disables multiple Windows applications including Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials. Once these applications are blocked, the ransomware encrypts the data files on the target system and demands ransom in exchange of decryption key.
Fake Windows Update (Hidden Ransomware): Cyber criminals have been taking advantage of the need for installing latest Windows updates. The latest ransomware makes use of phishing email that instructs users to install urgent Windows update. The email contains ransomware ‘.exe’ files that are disguised as Windows update link. The ransomware, known as ‘Cyborg’, encrypts all the files and programs and demands a ransom payment for decrypting the files.
Zeus Gameover: It is a part of Zeus family of malware and viruses. The piece of malware is a Trojan that accesses sensitive bank account details to steal the funds. This variant of Zeus family does not require a centralized “Command & Control” server. It can actually bypass centralized servers and create independent servers to send sensitive information.
RaaS: It is also known as “Ransomware as a Service” is a growing industry. People can hire a hacker or team of hackers to perform the attack for them. These services can be used by people with zero prior knowledge of coding to carry out dangerous cyber attacks.
Fleeceware: It is a type of malware that continues to charge large amounts of money to app users, even after they have deleted their accounts from the app. Although, this malware doesn’t infect or encrypt any user files, it is still a shady practice used by app developers wanting to cash on unsuspecting users.

For more information on latest cybersecurity techniques, 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.

Things To Know About Online Coronavirus Scams

By centexitguy

On March 30, 2020

In Security

The sudden outbreak of Coronavirus infection has taken the world by surprise. In order to fight against the disease, people are trying to keep themselves updated on any news related to the same. However, cybercriminals are using this as an opportunity to lure people into their scams.

Here is a concise guide to help you understand more about online Coronavirus scams:

What Is A Coronavirus Scam?

Coronavirus scams are similar to other malware scams. The attackers trick the users into opening infected documents and files under the pretext of offering more information about the virus. Once a user clicks to open these files, the malware is downloaded and installed.

What Are The Commonly Used Pretexts?

The scammers may pose as healthcare officials and offer information related to symptoms or prevention of the coronavirus infection. Alternatively, some scams use the disguise of documents offering update information on the number of infection cases or death tolls across the globe. The scammers use threat headlines that state the viral infection has spread to the victim’s home city and motivate the victim to enter his details for reading more information.

Some scammers are preying on the people’s willingness to provide support to infected patients. Such scam emails may be titled “URGENT: Coronavirus Spreads – Can we count on your support today?”

How Do These Scams Operate?

There are two main types of scams being launched by cybercriminals: Email scams and website scams.

Email Scams: The scammers send out emails that may offer more information about the coronavirus infection or provide a link to donate for supporting the affected patients. In either case, the email includes a disguised link for further information. The link usually starts with ‘HXXP’ instead of ‘HTTP/ HTTPS’. Once the victim clicks on the link, it opens a form or application page. This form is programmed with malicious code to steal personal information and credit card details.
Website Scams: A simple example of a website based scam was recently discovered. The website purported to provide an updated number of coronavirus cases on a global map. However, it was embedded with an info-stealer. The code had a hidden file with the name ‘corona.exe’. Further research indicated that this malware is a variant of the malware AzoreUlt.

Irrespective of the mode of infection (email or website), the malware is focused on stealing personal information or gaining remote access to the victim’s computer system.

How To Secure Yourself Against Coronavirus Scams?

If you receive an email, check the sender’s email domain and other URLs included in the email to see if they match the name of the organization that the sender claims to be associated with. You should not be clicking on the URLs without verifying the geniunity.
Be wary of login pages with unfamiliar URLs.
Instead of clicking any hyperlinks provided in the email, copy and paste the URLs into your browser.
If any email or website creates a pressure on you to act immediately, refrain from it.

For more information on Online Scams and how to stay alert, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.