Fraud Plagues Every Industry…

Hospitality: The hospitality industry faces a myriad of cyber threats, including fake booking and payment fraud. Scammers exploit vulnerabilities in online reservation systems to swindle unsuspecting travelers. Moreover, the theft of guest data through unsecured hotel networks poses a significant risk to privacy and security.

Healthcare: Cybercriminals target healthcare organizations with ransomware attacks, encrypting vital patient data and demanding hefty sums for its release. These attacks not only disrupt critical services but also jeopardize patient safety. Additionally, medical bill fraud is on the rise, with fraudsters manipulating billing systems to siphon funds undetected.

Education: Educational institutions are prime targets for cyber attacks, with phishing scams targeting students and staff members. Hackers gain access to sensitive information through deceptive emails or compromised networks. The theft of student data on unsecured school networks further compounds the risk, compromising the privacy and confidentiality of individuals.

Retail: Credit card fraud poses a significant threat to retailers, especially in the realm of online transactions. Fraudsters use stolen card information to make unauthorized purchases, resulting in financial losses for businesses and consumers alike. Moreover, the leakage of customer data can tarnish a company’s reputation and erode consumer trust.

Detecting and Preventing Fraud

Detecting and preventing cyber fraud requires a multifaceted approach that combines technological solutions with proactive measures.

• Advanced Analytics: Utilize advanced analytics tools to monitor transactions and detect patterns indicative of fraudulent activity. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data in real time, flagging suspicious transactions for further investigation.

• Behavioral Analysis: Implement behavioral analysis techniques to identify anomalies in user behavior. By establishing baseline patterns for typical user activity, deviations from these norms can be swiftly identified and addressed.

• Fraud Detection Software: Invest in robust fraud detection software that employs artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to identify potential threats. These tools can analyze transaction data, identify patterns of fraudulent behavior, and issue alerts in real-time.

• Transaction Monitoring: Implement comprehensive transaction monitoring protocols to scrutinize all incoming and outgoing transactions for signs of fraudulent activity. Automated systems can flag suspicious transactions based on predefined criteria, allowing for timely intervention.

• Collaboration and Information Sharing: Foster collaboration among industry peers and law enforcement agencies to share information and best practices for combating cyber fraud. By pooling resources and expertise, organizations can enhance their collective ability to detect and prevent fraud.

• Continuous Training and Education: Provide ongoing training and education to employees on cybersecurity best practices. Encourage staff members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly.

• Regular Audits and Assessments: Conduct regular audits and assessments of systems and networks to identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Addressing these vulnerabilities proactively can help mitigate the risk of cyber fraud.

Tips for Ongoing Prevention and Stronger Security

• Educate Employees: Ensure that all employees, from frontline staff to senior management, receive comprehensive training on cybersecurity best practices. Emphasize the importance of vigilance in detecting and reporting suspicious activity, such as phishing attempts or unusual network behavior.

• Implement Strong Password Policies: Enforce the use of strong, complex passwords and regularly update them to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.

• Secure Networks: Invest in robust network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols. Regularly update software and firmware to patch vulnerabilities and protect against emerging threats.

• Use Secure Payment Methods: Encourage customers to use reputable payment gateways and secure channels when conducting online transactions. Implement encryption protocols to protect sensitive financial information from interception by cybercriminals.

• Monitor Accounts and Transactions: Regularly monitor accounts and transactions for any unauthorized or suspicious activity. Implement automated alerts for unusual account behavior or large transactions to enable prompt intervention in case of potential fraud.

• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats and trends by subscribing to industry newsletters, attending conferences, and participating in relevant training programs. Awareness of emerging threats can help organizations adapt their security measures accordingly.

• Backup Data Regularly: Implement a robust data backup strategy to ensure that critical information is protected in the event of a cyber-attack or system failure. Regularly test backups to verify their integrity and reliability.

• Limit Access to Sensitive Data: Implement a least privilege access model to restrict access to sensitive data and systems only to authorized personnel. Regularly review and update access permissions to minimize the risk of insider threats and unauthorized access.

• Establish Incident Response Plans: Develop comprehensive incident response plans outlining the steps to be taken in the event of a cyber-attack or data breach. Conduct regular tabletop exercises to test the effectiveness of these plans and ensure readiness to respond to security incidents.

Don’t Put Your Business (Or Your Clients) At Risk

By following these tips and adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity, businesses can mitigate the risk of cyber fraud, protect user data, and ensure the integrity and security of their digital operations. In an increasingly interconnected world, prioritizing cybersecurity is essential for maintaining trust and confidence among customers and stakeholders.

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While you may not be lounging on a beach chair just yet, taking proactive steps to ensure your cyber safety while planning your vacation can save you from potential headaches down the road. From securing your devices to staying vigilant against online threats, a little preparation can go a long way in safeguarding your digital well-being during your travels. So, as you begin mapping out your summer adventures, keep in mind the importance of staying cyber-safe every step of the way.

Why Do You Have to Worry About Cybersecurity on Vacation?

Vacations are all about kicking back, relaxing, and soaking up some much-needed fun, without having to stress about unexpected cybersecurity threats. Hackers and cybercriminals don’t take vacations, and they’re always on the lookout for unsuspecting travelers to target. From stealing personal information to hijacking accounts, cyber threats can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.

Key Cyber Threats to Watch Out For While Vacationing

Before you pack your bags, it’s essential to understand the potential cyber threats you might encounter while traveling. These can include everything from unsecured Wi-Fi networks and phishing scams to theft or loss of your devices. Being aware of these threats is the first step to staying safe and secure during your vacation.

10 Tips to Stay Cyber Safe While on Vacation:

1. Check Your Device Cybersecurity

Before you embark on your journey, make sure all your devices are up to date with the latest security patches and antivirus software. This simple step can help protect your devices from malware and other cyber threats.

2. Encrypt Your Devices

Encrypting your devices adds an extra layer of security by scrambling your data, making it unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the decryption key. Most smartphones and laptops have built-in encryption features that you can easily enable in the settings.

3. Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure connection between your device and the internet, protecting your data from prying eyes, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. Invest in a reputable VPN service before your trip and use it whenever you connect to the internet.

4. Prepare Your Mobile Device

Set up your smartphone or tablet for secure access before you leave. This includes enabling remote tracking and wiping in case your device is lost or stolen. You can also consider installing security apps that offer additional protection, such as mobile antivirus and anti-theft features.

5. Use Strong Passwords

Ensure that all your accounts, including email, social media, and banking, have strong, unique passwords. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password” and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

6. Protect Web Accounts with 2FA

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Enable 2FA on all your accounts to prevent unauthorized access, especially when logging in from unfamiliar locations.

7. Disable Wi-Fi Automatically Connecting

Turn off the auto-connect feature on your devices to prevent them from connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks without your permission. This can help reduce the risk of falling victim to man-in-the-middle attacks and other Wi-Fi-related threats.

8. Watch Out for Phishing and Other Social Engineering Attacks

Be cautious of unexpected emails, messages, or calls while on vacation, especially if they ask for personal or financial information. Cybercriminals often use phishing and social engineering tactics to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing sensitive data, so stay vigilant and verify the legitimacy of any requests before responding.

9. Turn Off Unnecessarily Exposing Your Location

Avoid oversharing your location on social media platforms or other apps, as this information could be used by cybercriminals to track your movements or target your home while you’re away. Be mindful of what you post online and consider adjusting your privacy settings to limit who can see your location data.

10. Backup Data

Before you leave for your vacation, back up all your important data, including photos, documents, and contacts, to a secure location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service. In the event of loss, theft, or damage to your devices, having backups ensures that you won’t lose valuable information.

By following these simple yet effective tips, you can enjoy a worry-free vacation knowing that you’ve taken proactive steps to stay cyber-safe. So go ahead, relax, and make unforgettable memories – just don’t forget about cybersecurity along the way.

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These attacks are not just financially motivated; they also have profound implications for the affected businesses. Beyond the immediate financial losses incurred through ransom payments, organizations must also contend with reputational damage and operational disruptions that can have far-reaching consequences.

Additionally, it is crucial to highlight the profound impact ransomware attacks can have on individuals, especially those working in vital sectors such as healthcare and critical infrastructure. These attacks pose potentially life-threatening consequences for organizations, underscoring the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.

The Evolution of Ransomware 

Ransomware, once considered a relatively straightforward cyber threat, has evolved into a complex and adaptive menace that poses significant risks to businesses worldwide. Over the years, ransomware operators have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in refining their tactics, making them increasingly difficult for businesses to defend against. 

Initially, ransomware attacks relied heavily on indiscriminate phishing emails and exploit kits to infect victims’ systems. However, as cybersecurity measures improved and awareness of these tactics grew, ransomware operators pivoted towards more sophisticated methods. For instance, they began targeting high-value entities such as hospitals, schools, and government agencies through carefully planned and executed attacks. 

These targeted campaigns often involve extensive reconnaissance and social engineering, allowing attackers to maximize their impact and demand larger ransom payments. Another notable evolution in ransomware tactics is the rise of supply chain attacks and zero-day exploits. 

By targeting trusted third-party vendors or exploiting previously unknown vulnerabilities in popular software, ransomware operators can infect large numbers of victims with relative ease. The Clop group’s supply chain attack, which exploited a zero-day vulnerability in a widely used file-sharing platform, exemplifies this trend. Such attacks not only increase the likelihood of success but also make it more challenging for businesses to defend against ransomware effectively. 

Furthermore, the emergence of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) models has democratized ransomware operations, enabling even non-technical individuals to launch sophisticated attacks. RaaS platforms provide aspiring cybercriminals with ready-made ransomware tools and infrastructure, lowering the barrier to entry and fueling a surge in ransomware attacks worldwide. 

The Escalating Threat Landscape 

One notable example of the evolving tactics employed by ransomware groups is the aforementioned supply chain attack by the Clop group, which exploited a zero-day vulnerability in a popular file-sharing platform. By encrypting servers and exfiltrating sensitive data, the group was able to extort over $100 million in ransom payments, demonstrating the financial impact and sophistication of modern ransomware campaigns. 

This incident underscores the need for businesses to remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts, as cybercriminals continue to find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and evade detection. The statistics are alarming: over 70% of ransom payments in 2023 exceeded $1 million, highlighting the substantial sums at stake for businesses that fall victim to these attacks. 

Moreover, with the number of successful ransomware attacks against U.S. targets reaching record levels in 2023, and the proliferation of new ransomware variants posing unique challenges to cybersecurity professionals, the threat landscape shows no signs of abating. In this environment, businesses must prioritize cybersecurity as a core aspect of their operations, investing in robust defenses, conducting regular employee training, and staying informed about emerging threats and best practices for mitigation. 

The Human Element of Cybercrime 

Behind these attacks are a relatively small but highly skilled cadre of cybercriminals, numbering no more than a few hundred individuals. These individuals form the backbone of ransomware APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats), leveraging their expertise to orchestrate attacks with devastating consequences for businesses and individuals alike. 

Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies to thwart specific ransomware campaigns, cybercriminals continue to adapt and exploit new opportunities within the broader cybercrime ecosystem.

Challenges persist in disrupting these operations, as cybercriminals rapidly respond to changing circumstances. Additionally, the impact of ransomware attacks on institutions like hospitals and critical infrastructure providers can have grave consequences, highlighting the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.

To effectively combat this threat, businesses must prioritize a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity that combines technological defenses with employee training and awareness. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, organizations can better protect themselves against the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime.

Protecting Your Business in an Evolving Threat Landscape 

The data presented paints a stark picture of the escalating threat posed by ransomware to businesses of all sizes. With cybercriminals becoming increasingly sophisticated and relentless in their attacks, no organization is immune from the risk of falling victim to ransomware. 

As business owners, it’s crucial to recognize the urgency of this threat and take proactive steps to safeguard our operations, our data, and our livelihoods. 

By investing in robust cybersecurity defenses, staying informed about emerging threats, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among our employees, we can mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks and ensure the resilience of our businesses in an ever-changing digital landscape.

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How To Set Up Docker

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LARAVEL SECURITY BEST PRACTICES

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1

Getting to Know You

We learn everything there is to know about how your organization works. We want to know how you work, when you work and who you work for.

2

Getting to Know Your Community

The more we know about who you are working for, who you are helping and what their needs are, the more we can start to envision and structure solutions and plans for you.

3

What are Your Constraints?

A successful plan hinges on realistic and consistent estimates for allowable resources.

4

What Do You Already Have?

A thorough audit of your software, hardware, servers, and the state of the devices that are attached to your network or system will ensure you get the most bang for your buck. It establishes how information (sensitive and otherwise) is being shared and protected. Security in nonprofit industries is an area of major concern.

5

What Are Your Options?

Researching affordable technology that has the greatest reach within your organization. Finding the tools and equipment that are scalable and secure. Whether that’s CRMs, donation portals or data storage, there is something out there that fits everyone.

6

Who Will Use This Technology?

Training is important and removes technology barriers that would otherwise create inequality in your organization. Whether it’s volunteers, staff, stakeholders, constituents, everyone requires accessible interaction with your services and technology.

7

How Will This All Fall Into Place?

Depending on your unique needs and the urgency required, a timeline and schedule will be developed to implement all these phases in comfortable roll-out that makes sure nobody is left behind. The lifecycle is designed to move your organization in an upward direction at your own pace and within budget.

8

Are We Ready?

Things are finalized, prepared. Policy and procedure documents have the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed.

9

Off We Go!

We put the plan into action.

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What is your responsibility as a customer
and what is the responsibility of your provider

Cloud computing is the delivery of computer services via the internet. This is an oversimplification, but hopefully it will be made clearer throughout the article.

It used to be that databases, software, storage and networking were all done locally, at the office/building where a business was run. There was often an in-house IT person/s or outsourced Managed IT company that would handle all the complications involved in operating all that hardware on-site. But since the COVID crisis, it has become more cost-efficient to use a third-party service to house and manage all that hardware and for customers to access it remotely.

Investment in cloud computing increased rapidly since the 2020, changing the landscape of digital technology as vendors and employees moved away from offices to work. Cloud computing revenues, said IBM, reached $219 billion in 2020, and analysts expect the industry to further grow to $791 billion by 2028.

There are several types of cloud services, but these are the 4 most basic.

Software as a Service (SaaS) – In all likelihood you already use Saas services. These are application that run directly from a browser. examples Dropbox, Google Drive, ZenDesk

Platform as a Service (PaaS) – In this case, the cloud service provides the customer with the infrastructure but gives developers access so they can build, test and customize apps. example Elastic Beanstalk, Netlify, Heroku

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) – In this case, the company would provide all the physical infrastructure required by the company so that they don’t have to purchase/secure all the physical hardware themselves. This is obviously much more cost effective and since the cloud service is set up to offer this service, it is usually much faster and flexible. This sort of service is typically used by companies that build their own software ex. DigitalOcean, Linode, Rackspace, Amazon Web Services

Private Cloud Service – Your own storage where you control everything.

Depending on what kind of service you are procuring, your responsibility as a customer varies. Hopefully the below table can shed some light on how responsibility is distributed. It is very important to understand where the cloud provider’s duty of care ends and where the customer (yours) begins. The onus is on the customer to understand what data is at risk and how to protect it.

The provider must ensure that their infrastructure is secure and that their clients’ data and applications are protected, while the user must take measures to fortify their application and use strong passwords and authentication measures.

Information and Data

All of your data, images, documents, spreadsheet, databases etc. are the owner’s responsibility. Proper backup of all integral business assets is a must. In this case, before a move to the cloud, it is within the company’s best interest to conduct a security audit. Learn more about data security and if your data is vulnerable.

Devices

Customers must ensure that any devices being used by employees are secure. How they are accessing the network and how quickly they can access it is all integral to running a business smoothly. It is important that these roads are secure. Security protocols on devices, boundaries to access information, ability to remotely wipe and recover devices are all essential in securing your cloud access. In today’s environment, businesses are more device friendly. Find out more about securing your workplace devices.

Accounts and Identities

Having proper internal file architecture and limited access to sensitive areas is also something that must be clearly defined. Each user should have specified roles, access and abilities within. In addition, complex passwords and two factor authentication. If you are usure of how secure your business is, learn more about how to identify security risks.

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Viruses

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a type of computer program that replicates itself by inserting its own code into other computer programs. Computer viruses generally require a host program (unlike a worm, for instance). When the host program is executed, the virus is also executed thus causing infection and damage.

How does a computer virus work?

A computer virus must contain a ‘search routine’ that locates new files that are worthwhile targets. Once located, the virus must contain a routine to copy itself into the program.

A ‘Trigger’, also known as a ‘logic bomb’ is the ‘compiled version’ that can be activated any time within a host file/program that determines when the malicious ‘payload’ should be activated.

The ‘Payload’ refers to the actual data which carries out the malicious purpose of the virus. Virus hoax is non-destructive but distributive.

What are the phases of a computer virus?

Dormant phase – This is when the virus has infected a target computer but is idle until the ‘trigger’ event which instructs the virus to execute. (Not all viruses have this phase)

Propagation phase – The virus starts multiplying and replicating – it can still be ‘dormant’ as this point. It has only begun placing copies of itself into other programs on a target’s computer. At this point a virus can change to evade detection from anti-virus software.

Triggering phase – The virus, having propagated, is now activated and will perform the function it was designed for. The trigger can be caused by a count of the number of times a copy of the virus has been made, or time based among other things.

Execution phase – the payload will be released. It can start its destructive tasks.

Worm

What is a computer worm?

Unlike a virus, a worm does not need a host program to replicate itself and spread. The advantage to this is that a worm is not restricted by a host program and can run independently.

Worms are more infectious than traditional viruses. They can infect local computer, but also servers and clients on a network. They spread easily through emails, web pages and servers.

What are the types of computer worm?

Email worms create outbound messages to all addresses in a target’s contact list. These messages can contain malicious attachments that can cause all sorts of problems (ransomware and further infection) when opened. Phishing is a common deployment technique.

File-sharing worms are disguised as media files. They copy themselves into a shared folder most likely located on a local machine. It will place a copy of itself there with a harmless name and wait to be downloaded by a user on the same network.

Internet worms infect web pages or popular websites with poor security. They are completely autonomous and can infect a machine to scan the internet for other vulnerable machines.

Trojan Horse Virus

What is a Trojan Horse Virus?

You know and love this horse! Just like its namesake, the Trojan Horse virus downloads onto a target’s computer disguised as a legitimate program thereby gaining access to deliver its malicious payload.

How does a Trojan Horse virus work? 

Unlike viruses and worms, a trojan does not self-replicate and requires users to install it. However, that does not mean that an infected computer isn’t dangerous to other computers. The malicious software on the infected computer can be designed to turn that computer into a ‘zombie’, controlled by the hacker and used to have remote control of it. They can then use that computer to share malware across a network of devices (known as a botnet).

Trojans are often concealed in emails or ‘free-to-download’ files. Once installed it will execute the task it was designed to do which is often to gain backdoor access to a network, spy on users’ activity or steal sensitive data. Ransomware attacks are often carried out using a trojan.

Rootkits

What is a Rootkit Virus?

Usually this consists of a collection of software designed to give access to a computer by an unauthorized user. Rootkits are very good at masking their existence within a computer.

How do Rootkits work?

Rootkits can be installed through an automated process or can be installed by an attacker who has access to ‘root’ or administrator level access. Usually an attacker has gained this access exploiting a known vulnerability or password, both of which can be attained through other attacks. With this sort of access, the attacker can modify existing software (like antivirus) to remain undetected.

Removal of rootkits can be complicated to almost impossible and often reinstallation of the operating system is the only solution.

Kernel Mode – these run on the highest operating systems privileges by adding code or replacing portions of the core operating systems, including both kernel and associated device drivers.

Bootkits – A variant of kernel mode these can infect startup code like the master boot record, volume boot record or boot sector and can be used to attack full disk encryption systems.

Firmware and hardware –  These use a device or platform to create a constant malware presence in hardware (routers, network cards, hard drives, or system BIOS). Firmware is not usually inspected for code integrity so it’s a good place for a rootkit to hide. From here rootkits can seize data.

Backdoor Viruses

What is a Backdoor Virus?

Knock-knock.
Who’s there?
A malware that negates normal authentication procedures to access a system!

Backdoors are most often used to secure remote access to a computer or network by a cybercriminal. Backdoors can be delivered via rootkit, trojans, and worms. They can also be used to turn the target’s computer into a zombie or added to a botnet.

Backdoors are especially sinister because once the cybercriminal has gained access to the computer/network, and they’ve installed the backdoor, they will be able to keep accessing that device. So, even if the vulnerabilities are patched, the offending software removed, the backdoor remains untouched on the system.

Recently, given the COVID epidemic, criminals used fake Zoom installers (everyone working from home was installing all the various video conferencing apps) containing malware, one of which installed a backdoor that allowed bad actors to run routines remotely.

There are several type of backdoor intrusion techniques:

How do Backdoor Viruses Work?

Port binding – in a system without a firewall attackers can communicate with a computer port. Once the backdoor is bound to the port, attackers can freely communicate with the computer

Connect-back – With a firewall present, attackers can use a modified backdoor to check for available unprotected ports. They can then connect with a port that gives them remote access to the computer

Connection availability – Attackers can use backdoors to check for available connection and bypass intrusion detection systems.

Standard service protocol – They can use alternate protocols that aren’t typically detected like UDP instead of the more common TCP.

Keylogger Viruses

What is a Keylogger?

Is a type of spyware that tracks keystrokes on your keyboard. They record everything the target types, usually specifically trying to sniff out banking information. Otherwise, PIN codes, passwords, and other sensitive data are also up for grabs.

Many keyloggers have rootkit functionality meaning they hide very well in areas of the targets system where it can avoid detection.

There are many valid uses for keylogging technology. For instance organizations might use keyloggers to troubleshoot technical problems, families and business people might use them to monitor network usages without the users knowledge. Windows 10 has a built-in keylogger to improve typing and writing services.

How do Keyloggers work?

Software Keyloggers: This is a computer program designed to record input from a keyboard.

Hardware Keyloggers: Do not depend on software being installed as they exist on the hardware level. Examples of this are keyboard overlays, acoustic keyloggers, electromagnetic emissions, optical surveillance, physical evidence and more.

Mobile devices are also vulnerable to software keyloggers. These keyloggers are designed to take screengrab of emails, texts, logins.

Adware + Malvertising

What is Adware?

Adware generates online advertisements in the user interface of a particular software or on a screen presented to the user during that software’s installation process. This is a revenue generating process whereby the developer makes money by a) displaying the advertisement and b) a “pay-per-click” basis, if the user clicks on the advertisement.

What is Spyware?

Some of these advertisements also act as Spyware. The ad will collect and report data about the user, to be sold or used for targeted advertising or user profiling.

Some sources rate adware and spyware as nothing more than an irritant, while others indicate that it is as harmful as viruses and trojans.

What is Malvertising?

Malvertising and adware are two terms that are sometimes used interchangeably, though they are substantially different.

Unlike malvertising, which launches an attack via an infected ad, adware is a program that can be used to track a user’s web activity in order to display relevant or personalized ads.

All malvertising is considered malicious in nature, whereas some forms of adware are included in legitimate software packages. While adware often stokes concerns regarding data privacy and security, it does not allow cybercriminals to assume control of the system or alter, exfiltrate or delete data. Malvertising attacks may also execute an exploit kit, which is a form of malware that is designed to scan the system and exploit vulnerabilities or weaknesses within the system.

Though somewhat less common, it is possible to conduct a malvertising attack without having the user interact with the ad. These attacks include:

• A “drive-by download,” which exploits browser vulnerabilities to install infected files on the system while the user is passively viewing the ad.
• A forced redirect of the browser to a malicious site.
• Executing Javascript or Flash to display unwanted advertising or malicious content.

Bots/Botnets

What is a Bot/Botnet?

Malware bots are used to gain control over computers. Typically, malware bots are self-propagating and infect hosts with the intention of connecting to the threat actor’s server and letting them know another computer has been compromised.

When you have many bots serving one malicious purpose they are known as a botnet. A network of bots. Once the attacker has a large botnet at their service they can command the botnet to perform a malicious action such as launch a DoS attack, open back doors, data theft, malware distribution.

How do bot and botnets work?

There are some stages that help illuminate the functioning of a botnet.

Prep and expose – This is when the attacker exploits a vulnerability and exposes the target to malware.

Infect – The target is infected with malware and their device taken over

Activate – The attacker mobilizes infected devices to carry out attacks.

Mobile devices, wearable devices (smartwatches, fitness trackers .etc) and IoT devices (Internet of Things) can also become bots and be included in botnet attacks.

Botnet attacks are generally used to take down a targeted business’ website and then request payment for the attack to stop or simply to damage the business. Cyber activists use this method of attack to make a statement. Microsoft recently experienced a DDos attack against their Azure cloud network with bad actors trying to choke their network capacity.

Ransomware

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a form of malware (malicious software) that threatens to publish, block or delete a victim/s computer files, databases or applications. The threat actor will usually encrypt the victim’s data and demand a ransom fee in order to release the data back to the victim/s.

How does ransomware work?

The malware will encrypt or block the victim’s files using a randomly generated ‘asymmetric keys’. These are often called public-private keys. These encryption keys are uniquely generated for the victim and almost impossible to decrypt without the decryption key – which only the bad guy has. The bad guy only makes the decryption key available when the victim/s have paid up.
Types of Ransomware

Locker Ransomware blocks computer function all together. The target is denied access to anything on their computer but the good thing about locker malware is that it doesn’t target critical files.

Crypto Ransomware encrypts important data (documents, images, videos, databases etc.) Without payment, the attacker refuses to decrypt the files and the target (without adequate backups) faces losing all their data.

Cybersecurity firm Emsisoft estimates that ransomware attacks increased more than 80% in 2020, costing Canadians hundreds of millions of dollars.

Major Canadian companies like CAMH, Western were affected by a ransomware attack on Blackbaud, Molson Coors and TTC most recently have all been targets for ransomware attacks.

Learn more about the 6 phases of a ransomware attack here.

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