An attack on the supply chain has infiltrated the update system for SolarWinds Orion software in order to distribute a backdoor Trojan program known as Sunburst remote access malware. This attack has affected thousands of businesses throughout the world.
Sunburst remote access malware Explained
A series of major cyberattacks were carried out, and it appears that state-sponsored cybercrime organizations were responsible for their execution; the attacks were directed against government and technology enterprises worldwide.
It is now believed that Russian hackers were responsible for initiating this series of attacks. These hackers were able to successfully implant a backdoor into SolarWinds software updates.
Over 18,000 businesses and government organizations upgraded the networking software that was provided by SolarWinds. During the process, customers downloaded what appeared to be a routine software update on their computers; however, the file they downloaded really contained a harmful Trojan Horse.
The attackers exploited a standard procedure in information technology known as software upgrades in order to gain access to the backdoor and compromise the cloud-based as well as on-premises assets of the firm. This gave them the ability to spy on the 18,000 organizations and access the data that those organizations had.
Another real case of malware attack
Malware known as CovidLock, the year 2020
The fear caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been used to great effect by cyber criminals. One such example is the ransomware known as CovidLock. A victim is infected with this sort of ransomware when they open a malicious file that claims to provide additional information on a sickness.
The issue is that once CovidLock is installed, it encrypts data stored on Android devices and prevents victims from accessing their data. A ransom of one hundred United States Dollars (USD) per device is required before access can be allowed.
How to Prevent Malware Attacks
Yet, how serious are malware intrusions really? Big. Data breaches, noncompliance, and other problems are just some of the outcomes of cyber attacks, which they are regularly used to facilitate.
Every company that deals with digital information or conducts business online needs to know how to protect itself from malware attacks.
Utilize Network and Endpoint Security Software
Utilizing appropriate software is the first step on our list of ways to protect yourself from malware attacks. Your company’s IT professionals should investigate any and all potential entry points that a malicious actor could use to launch malware assaults on the devices and network of your company.
The solution to preventing many of the security issues that are caused by malware is to make use of a combination of solutions that provide protection for endpoints and networks.
Install an anti-virus or anti-malware program
Malware has been around for a long time, but antivirus and anti-malware software can help you find and protect your endpoint devices or larger network from new and old threats.
When considering the fact that Kaspersky found an average of 360,000 new malicious files every single day in 2020, it is not difficult to understand why such technologies are required.
Make Use Of A Firewall for Sunburst remote access malware
A firewall is an additional layer of security that provides you with increased protection for all of the devices and the network that you use.
A firewall functions as a barrier between your IT infrastructure and the internet, preventing a wide variety of dangerous actions and attacks, including malware and other forms of cybercrime. They are available in both software and hardware forms, however, the majority of businesses utilize both.
This is a good technique to prevent malware assaults, so if you’re wondering how to prevent them, this is a nice way to accomplish it. Any attempt to gain unauthorized access to your network will be uncovered, and the traffic will be blocked if the firewall determines that it is malicious.
The user of a firewall can also configure what kinds of traffic are allowed and what kinds of traffic are denied using the firewall. That gives the user the ability to choose which IP addresses and ports should be restricted or allowed. A firewall can protect your network and devices from malware attacks, and while it is not completely successful, it can make a significant impact in this regard.
Use secure authentication and strong passwords
It is imperative that you construct your passwords using the recommended procedures. The ideal length for a password is greater than eight characters, and it should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Your password ought to be wholly original and changed on a consistent basis. They must not be recorded in any location that can be accessed by third parties.
Because keeping track of all this information can be a real pain, you might want to think about utilizing a password manager to save all of your credentials in one place. Use multi-factor authentication to offer another layer of protection so that privilege escalation can be protected during the earliest phases of a virus attack. This is important since even the most secure password can be stolen.
Do not open emails from suspicious sources
Phishing is a common form of cyber attack that is utilized frequently by online criminals. These tactics use social engineering strategies to coerce or fool victims into turning over sensitive data or putting malware onto their devices. These strategies are also known as “psychological warfare.”
Users should never engage with strange emails in any way, including opening attachments or clicking links.
Additional ways to prevent Malware Attacks
- Only files, software, and tools originating from official sources should be downloaded.
- Establish Identity Management Systems and Establish Access Controls
- Regularly update your information technology systems, plugins, and software.
- Protecting sensitive messages via email requires the utilization of email security tools such as S/MIME certificates.
Final Words – Sunburst remote access malware
A cybercriminal can launch an attack at any moment, from any location, using any method. To infiltrate your systems and networks, they will employ a wide variety of malware and infection methods.
In order to protect your computers from malware including Sunburst remote access malware, you should take the measures described above.
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