The Rise of Two-Step Phishing Attacks
Two-step phishing attacks have been a persistent threat to organizations and individuals alike. These attacks typically involve a combination of two tactics: phishing and social engineering. The first step involves tricking the victim into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data. The second step involves using the obtained information to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s account or system. Key characteristics of two-step phishing attacks: + Use of phishing emails or messages to trick victims into revealing sensitive information + Use of social engineering tactics to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information + Often involve a second step, where the attacker uses the obtained information to gain unauthorized access
The New Attack Methodology
Researchers from Perception Point have identified a new attack methodology that employs two-step phishing tactics, but with a twist. Instead of using traditional phishing emails or messages, the attackers are using Microsoft Visio files as a new evasion tactic.
The format is widely supported by various software applications, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
The Rise of Visio Exploits
The use of Visio.vsdx format files has become a popular target for threat actors due to their widespread adoption and versatility. Here are some key points about the rise of Visio exploits:
This allows them to bypass the usual security measures that prevent phishing emails from reaching the recipient’s inbox.
The Rise of Two-Step Phishing Attacks
The increasing sophistication of phishing attacks has led to the emergence of two-step phishing attacks. These attacks are more difficult to detect and can be more damaging than traditional phishing emails.
These emails will contain a common phishing component designed to lure the recipient into the trap: a business proposal or a purchase order, accompanied by an urgent request to view and respond to. Of course, when the victim does just that, and click the URL, they get led to the trap itself: an often-compromised Microsoft SharePoint page itself, but whatever one that is hosting a .vsdx Viso file. The layers of the cyber attack start unraveling at this point, with another URL embedded in that file and behind what the researchers described as a clickable call-to-action, most commonly a “view document” button.
Sophisticated cyber attacks use embedded URLs to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
“This is a common technique used by attackers to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.”
The Rise of Sophisticated Cyber Attacks
Cyber attacks have become increasingly sophisticated over the years, with attackers using various techniques to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Compromising user accounts through session cookies is a significant threat that can be exploited by attackers.
This would require the attacker to have access to both the username and password, which would be difficult to obtain without the session cookie.
Session Cookie Compromise Tactics
Understanding the Threat
Session cookies are small pieces of data stored on a user’s device by a web browser. They are used to track user interactions with a website, allowing the website to remember the user’s preferences and login information. However, session cookies can also be used to compromise user accounts if not properly secured.
How Session Cookies Can Be Compromised
There are several ways that session cookies can be compromised, including:
This makes them difficult to detect by security software, as they can be resized and manipulated without changing their appearance.
The Rise of Scalable Vector Graphics in Phishing Attacks
The use of scalable vector graphics in phishing attacks has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
SVG attachments pose a significant security risk due to their vulnerability to manipulation and malicious use.
Is it a legitimate request or a phishing attempt?
Understanding the Threat of SVG Attachments
SVG attachments can be a serious security threat if not handled properly. Here are some key points to consider:
Protecting Yourself from the Risks of International Fraud Awareness Week.
The Importance of International Fraud Awareness Week
International Fraud Awareness Week is a significant event that aims to educate people about the risks and consequences of fraud. It is essential to raise awareness about the various types of fraud that exist, including online scams, identity theft, and financial fraud. By promoting anti-fraud awareness, individuals can protect themselves and their families from falling victim to these crimes.
Types of Fraud to Watch Out For
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud
The Role of Technology in Preventing Fraud
The Impact of International Fraud Awareness Week
Types of Fraud
Fraud can be broadly categorized into several types, including:
Understanding the Impact of Fraud
Fraud can have a significant impact on individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole. Some of the consequences of fraud include:
Cyber and internal fraud are major threats to businesses, disrupting operations and compromising sensitive data.
External fraud involves third-party vendors, contractors, or partners who engage in fraudulent activities.
The Ongoing Threat of Cyber and Internal Fraud
Cyber and internal fraud pose significant threats to businesses, disrupting operations and compromising sensitive data.
The Evolution of Ransomware
Ransomware has undergone significant changes since its inception in the 1980s. Initially, it was a relatively simple form of malware that demanded a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access to encrypted data. However, over time, the threat has evolved to become much more sophisticated and targeted.
Early Days of Ransomware
In the 1980s, ransomware was primarily used as a prank or a form of cyber vandalism. The first recorded ransomware attack occurred in 1989, when a computer virus called the “AIDS Trojan” was spread through floppy disks. The virus demanded a ransom payment in exchange for restoring access to the infected computer. The early days of ransomware were marked by a lack of sophistication and a focus on causing chaos rather than generating revenue.
The Rise of Ransomware as a Profitable Threat
In the 2000s, ransomware began to gain popularity as a profitable threat. Attackers started to use more sophisticated techniques to spread malware and demand ransom payments. This led to the emergence of new types of ransomware, such as the “CryptoLocker” ransomware, which used encryption to lock files and demand a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The CryptoLocker ransomware was particularly effective, as it used a combination of social engineering and encryption to trick victims into paying the ransom.
Modern Ransomware Attacks
Today, ransomware attacks are a major concern for individuals and organizations alike. Modern ransomware attacks are often highly targeted and use advanced techniques to evade detection.
