Encryption

Blogs Cybersecurity News

Codefinger Ransomware attack encrypts Amazon S3 buckets

  • Ransomware crew dubbed Codefinger targets AWS S3 buckets
  • Sets data-destruct timer for 7 days
  • Threat actors demand for Ransom payment made for the symmetric AES-256 keys required to decrypt it

Amazon S3 buckets encrypted using AWS’s Server-Side Encryption with Customer Provided Keys (SSE-C) and somehow the threat actors knew details of the keys. And this made them demand ransoms to demand the decryption key.

The campaign was discovered by Halcyon , and according to them the threat actors after exploiting the compromised keys, they called the “x-amz-server-side-encryption-customer-algorithm” header and use a locally stored AES-256 encryption key they generate to lock up the victims’ files. There is great chance that more cyber criminal groups can adopt the tactic and use.

The threat actor looks for keys with permissions to write and read S3 objects (s3:GetObject and s3:PutObject requests), and then launches the encryption process by calling the SSE-C algorithm, utilizing a locally generated and stored AES-256 encryption key.

“It is important to note that this attack does not require the exploitation of any AWS vulnerability but instead relies on the threat actor first obtaining an AWS customer’s account credentials,” Halcyon notes.

According to Halcyon, because the attack relies on AWS’s infrastructure for encryption, it is impossible to recover the encrypted data without the symmetric AES-256 keys required to decrypt it. Halcyon reported its findings to Amazon, and the cloud services provider told them that they do their best to promptly notify customers who have had their keys exposed so they can take immediate action.

In recent month hackers and cyber criminal have gained traction In recent months and have begun targeting their product gateways and find ways to extort customers using it. 

Unlike traditional ransomware that encrypts files locally, this attack operates directly within the AWS environment, exploiting the inherent security of SSE-C to render data irretrievable without the attacker’s decryption keys says Halcyon team.

Ransomware capabilities gain new tactics where the threat actor first obtains an AWS customer’s account credentials and there is no know method that data can be recovered without paying the ransom.

As per AWS they encourage customers to utilize their security tools, such as IAM roles, Identity Center and Secrets Manager, to minimize credential exposure and improve defense postures.

Sources:

https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/13/ransomware_crew_abuses_compromised_aws/

www.Bleeping computers.com

Security Advisory

Banshee Stealer: A Growing Threat to macOS Users 

Overview 

Cybersecurity researchers at Check Point Research (CPR) have discovered a sophisticated macOS malware called Banshee Stealer, putting over 100 million macOS users globally at risk. The malware, designed to exfiltrate sensitive user data, demonstrates advanced evasion techniques, posing a significant threat to users and organizations relying on macOS. 

Key Threat Details: 

Malware Capabilities: 

  • Data Theft: Banshee Stealer targets browser credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and sensitive files, compromising user security. 
  • User Deception: It displays fake system pop-ups to trick users into revealing their macOS passwords, facilitating unauthorized access. 
  • Encryption and Exfiltration: Stolen data is compressed, encrypted, and transmitted to command-and-control (C&C) servers through stealthy channels, making detection challenging. 

C&C decryption     Source: Cybersecurity News 

Evasion Tactics: 

  • Advanced Encryption: The malware utilizes encryption techniques similar to Apple’s XProtect, camouflaging itself to evade detection by traditional antivirus systems. 
  • Stealth Operations: It operates seamlessly within system processes, avoiding scrutiny from debugging tools and remaining undetected for extended periods. 

Distribution Mechanisms: 

  • Phishing Websites: Banshee Stealer impersonates trusted software downloads, including Telegram and Chrome, to deceive users into downloading malicious files. 
  • Fake GitHub Repositories: It distributes DMG files with deceptive reviews and stars to gain user trust, facilitating the spread of the malware. 

Repository releases     source: Cybersecurity News 

Recent Developments: 

  • Expanded Targeting: The latest version of Banshee Stealer has removed geographic restrictions, such as the Russian language check, broadening its target audience globally. 
  • Source Code Leak: Following a source code leak, there has been increased activity, enabling other threat actors to develop variants and intensify the threat landscape. 

Impact: 

  • Users: Compromised browser data, cryptocurrency wallets, and personal files can lead to identity theft and financial losses. 
  • Organizations: Potential data breaches can result in reputational damage, financial losses, and legal implications. 
  • Global Threat: The malware’s expanded targeting underscores the need for enhanced vigilance among macOS users worldwide. 

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs): 

The IOCs listed below are associated with the threat. For the full list of IOCs, please refer to the link . 

IP Address and Domain  File Hash 
41.216.183[.]49 00c68fb8bcb44581f15cb4f888b4dec8cd6d528cacb287dc1bdeeb34299b8c93 
Alden[.]io 1dcf3b607d2c9e181643dd6bf1fd85e39d3dc4f95b6992e5a435d0d900333416 
api7[.]cfd 3bcd41e8da4cf68bb38d9ef97789ec069d393306a5d1ea5846f0c4dc0d5beaab 
Authorisev[.]site b978c70331fc81804dea11bf0b334aa324d94a2540a285ba266dd5bbfbcbc114 

Recommendations: 

To mitigate the risks associated with Banshee Stealer, consider implementing the following proactive measures: 

  1. Avoid Untrusted Downloads: 
  • Refrain from downloading software from unverified sources, particularly free or “cracked” versions. 
  • Verify the authenticity of GitHub repositories before downloading any files. 
  1. Strengthening System Defenses: 
  • Regularly update macOS and all installed applications to patch known vulnerabilities. 
  • Deploy advanced security solutions with real-time threat detection and proactive intelligence. 
  1. Enhance Awareness and Training: 
  • Educate users on identifying phishing websites and suspicious downloads. 
  • Encourage caution when responding to system prompts or entering credentials. 
  1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 
  • Secure accounts with 2FA to minimize the impact of stolen credentials. 
  1. Monitor System Activity: 
  • Regularly review system logs for unauthorized changes or suspicious activity. 
  • Use tools to monitor unexpected outgoing data transmissions. 
  • Utilize threat intelligence feeds to detect and block IOCs like malicious IPs, domains, and file hashes.  
  • Continuously monitor network traffic, emails, and file uploads to identify and mitigate threats early. 

Conclusion: 

The rise of the Banshee malware exemplifies the increasing sophistication of threats targeting macOS. Users and organizations must adopt layered security defenses, maintain vigilance, and prioritize awareness to mitigate the risks of advanced malware like Banshee. By leveraging updated tools and practices, you can safeguard critical systems and data from evolving cyber threats. 

References: 

Blogs

Cybersecurity Trends for 2025; Responsible AI to gain Importance

Cyber security trends as per research and data available shows that responsible AI will gain importance with more public scrutiny of risks growing along with remediation practices. Organizations will now require to balance taking risks with AI and having rapid remediation strategies available. 

As per experts the areas that will get attention will be cloud security and data location. In 2025, new laws may require that sensitive data stay within national borders, affecting how companies manage and store data across regions. As businesses and critical services become increasingly dependent on cloud services, some countries may prioritize cloud availability in national emergency plans, recognizing that stable cloud access is mandatory for crisis management. This shift could lead towards the establishment of a new program like Cloud Service Priority (CSP), treating cloud infrastructure as important as utilities like electricity and telecoms.

How organization need to prepare themselves as big and small businesses and brands will see dramatically increased risks, as bad actors using AI will launch convincing impersonation attacks. This will make it easier with higher accuracy than ever to fool customers and clients. 

Key Cyber Security Trends of 2025

  • As organization navigate through 2025 we will witness that threat actors will increasingly use AI for sophisticated phishing, vishing, and social engineering attacks.

Gen-AI

  • Generative AI is driving an unprecedented surge in cyber fraud, with nearly 47% of organisations identifying adversarial AI-powered attacks as their primary concern, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025.
  • Due to technological advancements the Cyberspace is growing more complex due to technological advancements as they are interconnected to supply chains. Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to secure the benefits of digitalization at all levels.

Digitalization

  • 76% of cybersecurity leaders report difficulties navigating a patchwork of global policies and 66% of organizations expect AI to transform cybersecurity, only 37% have implemented safeguards to secure these tools before deployment.

IoT Devices Vulnerable

  • Hackers will grow attacks on IoT devices as per research by Analytics insights report 2025 as over 30 billion devices across the globe will be connected through the Internet of Things. IoT enhance productivity offering convenience but due to their low-security backgrounds hackers may utilize opportunity to obtain sensitive information, or form massive botnets to execute Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. (Analytics insight)

Ransomware

  • Attackers have resorted to different methods of extortion, involving ransom demands along with DDoS attacks. Encryption and fileless ransomware are being developed in an attempt to evade detection. RaaS makes it increasingly easy for non-technical users to carry out advanced attacks and the trend is growing. Experts predict that, by 2025, ransomware attacks will occur globally every two seconds prime targets remain in the healthcare, education, and government sectors.

AI /ML

  • To survive in highly competitive environment hackers will continue using AI so as organization will continue with previous theme of 2024 application of artificial intelligence and this will expand along with machine learning (ML) as these tools are the game changer in in a cybersecurity strategy.

Quantum Computing

  • The year 2025 will witness the rise and development of Quantum Computing and computers.An exciting technological development; however, it also generates grave challenges for cybersecurity. Quantum computers solve complex problems much faster than classical computers, making traditional cryptography algorithms vulnerable to quantum attacks is equally necessary to be proactive, with an immediate focus on quantum-safe encryption that would last to provide safety to the digital security systems in the years to follow. McKinsey poll says, 72% of tech executives, investors and quantum computing academics believe that “a fully fault-tolerant quantum computer” will be here by 2035, while 28% think this won’t happen until at least 2040. With Quantum computing business can protect their data and stay ahead of quantum threats with the right tools and strategies in place.

Regulations

  • Regulatory changes and compliance will evolve in 2025 as government across the European countries are gearing up with regulation being prepared to protect against surge of ransomware attacks, introducing stringent measures to combat the growing menace of cyber extortion. The EU emerged as a frontrunner in cybersecurity regulation, with the Network and Information Security (NIS2) Directive coming into full force.
  • BISO Analytics: In 2025 we will witness rise of virtual CISO (vCISO) or CSO consultant roles over full-time in-house roles. Also Shifting CISO responsibilities have brought about an increasing role for BISOs. The cybersecurity team has a lot to handle as companies face more cyber threats, compliance requirements, growing remote workforces, and rapid adoption of new cloud-based technologies. With such a large scope of duty, the CISO is often over stretched and in this complex cybersecurity environment having a BISO will bring in support to entire cyber security strategy.
  • BISO ‘s may also be called upon to interact with marketing and corporate communications, bringing their research into potential attack vectors, typical points of vulnerability, and unique understanding of the hackers mindset  and guide organizations that are increasingly battening cybersecurity strategy to deal with various attack vectors.

  • Intrucept offers BISO Analytics as a services. BISOs are crucial for strategies requiring technical cybersecurity and strategic business input.

Organizations need bespoke solutions to defend against attacks across email, social, and other channels as we witness evolving nature of attacks demands continuous weekly innovation to stay ahead. The use of Multifactor authentication reduces the danger in identity and access management EDR solutions with feeds of threat intelligence will gain prominence. Intrucept is dedicated in  helping organizations to run fast and be secure. We will always find that being easy and slowing down is a tendency but we as organization try to enable our customers to maintain speed (and even accelerate).

 References:

Scroll to top