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“I got a remediation request from Spamhaus. Now what?”

30 May 2024

Today’s big news is the announcement concerning “Operation Endgame.” Operation Endgame is “a coordinated action against some of the most popular cybercrime platforms for delivering ransomware and data-stealing malware.” Brian Krebs, ​‘Operation Endgame’ Hits Malware Delivery Platforms​, Krebs on Security (2024), https://krebsonsecurity.com/2024/05/operation-endgame-hits-malware-delivery-platforms/ (last visited May 30, 2024). This initiative marks a significant effort by international law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity organizations to combat the growing threat of cybercrime.

What is Operation Endgame?

Operation Endgame targets several notorious botnets that have been instrumental in spreading ransomware and data-stealing malware. These botnets include IcedID, Smokeloader, SystemBC, Pikabot, and Bumblebee. By disrupting these platforms, the operation significantly reduces cybercriminals’ capabilities to launch large-scale attacks.

The Targeted Botnets

Here’s a closer look at the botnets targeted by Operation Endgame:

  • IcedID/Bokbot: Originally categorized as a banking trojan, it also acts as a loader for other malware.
  • Smokeloader: A versatile generic backdoor with various capabilities that depend on the modules in any malware build. The malware is delivered in various ways and is broadly associated with criminal activity, like pay-per-install campaigns.
  • SystemBC: Modular malware used as a proxy for other malware, aiding in hiding malicious traffic.
  • Pikabot: Command-and-control malware known for leveraging steganography to conceal its payload.
  • Bumblebee: A loader malware that delivers various types of ransomware and other malicious software.

The Role of The Spamhaus Project

Read moreThe Spock Trap

The Spamhaus Project is playing a crucial role in disrupting the targeted botnets. Their most visible role will be prompting providers to handle remediation efforts with customers with compromised accounts.

According to Spamhaus:

A significant part of operating cybercrime infrastructure like these botnets relies on the use of stolen credentials. Threat actors acquire these credentials by operating remote access tools (RATs) and infostealers; they then use these newly-compromised accounts to further spread malware, or to gain initial access into networks and organizations. These accounts have been shared with Spamhaus, who will help with remediating them.

Spamhaus Team, ​Operation Endgame​, Spamhaus Project (2024), https://www.spamhaus.org/resource-hub/malware/operation-endgame-botnets-disrupted-after-international-action/ (last visited May 30, 2024).

What You Can Do

Providers

Spamhaus may contact a provider with customer accounts identified as compromised by one of these botnets. If that’s you, here is what you need to do:

  • Check the sending address. I would be shocked if some bad actor didn’t try to do something to take advantage of the situation and get their hooks into a provider’s system.
  • Go to https://www.spamhaus.org/endgame and enter the access code from Spamhaus’s email to get the list of affected accounts.
  • Work with your customers to secure compromised accounts. In this case, you should require customers to change passwords. It would also be very appropriate to require affected accounts to run a check for malware infections.

Businesses and Consumers

Read moreBad Advice

For businesses and individuals (so you’re here out of curiosity), it’s important to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect yourself against threats like these. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Update Software Regularly: Ensure all software, including operating systems and applications, are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
  2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Employ complex passwords and consider using a password manager. This is especially true if your provider asks you to change passwords due to a potential account compromise.
  3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
  4. Monitor Accounts for Suspicious Activity: Regularly check your accounts for unusual activity and report any suspicious behavior.
  5. Educate Employees and Users: Provide training on recognizing phishing attempts and other common cyber threats. And if you are asked to take security training, take it seriously.
Mickey Chandler
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