News
Global Red Alert over RAT, New Scam from Nigeria
Palo Alto Networks has warned of new risk to businesses from relative malware ‘novices’, following a report that internet scammers from Nigeria have changed their tactics and are now more likely to be targeting businesses with information-stealing malware.
Infosecurity magazine reported that Palo Alto’s new 419 Evolution report reveals that, although experts in social engineering with their infamous advanced-fee fraud scams, the Nigerian cybercriminals are novices when it comes to launching malware campaigns.
The vendor’s newly created Unit 42 threat intelligence arm detailed one such campaign, Silver Spaniel, aimed at its Taiwanese and South Korean customers.
The malware in question, NetWire, is a Remote Administration Tool (RAT) readily available on underground forums.
Typically it’s hidden in an email attachment, with the attackers opting thus far not to exploit any software vulnerabilities but instead relying on social engineering to trick users into installing the RAT.
The attackers apparently configure each RAT to connect to a No-IP dynamic DNS domain and use a VPN to hide their IP address.
Popular crypter tool DataScrambler is also used to help evade detection by many AV tools, the report said.
“Silver Spaniel actors’ objective appears to be stealing passwords and other data they can use to further compromise their victim,” it continued. “Thus far we have not observed any secondary payloads installed or any lateral movement between systems, but cannot rule out this activity.”
It’s clear that their efforts are still a work in progress, given the “tactics, techniques and procedures” used are relatively unsophisticated. For example, several attackers have been spotted by Palo Alto because they exposed their IP address, the report claimed.
It revealed one particular Silver Spaniel attacker, Ojie Victor, who posted incriminating comments online about malware using a Facebook account featuring a profile pic of himself.
One reads: “the crypter works well now but why is it that there is no crypter to crypt zeus botnet?”.
Victor is also linked to the “lovenotwars” handle which researchers believe could have been used to scam dating website users.
“While we have not connected Ojie Victor to specific attacks on Palo Alto Networks customers, his activities represent the characteristics of the Silver Spaniel campaign: individuals who began their criminal careers operating 419 scams and are evolving their craft to use malware tools found on underground forums,” the report noted.
The good news is that Silver Spaniel tools and tactics can be mitigated with a “well-managed network”, according to Palo Alto.
Best practice tips listed include blocking and examining executable files and attachments; decrypting webmail traffic to inspect emails for malicious attachments; educating users; and blocking access to commonly abused dynamic DNS domains.
Despie their relative lack of experience, the Silver Spaniel attackers represent a growing risk to businesses, the report concluded.
“At this time we do not expect Silver Spaniel actors to begin developing new tools or exploits, but they are likely to adopt new tools made by more capable actors,” it warned.
“Specific individuals within this attack group have demonstrated either an extreme lack of understanding of operational security, or simply believe they stand no chance of being caught and prosecuted. It is likely that shining light on this activity will cause these actors to change their tactics and begin tightening their security procedures.”
Bosun Tijani, minister for Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, has stated that the federal government is geared towards creating about one million technology jobs for teeming Nigerian youth.
Tijani stated this at the official opening of a solar-powered community ICT center built by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Abeokuta, as part of activities marking the 38th Lisabi festival.
The minister emphasised the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to invest in the digital economy, driving inclusive growth and empowering the country’s teeming youth population.
“The president made it very clear when I came into office, that he will spend efforts and resources in creating one million technology jobs. So, for anybody that is following the development in the world today you will see that there’s no world without technology.
“There is a strong shortage of technology workforce all over the world, and while a lot of the developed countries have ageing population, and not giving birth to kids, in Nigeria, the average age is 16.9, so our young people are being projected to be the workforce of the future, not only for Nigeria.
“This center here is one of many. In the next two months, we are launching about 30 of them all over the country. This center will be properly animated and we will put resources into ensuring that there are courses for young people to come and take here.
“We are also going to ensure that there are job opportunities that we can connect them to and if anyone wants to follow, follow the three million Technical Talent Program which we have started already in the country”, he said.
He therefore charged the youth to remain focus, and not be discouraged, adding that there is massive employment opportunities in technology as there is no enough people to work in technology all over the world.
“If you ask anyone that works in technology, the entry salary is between N350,000 to N500,000. Technology pays really well, so instead of worrying about things being hard, they should take advantage of centers like this, empower themselves and go for the opportunities the world has to offer them”, he added.
Speaking earlier, Oba Adedotun Are, Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, lauded President Tinubu for approving the centre in Abeokuta, saying that this has no doubt marked another new dawn for the people of Egbaland, given rapid growth, development, and economic empowerment of the people.
National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has predicted that the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) will decline as Dangote Refinery and other local refineries commence full operations.
Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, April 1, NIPSS Director-General Ayo Omotayo expressed optimism that fuel prices would fall once more refineries become operational.
He projected that petrol prices could drop to around N750 per litre before the end of the year with a more stable exchange rate.
“We’re looking at it coming down as low as N750 before the end of the year. And of course, foreign exchange will still drop to about 1.3 before the end of the year, and it is going to continue like that as more of our refineries come into place.
Omotayo acknowledged the current economic hardships but insisted that the policy would benefit Nigerians in the long run.Traditional Nigerian cuisine
“The gains at this time are very little, but in the long run, we will make up for whatever sacrifices we have made today as Nigerians” he stated
U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that a deal for the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations is expected to be finalized before the April 5 deadline.
U.S. President Donald Trump
The deadline, set by legislation passed in January, mandates TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. assets or face a nationwide ban due to national security concerns.
Multiple non-Chinese firms have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Private equity firm Blackstone is considering a minority investment, potentially joining existing non-Chinese shareholders such as Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic.
In a strategic move to facilitate the sale, Trump suggested that he might consider a reduction in tariffs on China, acknowledging that Chinese regulatory approval may be required for the deal to proceed.
The White House has been actively involved in negotiations to ensure that TikTok remains operational in the U.S. while addressing national security risks.
With TikTok’s 170 million American users watching closely, the outcome of the sale is expected to have a major impact on the social media landscape and the broader tech industry.
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