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Tag: RAAS

How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionizing Cybersecurity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cognitive Computing (CC) have opened a new era of cybersecurity.The following are a few examples of how AI can be used to improve and enhance cybersecurity: –

  1. Defending against ransomware – With the introduction of RaaS (Ransomware as a Service), criminals no longer need technical competence to launch an attack. AI-based cybersecurity technologies can regulate attack surfaces and identify/mitigate supported forms of cyber attacks in a large company.
  2. Optimizing cybersecurity in S-SDLC with AI enhancement – If your organization develops software, whether it’s desktop software, mobile apps, online apps, or programs that run on IoT (Internet of Things) devices, you should include cybersecurity in your development process. Occasionally, the development agency lacks the resources to do extensive security testing. This is where AI-powered testing services come in useful. These code testing solutions can perform in-depth code analysis as well as advanced penetration testing.
  3. DGA-Generated domains detection using deep learning algorithms – Domain Generation Algorithms (DGAs) are computer programs that produce pseudo-random domain names (for example – sdlkfusdlfl.com). Malware that calls home (attempts to connect to an external network for command and control) uses pseudo-randomly generated domain names to remain anonymous. DGA algorithms can produce hundreds of thousands of domain names. Trying to ban them all is a pointless exercise because one will get through and connect eventually. In this scenario, AI-based deep learning is being utilized to detect rogue domains generated by a DGA. After viewing enough of these pseudo-random domains, the system is trained to detect them.
  4. Detection, prevention, and remediation of non-malware threats – CryptXXX, CTBLocker, and PowerWare. Web browsers, Microsoft Office applications, and operating system utilities such as PowerShell and Windows Management Instrumentation are frequently used in non-malware attacks. The majority of non-malware threats are recognized by observing computer activity after the incident. Working with a cybersecurity analyst to educate AI-based solutions as well as using neural networks and machine learning algorithms to observe typical behavior, will aid in the creation of improved detection methods.
  5. Stealth, adaptive, and evolutionary Honeypots and Honeytokens – Hackers are attracted to honeypots and honeytokens. Computers, passwords, and other fictitious information are set up on a network to start the process of gathering information about the attack and, eventually, the attacker. The advanced versions of adaptive honeypots and honeytokensare empowered with AI based systems that adapts its behavior in response to the assault, tempting the attacker into revealing as much information as possible. The adaptive honeypot responds by initiating protection in the same way as a protected computer would. When confronted with a new problem, the analyst can learn a lot about the attacker’s skill level and tools by seeing how they respond. As a result, an AI solution can learn and recognize the behavior in the future.

Machine learning and AI can definitely be used to keep updated with the attackers’ tactics in today’s constantly evolving cyber-attacks and proliferation era. Automating threat detection and response are now more effective with use of AI based cybersecurity tools.

Centex Technologies provide enterprise cybersecurity and network security solutions. To know more, contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213-4740, Dallas (972) 375-9654, Atlanta (404) 994-5074, and Austin (512) 956-5454.

Understanding The Concept Of Ransomware As A Service

Ransomware is a type of malware that extorts money from the target victim by infecting and taking control of the victim’s systems or secured documents stored in the system. Ransomware attacks either locks the computer from normal use or encrypts the documents using a key available with the attacker only.  ‘Ransomware as a Service’ is a kind of ‘Software as a Service’ provided by tech vendor. RaaS can also be defined as a ransomware infrastructure that is rented to hackers on dark web. It is an easy platform for novice hackers (with zero to low knowledge of coding malware) to access ransomware attacks and implant these ransomwares on victim’s machines for claiming extortion money.

How Does RaaS Function?

Here is a simple map of events to explain the functioning of RaaS model:

  • A deceitful vendor offers a tool containing Ransomware on Dark web
  • The package contains all the software and related files needed for a successful ransomware attack
  • Hackers and malicious actors purchase this tool package
  • They use the tools for attacking a victim’s system or network to get hold of computer files and information
  • Depending upon the type of ransomware, it may either lock or encrypt the files
  • The hackers now demand financial ransom in exchange of returning data access to the victim

Similar to other ‘Software as a Service’ models, RaaS involves user services such as provision of desktop, infrastructure, ERP, customer relationship management or other digital services. The buyers of RaaS have the option to order up the capability of the ransomware for launching a more severe attack.

Some important points to note include:

  • RaaS users take deliberate steps to conceal their identity and take deliberate steps to make their actions hard to track. A common practice is to demand payments in digital currency as it is comparatively difficult to trace.
  • Once the victim makes the ransom payment, it is not guaranteed that the hacker will provide the decryption key to the victim. Also, making the ransom payment does not ensure that the hacker will not leak any files or documents.

What Measures Can Be Taken To Combat RaaS Attacks?

Organizations need to take following measures to secure themselves against RaaS attacks:

  • Employees are the most vulnerable entry point but they may be used as first line of defense, if properly educated. Regularly educate them on the latest ransomware attacks and cyber security practices they should employ.
  • Secure the system and network by continuously auditing for any vulnerability. Also, regularly update the cyber security tools for latest versions.
  • Maintain a backup of all the files at a location from where they can be easily retrieved. This helps the business to keep functioning even if the systems are attacked.

For more information on understanding the concept of ‘Ransomware as a Service’, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

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