Kaspersky researchers have recently
found out a new type of ransomware attack that thrives on popularity.
The new security risk targets the back-up data stored on Network
Attached Storage.
The newly-found threat is called
“encryption ransomware,” a malware that applies advanced
encryption methods so files cannot be decrypted without a unique key.
This leaves the infected device owner stuck with a locked device and
a demand to pay a ransom in order to regain access to files. They
differ from the usual-exploit kits and emails because NAS devices
use a different vector. Ransomware operators scan ranges of IP
addresses looking for NAS devices accessible via the web. Although
only web interfaces protected with authentication are accessible, a
number of devices have integrated software with vulnerabilities in
it. This allows the attackers to install a Trojan using exploits,
which will then encrypt all data on the devices connected to the NAS.
“Previously encryption ransomware
targeting NAS was hardly evident in the wild, and this year alone we
have already detected a number of new ransomware families focused
solely on NAS,” said Fedor Sinitsyn, a security researcher at
Kaspersky. “This trend is unlikely to fade, as this attack vector
proves to be very profitable for the attackers, especially due to the
users being completely unprepared for them as they consider this
technology highly reliable. NAS devices are usually purchased as
complete and secure products, which as it turns out is not the case.
Consumers and especially business users need to therefore remain
cautious when protecting their data.”
The past third quarter of 2019 saw
Kaspersky product able to detect and repel encryption ransomware
attacks on 229,643 Kaspersky products users – 11% less than during
the same period last year. Despite the slight decrease in the total
number of affected users, the report shows that the number of new
encryption ransomware modifications grew from 5,195 in Q3 2018 to
13,138 in Q3 2019 marking 153% growth. This development signals
cybercriminal interest in this type of malware as a means of
enrichment.
In the Philippines, Kaspersky recorded
0.92% of users infected with ransomware as of Q3 of 2019 compared to
0.91% in the same period last year. Incidentally, the country ranks
73rd globally in Kaspersky’s ranking of countries with the most
ransomware detections as of Q3 of 2019. The Philippines ranked 85th
in the same period in 2018.
At the same time, the infamous WannaCry
Trojan family retained first place among the most popular Trojans
with over a fifth of attacked users having been targeted with malware
identified as belonging to this group. The top three most popular
verdicts that account for almost half of users attacked by cryptos
were Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Wanna (20.96% users attacked),
Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Phny (20.01%) and Trojan-Ransom.Win32.GandCrypt
(8.58%).
Other
findings in the Kaspersky include:
- Kaspersky detected and repelled 989,432,403 malicious attacks from online resources located in around 200 countries and territories around the world (4% growth compared to Q3 2018)
- Attempted malware infections that aim to steal money via online access to bank accounts were registered on 197,559 user computers (35% decline compared to Q3 2018)
- Kaspersky’s antivirus file detected a total of 230,051,054 unique malicious and potentially unwanted objects (4% decrease compared to Q3 2018)
- Kaspersky mobile security products also detected 870,617 malicious installation packages (33% decrease compared to Q3 2018)
To
reduce the risk of infection by encryptors, Kaspersky advises
consumers and businesses to:
- Always update your operating system to eliminate recent vulnerabilities and use a robust security solution with an updated database
- Use a security solution that has specialized technologies to protect your data from ransomware such as Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business and Kaspersky Security Cloud for consumers. Corporate grade endpoint security suites also have patch management and exploit prevention capabilities that would be helpful against these threats
- Always have fresh back-up copies of your files so you can replace them in case they are lost (e.g. due to malware or a broken device) and store them not only on the physical object but also in cloud storage for greater reliability
- Remember that ransomware is a criminal offense. You shouldn’t pay. If you become a victim, report it to your local law enforcement agency. Try to find a decryptor on the internet first – some of them are available for free here: https://noransom.kaspersky.com
- Businesses can enhance their preferred third-party security solution with free Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool
- To strengthen protection of NAS in corporate environments, implement specialized security solutions such as Kaspersky Security for Storage. This will ensure always-on anti-malware scans are carried out with flexible and granular configuration, while integration with NAS via native API means less impact on end-user productivity
Author: slickmaster | © 2019 The SlickMaster's Files
No comments:
Post a Comment
Feel free to make a comment as long as it is within the bounds of the issue, and as long as you do it with decency. Thanks!