A snake is not just a carnivorous reptile that poses a physical threat; it can also refer to a malicious software known as ransomware, capable of causing significant harm to your computer system. Similar to its namesake, this ransomware silently infiltrates your applications and contaminates your data.
If your data holds even a modicum of value, you could potentially fall victim to Snake ransomware. These cybercriminals are actively seeking their next target. So, how can you safeguard yourself from their clutches?
Snake ransomware is a hacking technique employed by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized remote access to your system and encrypt your data. Remarkably, your device continues to function normally during the infection, providing no indication of compromise. Subsequently, the intruder makes demands in exchange for data restoration. Snake ransomware primarily targets enterprises and employs a unique open-source programming language called Golang.
Snake ransomware is notorious for its stealthy operations. While all the technical components of your system may appear to be functioning as usual, malicious actors have surreptitiously tainted them with malware. To successfully execute their attack, threat actors employ the following steps:
1. Gaining Remote Access: Hackers use various methods to gain unauthorized access to systems. With Snake ransomware, they specifically exploit vulnerabilities in the remote desktop protocol (RDP) connection, a feature enabling multiple users to interact within a network. Despite RDP's default network-level authentication (NLA) intended to bolster security, attackers adeptly identify and exploit its weaknesses, often employing eavesdropping attacks to intercept and manipulate communication.
2. Registering a Signature: Once inside the system, the attacker assesses whether Snake ransomware has already infected it by using a mutually exclusive object (mutex) signature named EKANS (a reversed spelling of "snake"). Only one instance of Snake ransomware can exist on a system at a time. If the examination reveals an existing infection, the intruder aborts their mission; otherwise, they proceed.
3. Modifying Firewall Credentials: Firewalls play a critical role in monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic to detect malicious vectors. To ensure the Snake ransomware remains undetected and unhindered, hackers manipulate firewall settings to align with their objectives. This involves configuring the firewall to block any traffic or communication that does not conform to the newly established settings, effectively isolating the system.
4. Deleting Backups: The success of a Snake ransomware attack hinges on the victim's inability to recover data from backups. Consequently, the threat actor meticulously searches for and deletes all data backups within the system. If a data recovery system is in place, the criminal alters its settings to render it inactive, often going unnoticed by the victim.
5. Disrupting Automated Processes: Snake ransomware disrupts both manual and automated processes to exert pressure on the victim and force compliance. This disruption can lead to a complete halt of operations, leaving the victim with no control over critical processes.
6. Encrypting Files: The final stage of a Snake ransomware attack involves encrypting files while they remain on the victim's system. Notably, files in the operating system are exempt from encryption, allowing the victim to log in and perform regular activities without realizing their system is under attack. Post-encryption, Snake ransomware renames these files.
Preventing Snake Ransomware
Preventing Snake ransomware is most effective when potential attackers are unable to operate with administrator privileges. Here are steps to shield your system:
1. Deactivate Remote Desktop Protocol: Disabling RDP significantly reduces the risk of an intruder accessing your system with Snake ransomware. If RDP is necessary, enforce robust security practices such as preventing third-party access, implementing smart card authentication, and adopting a defense-in-depth approach to secure all layers of your application.
2. Exercise Caution with Attachments and Links: Even with RDP deactivated, remain vigilant as perpetrators may send malware-infected attachments or links to gain remote access when opened. Consider installing antivirus software to detect and neutralize potential threats.
3.Monitor Network Activities: Snake ransomware operates covertly, making it essential to monitor network activities with automated threat monitoring tools. These tools work continuously to analyze network traffic and detect unusual behavior that might evade manual detection.
4. Back Up Data on Separate Devices: Storing data backups on the same system offers limited protection during a ransomware attack. Instead, implement and maintain backups in separate, unconnected locations. Consider offline storage for added security.
5. Beware of Unfamiliar Apps: Intruders frequently employ malicious software to execute cyberattacks. To safeguard your system, use threat detection systems to periodically scan your applications for unfamiliar tools. Effective detection tools not only identify such software but also contain their operations.
Snake ransomware operates stealthily and encrypts your data, rendering it inaccessible without the decryption key. To avoid reaching this critical point, prioritize proactive security measures, employ robust defenses, and cultivate a security-conscious culture to thwart Snake ransomware's attempts to infiltrate and compromise your system.