Malware Monitor Quarterly Report 2023 Q1

Security Affairs Malware Newsletter - Round 40

A new malware campaign has been detected, targeting organizations in the Middle East and North Africa. The malware, dubbed "Specter", is a highly sophisticated strain that uses a combination of encryption and steganography to evade detection.

According to researchers at Cybersecurity firm, Check Point, Specter is designed to steal sensitive information from targeted organizations, including financial data and intellectual property. The malware is delivered via a phishing email that appears to be from a legitimate source, and once installed, it establishes a connection with its command and control server to receive instructions.

In other malware news, researchers at Kaspersky Lab have discovered a new strain of ransomware, dubbed "Dharma", that is designed to target healthcare organizations. The malware is delivered via a phishing email that contains a malicious attachment, and once installed, it encrypts files on the victim's system and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.

Additionally, a new variant of the popular malware, "Ryuk", has been detected. Ryuk is a highly sophisticated strain that is designed to target organizations in the healthcare and finance sectors. The malware is delivered via a phishing email that appears to be from a legitimate source, and once installed, it establishes a connection with its command and control server to receive instructions.

In a separate development, researchers at Symantec have discovered a new strain of malware, dubbed "TrickBot", that is designed to target organizations in the financial sector. The malware is delivered via a phishing email that appears to be from a legitimate source, and once installed, it establishes a connection with its command and control server to receive instructions.

Overall, the latest malware campaigns highlight the importance of staying vigilant and up-to-date with the latest security threats. It is crucial that organizations take steps to protect themselves from these types of attacks, including implementing robust security protocols and training employees on how to identify and report suspicious emails.

Recommendations:

• Implement robust security protocols, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
• Train employees on how to identify and report suspicious emails.
• Conduct regular security audits and risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
• Implement incident response procedures to quickly respond to malware attacks.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest security threats and best practices.

Sources:

• Check Point: "Specter Malware Campaign Targets Middle East and North Africa"
• Kaspersky Lab: "Dharma Ransomware Targets Healthcare Organizations"
• Symantec: "TrickBot Malware Targets Financial Sector"