Michael Johnson

Password-Stealing Malware

The acquisition of user IDs has become much easier for cybercriminals in the globalization era. A variety of methods can be used to steal passwords, including spyware, keyloggers, and phishing attacks. This can lead to the total loss of essential data held in company or private databases. Most of the methods used by these cyber criminals involve the use of malware that has been designed to steal user credentials. Based on the objectives of a particular cybercriminal, a variety of malware methods are applied to fulfill those goals.

A significant proportion of methods used to steal user credentials consider the use of malware. Additionally, phishing attacks use malicious attacks through communication channels such as emails where malware-loaded websites are disguised as genuine ones to trap unsuspecting users. Other types of attacks include spyware and keylogging which, for a variety of incidences, has been observed to continually grow in both complexity and frequency of attacks.

Signs of a Malware Infected PC

One of the diagnosis methods of identifying whether a computer is infected with a virus is through the observation of random pop-ups and significantly increased booting time. Instances like these are associated with spyware configured to steal essential data from users without them noticing.

The objective of using spyware on user PCs is to ensure that information stored in browsers and other sensitive areas is well camouflaged. This includes communication channels such as email. Cyber crooks will attempt to acquire your passwords without you noticing that anything is wrong. Though this seems like a flawed technique that wouldn’t work all the time, the truth is that it works exceptionally well. For instance, 158 million social security numbers were stolen in 2017. That doesn’t include all the other types of records and data stolen from individuals and companies.

Malware Injection Technique

For reliable security dodging methods, process injection is a method of integrating malware and lifeless adversary strategy in trade-crafting accounting for the integration of custom codes within the address bars of other processes. The variety of injection techniques includes the following methods.

Portable Executable Injection

Shellcodes and Create Remote Threads are among strategies used in malware injection where malicious codes are copied into accessible active processes commanding them to execute as the originals. Through this strategy of attack, the malware does not require writing malicious code on a disk. Instead, it does so by calling Write Process Memory on the host procedure. The impact of this procedure is that the injected code copies its PE to another process with an unidentifiable base address commanding it to re-compute the original addresses of its PE.

Process Hollowing

Process hollowing is a technique that malware applies to take into account the mapping or hollowing out of the primary code from within the memory of the target’s procedure while overwriting the memory target process with an executable malicious code. The function of the malware is to create a new process designed to host the malicious code presenting it in a hanging form awaiting for the Resume Thread Function to be called in order to execute.

This process leads to the switching of the original file contents with the malicious payload. Processes used for mapping the memory include two API examples, the ZwUnmap and the NtUnmap Views of Section. In order to succeed in assigning new memory for the malware, this procedure takes advantage of the malware’s unmapping of the memory and proceeds to execute the loader, VirtualAllocEx that facilitates the application of the malware to the Write Process Memory on the identified vulnerable target.

Classic DLL Injection Through Create Remote Thread And Load Library

This technique is among the most popular method used in malware injection into other processes. By commanding the implicit address space to process the malware code using the dynamic-bond library, the approach facilitates the creation of Remote Threads in the target process through process loading.

The primary objective of the malware is to target a process for injection. This procedure is generally performed through a search of the processes to call a trio of APIs that include CreateToolHelp32Snapshot, Process32 1st, and 2nd. The specific functions of each of these APIs include the cataloging of heaps and returning a snapshot, retrieval of the first process, and the iteration through the previous two processes respectively. After successfully allocating the target process, the malware is able to execute through Open Process calling.

Conclusion

This article reported on a number of techniques used by malware attackers in concealing unauthenticated activities in other processes. Two procedures are observed to facilitate the functionality of malware and include open injection of a shellcode on another processor or the command of other processes to load malicious libraries on behalf of the malware. Cyber thieves are constantly updating their attack procedures to stay one step ahead of IT professionals. That makes locating and eliminating malware threats a full-time job.

Are You Prepared for Windows 2008 Server End of Life?

Windows Server 2008 has been a sensation and many people have had a positive experience utilizing it, but what does its end of life mean?

There’s a lot to it. First, Windows Server 2008 end of life infers that the manufacturer, Microsoft, will no longer update this product unless a warranty compels them to do so.

However, Microsoft mainstream support will still be under obligation to provide bug fixes and vital improvements through extended support. This implies that you can still enjoy using Windows Server 2008 as long as you don’t need any further updates currently offered by the mainstream support.

How much time do you have to change out your equipment?

You need to change over from the Windows 2008 Server to a supported server by January 14, 2020. To keep your data safe, experts recommend making the switch six months earlier than the set date. That’s how much time users have till Microsoft stops offering bug fixes and security updates through the extended security support.

Will 2020 be the real “End” of Windows Server 2008?

An end to bug fixes and those all-important security updates may be the ultimate deal breaker for users. Data managers will tell you that not having these fixes makes your data vulnerable to access by unauthorized parties and nobody wants to take chances with sensitive data.

After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer offer security updates and bug fixes for this server and that will create loopholes in data security which prying hackers would be interested in exploiting. These security breaches can be avoided by installing a newer generation server with supported security updates. So, yes, 2020 will be the real end of life for Windows Server 2008, especially for data management centers.

What you need to do before Windows Server 2008 End of Life

The most logical action would be to update all equipment. There are many Microsoft products available on the market with more convenience, efficiency, and better virtualization attributes than Windows Server 2008. Do some research to ensure that you get a proper replacement that will address all the functions needed for your organization.

These servers come at a high cost (especially for large data centers) and installing them can be challenging, so the sooner you start the better. Upgrading a server system will definitely take some planning and precious time. Ample time should be devoted to installing the system. Unexpected delays are common; things don’t always go as planned with today’s sophisticated hardware and software. Don’t take chances with such important technology. With six months leeway, you can ensure that your new server is fully functional and your data is safe before the end of the Windows Server 2008.

Is it the end of life for all Windows Server 2008 versions?

No, it’s not. There are 16 Windows Server 2008 versions and this is not the end of life for all sixteen. However, mainstream security support for all Windows Server 2008 products ended on January, 13th 2015. But newer products like the Windows Server 2012 still have many years ahead.

More recent products like the Windows Server 2016/R2 offer users immense improvements in performance and may make it worth your time and money to switch.

Will I still be able to use Windows Server 2008 after End of Life?

While Microsoft will terminate the extended support service after the end of life, these servers will still run smoothly. The obvious drawback is that your data will be vulnerable and you will be missing out on many newer virtualization features. Even if it wasn’t the End of Life for these servers, newer features alone would warrant a server upgrade.

It’s not the End of Life for mainstream support

There are many data centers that will find themselves in a situation where they need help with a few issues after Windows Server 2008 End of Life. If you find yourself in this situation, Microsoft’s mainstream support may come in handy.

Get ready for the move

To plan for an infrastructure upgrade, rewrite and migrate all applications based on SQL Server 2008 to a safe storage place. The new server may need extensive troubleshooting, which can affect your timeline and efforts. SQL databases can be hosted on the Windows Server 2008 hardware as you install the new system.

During the transition, put a data protection infrastructure in place that will eliminate the risks of data vulnerability during a server upgrade. This will protect the data from the fragility of the old server and risks associated with the new system. While this may be costly, the fines associated with a data breach are often far more expensive.

To undergo this transition smoothly, work closely with organizations tasked with planning for Windows Server 2008 End of Life. These IT professionals can offer a great deal of assistance. They know what types of issues to look for and how to make the switch successful.

Exactis Data Leak Reveals the Dangers of Less Efficient Security Measures around People’s Data

The new data leak at Exactis, a marketing and data-aggregation firm based in Florida, presents a great many opportunities for cybercriminals to launch any number of attacks on unsuspecting victims over the next several months.

Exactis, which collects loads of personal data on nearly every U.S. adult, recently leaked detailed information on both people and businesses in the country, according to an exposé by a security researcher.

The exact number of people that this breach has affected remains unknown, but reports indicate that about 340 million records were involved in the leak on the company’s publicly available server.

The Florida-based data aggregation company claims to be in possession of data on a whopping 218 million U.S. adults, including some 110 million households. It further has some 3.5 billion records (digital, consumer, and business records).

Exactis data leak a lesser threat?

Many potential victims may take comfort in the fact that Exactis does not collect people’s payment information such as credit or debit card data, nor their Social Security Numbers. The marketing firm is largely interested in personal information – including names, addresses, and other very basic and specific details about people’s private lives such as hobbies, religion, and individual preferences.

Additionally, unlike the Equifax data breach that involved massive loss of people’s payment information into the hands of cybercriminals, no evidence has come to light yet indicating that the leaked data on the Exactis server actually fell in the hands of anyone with malicious intent.

According to the individual who discovered the breach, Exactis has since taken protective measures to secure the data.

However, this is not a guarantee that there’s no need for alarm. There is no way to tell just how long the individuals who infiltrated the server might have stayed there undetected. Neither does anyone know the details of their exact intent nor the kind of information they might be interested in.

What is now public knowledge, however, is that the exposed information also included home addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers – which can be a time bomb in the hands of a bad actor.

What was the mistake that led to the Exactis server leak?

The data leak at Exactis was possible because the company left the information up on a public server without any protection around it. This way of storing information in the company left the massive collection exposed for anyone who cared to access and use it. There’s no denying how tempting something like this would be for a data thief, as the database had information about “pretty much every U.S. citizen in it.”

While Vinny Troia, the security expert who exposed this leak admits to not knowing where Exactis obtains all their data, he confirms that the database is truly one of the most comprehensive information resources available of its kind.

Should this data security breach and the numbers associated with it be anything to go by, it would be one of the most detrimental to hit the U.S. in a while. This data leak would beat 2017’s Equifax breach hands down. The Equifax breach has held the record as being one of the most devastating security data breaches to date. It affected the highest number of consumers – up to an estimated total of 145.5 million individuals.

What potential risks are victims of this breach are facing?

The damage is done, so what are the repercussions? What does this mean to the individuals and businesses whose details have been breached? What possible solutions do they have at their disposal?

Spam emails

Persons whose personal details are now out there can expect to receive streams of annoying spam emails in their inboxes.

If spammers got hold of someone’s personal information from the Exactis data leak, this would mean a fresh new list of email addresses to send unsolicited offers to. This class of cybercriminals makes money off signals such as website pop-up ad impressions or email response rates. Clicking on their unsolicited emails would be generating money for them without intending to.

Phishing attacks

A direr possibility, the data might fall into the hands of identity thieves. These criminals could use the email addresses obtained from the leaked collection to create any number of phishing schemes.

The consumers who have lost their personal information, therefore, run the risk of being targeted by phishing attack emails, which involve criminals impersonating legitimate senders attempting to trick them (unsuspecting recipients) into clicking malicious links in these emails. Clicking such malicious links would trigger the download of malware onto these victims’ computers.

Attackers may also trick these victims whose emails they (attackers) have gathered, into giving out some confidential and more valuable information such as usernames and passwords, credit card data, and even Social Security numbers.

Wrap up

Knowing what to expect is the first step in preparing for the consequences of this breach. At the end of the day, you must protect yourself. It is utterly important that you do not open any email that originates from an untrusted source. Better still, consider using a suitable email authentication service to protect you from interacting with malicious emails. Watch for phishing schemes—expect them to come to your inbox and be prepared. Don’t be fooled by emails that seem a bit too urgent. Cybercriminals always use fear to get you to click on their bad links.

Should a Business Place the CFO in Charge of IT?

The work of a Chief Financial Officer in a business organization is to manage the finances, record keeping, manage financial risks, prepare financial reports, and give general financial advice. Information and Technology, on the other hand, is the department that is in charge of designing, operating, and maintaining the IT infrastructure of the organization. So where do these two critical departments intertwine in the management of the affairs of a business organization?

Why is it important to separate the two departments?

This question can only be addressed properly by having a quick overview of the functions of the IT department in an organization.

Functions of the IT Department

Some businesses have their IT department run by the CFO because they think that the IT department is more or less a wing of the finance department. This thinking may be derived from years past where companies didn’t have a large IT department and no one really understood the work that IT experts were doing.

That was way before technology took a leap to this current era where IT departments are responsible for services such as storing data, online platforms, website management, social media, and all related functions. This scenario clearly shows that the functions of IT have evolved into a massive effort to keep the company website running smoothly and protect customer and company assets. Since the website is the face of most companies now, this is a crucial aspect of doing business in a global economy.

Connection with the Outside World

Truth be told, most of what we learn and know about a given business organization is the information that can be viewed at websites and other online platforms. The profile of almost all companies is found on their web page. There you will learn things about when it was incorporated and who is in charge of various departments. The addresses of the head office and branches, if any, are there on the website, along with achievements, awards, upcoming events, press releases, and so much more.

Links are there to all social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. These assets form an organization’s direct link with their customers. For instance, if a business is portrayed in a bad light by the media, they use their social media platforms to clarify issues so that they can restore the confidence of the different stakeholders and prospective customers. When introducing new products into the market, businesses opt to use social media to launch them. These are all vital tasks that take place every day for most companies.

Storage of Company Data

Long gone are the days when data was stored in large physical files using paper copies of documents. This method came with many disadvantages. Government buildings would frequently run out of storage space. The sheer amount of paper and ink used was massive. Retrieving documents was tricky at best. If someone misfiled an important document, the staff might have to search for days to locate it. Those days are gone with online data storage. Now a company can store enormous amounts of information and retrieve the records almost instantly.

Privacy and Security

With all the good things associated with a modern IT department, certainly, there are a few challenges here and there. Now that all our data is stored online or in the Cloud, it’s available to cyber thieves. Most of them have special hacking skills that can break through the best defenses.

Security breaches can totally cripple a business and bring it to its knees. Information that healthcare organizations store is very sensitive. It can be devastating for any company to undergo a security breach, but healthcare is especially vulnerable.

The IT Department is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that security breaches don’t happen at all and if they do occur, they are detected as soon as possible. The IT department must be vigilant in protecting a company’s data. It’s a full-time job.

Updates

Technology keeps on evolving to better serve us and this is where the IT department comes in. They consistently stay aware of security threats. They install system upgrades and train the staff on how the new upgrades are applied. They must make sure the company website works properly and all service issues are dealt with right away. If customers can’t shop or perform tasks on your website, then they’ll just go someplace else.

Should the CFO do IT work?

Given the above overview of the functions of an IT department, it is clear that the Chief Financial Officer cannot adequately deliver or even oversee most IT work. The main and only function of a CFO should be overseeing company finances. Of course, they must be consulted if the IT department needs newer equipment, hardware, or software. These expenses can be hard to budget for but they’re very crucial to maintain a thriving online presence.

Wrap Up

The financial transactions of most business organizations nowadays rest with the CFO and his department while the IT department handles servers, computers, internet security and the company’s online presence. Only IT experts are equipped to manage these tasks efficiently. The CFO should be there to facilitate financial assistance and receive reports, but not be involved directly in the IT work. Organizations should ensure that these two departments have their roles distinctly separate and well laid out.