Last year, the cyber-threat landscape witnessed a disturbing escalation in ransomware attacks, with cybercriminals employing double extortion tactics that coupled encryption with the insidious threat of data exfiltration. At CTERA, we comprehend the severe ramifications of such attacks, where sensitive data, including personal and confidential information, is not only held hostage but also potentially leaked on the dark web.
This alarming evolution amplifies the pressure on organizations, as the consequences of data exfiltration extend far beyond mere data inaccessibility. The leakage of personal data can result in devastating legal consequences, including hefty regulatory fines, litigation nightmares, and irreparable reputational damage due to non-compliance.
Recognizing the urgent need to stay ahead of these evolving cyber threats, CTERA intends to solidify its position as the #1 leader in the emerging cyberstorage space, and this is why today, we are proud to launch our Honeypot-based data exfiltration prevention capability.
Understanding Double Extortion and Data Exfiltration
Double extortion is a nefarious strategy employed by cybercriminals wherein they not only encrypt your data but also threaten to release sensitive information unless a ransom is paid. This dual-pronged approach adds a new layer of complexity and urgency to an already dire situation. Data exfiltration, on the other hand, involves the unauthorized transfer of data from a system, often without the knowledge of the data owner. This can result in severe consequences, including financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory repercussions. These methods now represent 77% of ransomware attacks.
Examining Three Malware Applications
Now, let’s delve into three recent malware applications—Exmatter, StealBit, and Ryuk Stealer—that underscore the urgency of fortifying your defenses against double extortion and data exfiltration threats.
Exmatter
This insidious malware is notorious for its ability to infiltrate systems, encrypt data, and exfiltrate sensitive information simultaneously. It employs sophisticated evasion techniques to bypass traditional security measures, making detection and mitigation a daunting challenge for IT professionals.
StealBit
As its name suggests, StealBit specializes in data theft, silently siphoning off sensitive files and credentials without triggering any alarm bells. Its stealthy nature and advanced encryption methods make it a particularly difficult to detect.
Ryuk Stealer
Named after the notorious Ryuk ransomware, Ryuk Stealer is a data-stealing malware variant that operates covertly, harvesting valuable data from compromised systems with ruthless efficiency. Its modular design allows cybercriminals to customize its functionalities, making it a versatile tool for conducting targeted attacks.
The Solution: Honeypot-based Data Exfiltration Prevention
To combat these evolving threats, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve. That’s why CTERA is thrilled to introduce the industry’s first file platform with built-in deception capabilities. We are extending our Ransom Protect capabilities by providing data exfiltration prevention through honeypot techniques.
By leveraging innovative technologies and staying vigilant against emerging malware trends, we can stay one step ahead of cyber adversaries and safeguard our most valuable assets. At CTERA, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering cutting-edge cyberstorage solutions that preemptively neutralize threats and protect your data from falling into the wrong hands.
The Role of Honeypots in Ransomware Defense
Honeypots are designed specifically not to prevent an attack but to detect, analyze, and understand attackers’ methodologies. They can serve as an early warning system, designed to be appealing targets for attackers, and help to mitigate the impact of ransomware, allowing for quicker response times and minimizing potential damage.
By diverting attackers to fake resources, honeypots enable CTERA to identify and stop unauthorized access or attempts at data theft, effectively neutralizing threats before significant damage can occur.
How Honeypots Work as Part of Ransom Protect
The integration of honeypots into our comprehensive Ransom Protect offering is something you won’t even notice. And that’s a good thing. Alongside our traditional tools honeypots are deployed within our Edge Filers to help keep your data safe. Key features of CTERA Ransom Protect include:
- Data Exfiltration Prevention: Decoy files enable real-time detection and blocking of data exfiltration attacks.
- Real-time AI Detection: Advanced machine learning algorithms identify behavioral anomalies suggesting fraudulent file activity, and block offending users within seconds.
- Zero-Day Protection: Does not rely on traditional signature update services.
- Incident Management: Administrator dashboard enabling real-time attack monitoring, comprehensive incident evidence logging, and post-attack forensics.
- Instant Recovery: Near-instant recovery of any affected files from snapshots that are securely stored in an air-gapped, immutable cloud object storage effectively thwarting any manipulation attempts by malicious actors.
- One-Click Deployment: Single-click feature activation on CTERA Edge Filers with the latest version release.
CTERA is always looking for new ways to reinforce our commitment to cutting-edge cyberstorage solutions that take out bad actors before they have even gotten started on trying to get to your data.
Watch this video to see a demo of CTERA Ransom Protect with the new Honeypot capability:
