CISO Blog

Interlock: The New Kid on the Block (and It’s a Bad One)

Interlock, the newest kid on the ransomware block, is causing quite a stir. This sneaky little malware is targeting critical infrastructure, specifically FreeBSD servers. It’s like they’re going after the low-hanging fruit, but with a twist.

How does Interlock work its magic?

Virtual Machine Hijacking: Interlock targets VMware ESXi hypervisors, taking over virtual machines and encrypting their data. It’s like a digital heist, but instead of robbing a bank, they’re robbing your virtual servers.
Data Extortion: Not only do they encrypt your data, but they also steal it. It’s like a double whammy: pay the ransom or risk having your sensitive data leaked online.
So, how can you protect yourself from this nasty piece of malware?

Patch your systems: Keep your software and firmware up-to-date.
Implement strong access controls: Use multi-factor authentication and restrict access to critical systems.
Back up your data: Regularly back up your data and store it offline.
Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions: These tools can help detect and respond to attacks.
Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing battle. Don’t let your guard down. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe.

Published

4 months ago

November 5, 2024

Ian Keller

Interlock, the newest kid on the ransomware block, is causing quite a stir. This sneaky little malware is targeting critical infrastructure, specifically FreeBSD servers. It's like they're going after the low-hanging fruit, but with a twist.

How does Interlock work its magic?

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing battle. Don't let your guard down. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe.

Virtual Machine Hijacking: Interlock targets VMware ESXi hypervisors, taking over virtual machines and encrypting their data. It's like a digital heist, but instead of robbing a bank, they're robbing your virtual servers.
Data Extortion: Not only do they encrypt your data, but they also steal it. It's like a double whammy: pay the ransom or risk having your sensitive data leaked online.

So, how can you protect yourself from this nasty piece of malware?

Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions: These tools can help detect and respond to attacks.
Patch your systems: Keep your software and firmware up-to-date.
Implement strong access controls: Use multi-factor authentication and restrict access to critical systems.
Back up your data: Regularly back up your data and store it offline.

Interlock Ransomware - Detailed report

Interlock is a relatively new ransomware operation first detected in late September 202412. The group behind Interlock has targeted organisations worldwide, with a particular focus on the healthcare sector.

Targeting and Attack Vectors

Interlock employs an unusual approach compared to other ransomware operations by specifically targeting FreeBSD servers, an operating system commonly used in critical infrastructure. This suggests that Interlock operators are seeking to disrupt vital services and potentially demand higher ransoms due to the impact of their attacks.

Key attack vectors include:

Exploiting vulnerabilities within virtual environments.
Compromising VMware's ESXi hypervisors, which allows the attackers to gain control of virtual machines (VMs) without affecting physical servers and workstations.
Encrypting virtual disk files (VMDKs) and changing root passwords on ESXi hosts, making data recovery extremely difficult.

Ransomware Execution and Impact

Interlock has developed both Windows and FreeBSD encryptors69. The Windows version clears Windows event logs and can delete itself using a DLL10.

During an attack, Interlock performs the following actions:

Data exfiltration: Breaches the corporate network and steals data from servers before deploying the ransomware.
Lateral movement: Spreads to other devices on the network.
Encryption: Deploys the ransomware to encrypt all files on the network, appending the .interlock extension to encrypted filenames.
Ransom note: Creates a ransom note named !!.txt in each folder, containing instructions for contacting the attackers and making payment.
Double extortion: Uses stolen data as leverage, threatening to publicly leak it on their data leak site if the ransom is not paid.

Ransom demands range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the victim organisation's size.

Command and Control

Interlock establishes command and control (C2) through a scheduled task over an anonymized network, using a reverse shell for communication78. This sophisticated approach helps the ransomware evade detection by traditional network monitoring tools.

Malware Analysis and Detection

Foresiet, a digital security firm, has analysed Interlock's processes and identified several components that facilitate its malicious activities:

Processes: Leverages common system processes like rundll32.exe to load malicious DLLs from temporary directories.
Signatures: Displays unusual network requests associated with processes like rundll32.exe, serving as an indicator of compromise (IoC).
Network activity: Communicates with a C2 server over HTTPS (TLS-encrypted), concealing its traffic within legitimate web traffic.
Detecting Interlock requires advanced signature-based methods. Foresiet recommends using YARA rules to identify specific ELF binaries based on their internal structure, string patterns, and file size.

MITRE ATT&CK Techniques

Interlock utilises various techniques mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Some notable examples include:

Resource hijacking: Compromises virtual environments to control and disrupt crucial system resources.
Impair defenses: Deletes local backups and modifies security settings to prevent recovery efforts.
Signed binary proxy execution: Employs rundll32.exe to execute malicious DLLs and maintain persistence.
Obfuscated files or information: Uses encryption and anonymized networks to hide its communications and actions.
Application layer protocol: Communicates with C2 servers over HTTPS, concealing its traffic within legitimate web traffic.

Prevention and Mitigation

Organisations can take the following steps to protect themselves from Interlock ransomware:

Patch management: Regularly update systems, particularly those running virtual environments, to address known vulnerabilities.
Access controls and MFA: Enforce multifactor authentication (MFA) and robust access controls to prevent unauthorised access.
Backup strategy: Ensure regular backups and store them offline to protect against encryption and deletion.
Endpoint detection & response (EDR): Deploy EDR solutions to monitor for suspicious activities like unusual process execution or network traffic.

By implementing a multi-layered security approach, organisations can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to Interlock and other sophisticated ransomware threats.

CISO Blog

Season 2 Episode 5 of The Troublemaker CISO: Black Basta Unmasked – A Chat Log Reveal

Buckle up, folks! The notorious Black Basta ransomware gang just took a major hit as their internal chat logs got spilled online. This isn’t just your average leak—it’s a treasure trove revealing their dark secrets, shady tactics, and the infighting simmering among the ranks. Want to know how they operate, who’s running the show, and how you can fortify your defenses against these digital pirates? Dive into the chaos of Black Basta with us and discover how even the murkiest corners of cybercrime can get shed light on!

Published

2 weeks ago

February 25, 2025

Ian Keller

Hold onto your hats, folks, because in a twist likely to make even the most seasoned hackers cringe, the infamous Black Basta ransomware gang just got hit with a dose of exposure. In February 2025, their internal chat logs spilled onto the internet, lifting the veil on their clandestine operations and potentially outing some key players behind the digital mayhem.

Who is Black Basta?

If you want the full backstory check out our deep dive into Black Basta, available here

Black Basta Ransomware Group: A Deep Dive

Here is the short version: Emerging in April 2022, Black Basta quickly burst onto the scene as a formidable Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) operation. By targeting sectors ranging from healthcare to entertainment, this gang’s reputation precedes them—over 500 organizations globally can attest to their wrath. Their calling card? The notorious double extortion play: encrypt the system and filch sensitive data, then demand a ransom with the threat of public leaks if unpaid.

Word on the street suggests Black Basta might be the unholy offspring of the now-defunct Conti ransomware and FIN7 threat actor groups. Whether a fusion or a reincarnation, they're built on a foundation of bad intentions and digital crime prowess.

Digging Into Their Methods

With a toolbox full of advanced techniques, Black Basta crafts their attack strategy like a maestro:

- Starting Point: They breach defenses with spear-phishing, insider help, or buying network access. Recently, they even resorted to misusing Microsoft Teams, impersonating IT help desks to trick employees into opening their networks wide open.

- Onward and Upward: Once inside, they move laterally, scooping up credentials with tools like QakBot and Mimikatz. Vulnerabilities like ZeroLogon and PrintNightmare? They exploit those like kids in a candy store.

- Keeping Tabs: Using Cobalt Strike Beacons and SystemBC, they maintain a firm grip on compromised systems.

- The Double Hit: Before encrypting files and appending their signature ".basta" extension, they disable security measures and exfiltrate data with tools such as Rclone and WinSCP, leaving a ransom note as the cherry on top.

The Chat Log Leak Bombshell

Enter the catalyst for chaos: a character named ExploitWhispers unleashed reams of the gang's internal chat messages via the Matrix platform, covering conversations from September 2023 to September 2024. The logs unveil more than just tactical playbooks—they expose friction and deceit within Black Basta’s ranks.

PRODAFT, keen-eyed cyber defenders, suggest this leak might stem from discord following alleged attacks on Russian banks—a tale not too dissimilar from the notorious Conti leaks. Leaked messages hint at some operators double-crossing victims by taking ransom without decryptors. Some top dogs ditched for rival groups while the rest grappled with the realization that Black Basta’s punch was getting weaker.

And guess what? Names emerged in the chats:

- Lapa: An admin.

- Cortes: Linked to QakBot.

- YY: The prime administrator.

- Trump (aka GG and AA): Allegedly Oleg Nefedov, the head honcho.

Security researchers are scrutinizing the logs, eager to piece together the digital puzzle, with Hudson Rock even rolling out an LLM to delve deeper.

Ladies and gents, as we peer through this unexpected window into the underworld, remember: even the darkest recesses of the internet can be dragged into the light. Keep eyes peeled, ears to the ground, and let’s keep giving troublemakers like Black Basta a run for their crypto.

CISO Blog

Season 2 Episode 4 of The Troublemaker CISO: Salt Typhoon – An Unrelenting Storm on Telecoms

In the relentless digital battleground of 2025, Salt Typhoon is churning up a storm that telecoms can’t ignore. This state-sponsored cyber squad is at it again, infiltrating networks and dodging detection with their infamous espionage tactics. Targeting telecom giants worldwide, they’re exploiting vulnerabilities faster than you can say “patch it!” How do we defend against this relentless assault? By building robust, multi-layered defenses and staying one step ahead. Ready to weather the storm, troubleshooters? Dive in to uncover the strategies that can fortify our digital fortress against Salt Typhoon’s unyielding deluge.

Published

3 weeks ago

February 18, 2025

The Troublemaker CISO

Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up, because Salt Typhoon is back at it, causing a ruckus in our digital playgrounds. This Chinese state-sponsored APT group is no stranger to controversy, and February 2025 has them splashed across headlines once more. Their playground? Telecommunications and critical infrastructure. Their game? Cyber espionage for world domination, or at least to gather intelligence and strategic advantage.

How It All Began

Salt Typhoon blustered onto the scene around 2020, quickly turning into a high-priority headache for cybersecurity pros everywhere. They cut their teeth by:

Nabbing holes in public-facing servers like Microsoft Exchange to break in.
Spying on hotels, governments, and law firms, trying to catch influential figures off guard.
Crafting sneaky backdoors like SparrowDoor and Demodex to stick around on breached systems.
Dodging detection with top-notch anti-forensic shenanigans.

Over the years, their style evolved, adding "living off the land" tactics and honing in on juicier targets.

Read the full Threat report on Salt Typhoon

The 2025 Storm Surge

Fast forward to the chaos of 2025, and Salt Typhoon is back under the spotlight:

Busting into U.S. telecom bones through unpatched Cisco IOS XE devices. Ouch!
Attacking over 1,000 Cisco network gadgets worldwide, hitting the U.S., South America, and India hard.
Compromising telecom giants like a U.S. ISP, U.K. affiliate networks, a South African provider, an Italian ISP, and a major player in Thailand.
Deploying GhostSpider malware to weave their web.
Exploiting well-trodden vulnerabilities in Cisco gear—CVE-2023-20198 and CVE-2023-20273—to snag admin access.
Probing universities for their sweet research in telecom, engineering, and tech.

Their focus? Espionage, persistence, and staying ahead of geopolitical showdowns by intercepting data flows whenever it suits them.

The Fallout

Salt Typhoon's actions ripple far beyond just cybersecurity headaches:

National security risks: Breaching surveillance systems jeopardizes law enforcement and national operations.
Data privacy violations: Personal and sensitive info is laid bare, compromising organizations and individuals.
Threats to critical infrastructure: Telecommunication disruptions can snowball, impacting countless sectors.

Batten Down the Hatches

What’s a savvy guardian of cyberspace to do? Here’s how to withstand the storm:

Roll out robust security frameworks like zero-trust architectures and keep vigilant with continuous monitoring.
Patch those vulnerabilities, stat! Quickly seal any discovered holes to keep your defenses tight.
Boost network visibility and keep an eagle eye on unusual behavior.
Fortify infrastructure with segmentation, access controls, and souped-up VPN gateways.
Share the wisdom: Stay in the know about Salt Typhoon’s latest tricky tactics.
Bolster those Cisco devices.

Taking a hands-on, multi-layered approach is the only way to stay ahead of Salt Typhoon and other nefarious state-sponsored groupies. Let's keep the umbrella of preparedness over our heads in the fast-moving digital storm. Stay sharp, troubleshooters—the world depends on it!

CISO Blog

Season 2 Episode 3 of The Troublemaker CISO: Trusting Third-Party Security Promises – The Risks We Forget

Published

3 weeks ago

February 16, 2025

Ian Keller

In today's digital reimagining, where digital is king and cyber threats are the court jesters causing chaos, we've placed a precarious trust in third-party promises to shield us from scammers and ne'er-do-wells. But guess what? These promises too often teeter like a house of cards, leaving us exposed when the wind blows wrong. This tale, sponsored by Bitdefender, unravels the shaky reality we’ve woven with telco strategies for consumer security in 2025.

Telcos worldwide are ramping up spending on consumer security software, set to hit $606 million by 2030. Despite healthy growth forecasts, what's more important to note is the increase in high-impact, multi-platform scams. Scammers are evolving like they just binged on a tech-advancement series, and it’s up to us to keep pace.

Here's a harsh dose of reality: as much as 70% of telcos' spending goes into endpoint security, yet large-scale destruction like Windstream's 600,000 router obliteration in 2023 sounds the alarm against complacency. With AI enhancing scams, from phishing emails to identity spoofing, the threat is more pervasive and personal than ever.

But let's not put all the security eggs in the telco basket. As consumers, we've got a role to play too. Here’s a guide for you to stay a step ahead of scammers:

Educate Yourself: Knowledge is your first layer of defense. Familiarize yourself with common scam tactics. Don’t blindly trust caller IDs and do learn to recognize phishing attempts.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Trust me, “1234” is not a password, it’s an invitation. Use complex passwords and change them regularly, or better yet, use a password manager.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add another hurdle for bad actors. If one factor is compromised, a second can prevent unauthorized access.
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications: If a bank, telco, or other service provider contacts you out of the blue asking for personal info, be skeptical. Verify the legitimacy of the request through official channels.
Regularly Update Software: Ensure all devices, from your smartphones to your smart fridges, are current. Updates often include patches for newly-discovered vulnerabilities.
Consider Dedicated Security Apps: Use apps like Bitdefender's 'Scam Alert' which provide pop-up notifications of suspicious activity across messaging platforms. These supplements can offer an added layer of scrutiny against scams.
Beware of Fake Identity Red Flags: AI-generated lures are getting more convincing, so question authenticity—even the quick glance at a familiar email domain isn’t enough. Always double-check for discrepancies.

While telcos and tech companies like Bitdefender work tirelessly to innovate defense frameworks, it's crucial we arm ourselves with awareness and active participation. Remember, in this interconnected landscape, your vigilance is as potent a defense as any firewall. Scammers never clock out—and neither should your focus on personal security.

So, folks, let’s keep our shields up and minds sharper. In this game of digital survival, staying one step ahead is not just an advantage—it’s essential. Prepare yourselves, maintain skepticism, and keep those cybersecurity layers thick and many. Stay safe out there, troubleshooters—the world needs your digital resilience.