https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa23-320a
With the continuing cyber attacks and ransomware there is one group has emerged as particularly notorious for its sophisticated and relentless attacks: the Scattered Spider group. Also known by various aliases such as Starfraud, UNC3944, Scatter Swine, and Muddled Libra, this cybercriminal organisation has made headlines for its audacious tactics and high-profile victims. In this blog post, we will delve into the Scattered Spider group’s modus operandi, explore some of their notable victims, and examine the tactics they employ to wreak havoc in the digital world.
The Scattered Spider Group: An Overview
The Scattered Spider group is a cyber criminal organisation known for its expertise in social engineering and technical exploits. Their primary goal is to gain unauthorised access to networks, steal sensitive data, and extort their victims. What sets them apart is their ability to adapt and innovate, making them a formidable adversary for cyber security professionals.
Notable Victims
Over the years, the Scattered Spider group has targeted a wide range of organisations across various industries. Some of their notable victims include:
- Telecommunications Companies: The group has been known to target telecommunications companies to carry out SIM swap attacks. By convincing cellular carriers to transfer control of a targeted user’s phone number to a SIM card they control, they gain access to the victim’s phone and any associated multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompts.
- Financial Institutions: Financial institutions have also fallen prey to the Scattered Spider group. By using social engineering techniques, they have managed to obtain credentials from employees and gain access to sensitive financial data.
- Healthcare Providers: The healthcare sector has not been spared either. The group has targeted healthcare providers to steal patient data and extort the organisations for ransom.
- Technology Companies: Technology companies, with their vast troves of intellectual property and customer data, have been prime targets for the Scattered Spider group. Their attacks have led to significant data breaches and financial losses.
Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)
The Scattered Spider group employs a variety of tactics, techniques, and procedures to achieve their nefarious goals. Here are some of the key TTPs associated with this group:
Social Engineering
One of the hallmarks of the Scattered Spider group is their proficiency in social engineering. They often pose as company IT or helpdesk staff using phone calls or SMS messages to obtain credentials from employees. By convincing employees to share their one-time password (OTP) or MFA authentication code, they gain access to the network.
Phishing and Push Bombing
Phishing remains a staple in the Scattered Spider group’s arsenal. They craft convincing phishing emails to trick employees into revealing their credentials. Additionally, they use a technique known as push bombing, where they send repeated MFA notification prompts to employees, leading them to press the “Accept” button out of frustration, also known as MFA fatigue.
SIM Swap Attacks
The group has been known to carry out SIM swap attacks by convincing cellular / mobile carriers to transfer control of a targeted user’s phone number to a SIM card they control. This allows them to intercept MFA prompts and gain access to the victim’s accounts.
Data Theft and Extortion
Once they have gained access to a network, the Scattered Spider group typically engages in data theft. They steal sensitive data and use it to extort their victims, demanding ransom payments in exchange for not releasing the stolen data. They have been known to utilize BlackCat/ALPHV ransomware alongside their usual TTPs.
Credential Harvesting
The group often directs employees to run commercial remote access tools, enabling initial access to the network. By harvesting credentials, they can move laterally within the network and escalate their privileges.
Remote Access Tools
To maintain persistence within a compromised network, the Scattered Spider group uses various remote access tools. These tools allow them to maintain control over the network and continue their malicious activities undetected.
Mitigation Strategies
Given the sophisticated nature of the Scattered Spider group’s attacks, organisations must adopt a multi-layered approach to cyber security. Here are some strategies to mitigate the risk of falling victim to their tactics:
- Employee Training: Regularly train employees on the latest social engineering techniques and how to recognise phishing attempts. Encourage them to report suspicious activities immediately.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all accounts and educate employees on the importance of not accepting unsolicited MFA prompts.
- SIM Swap Protection: Work with cellular / mobile carriers to implement additional security measures for SIM swap protection, such as requiring in-person verification for SIM card changes.
- Network Segmentation: Segment the network to limit lateral movement in case of a breach. Implement strict access controls and monitor for unusual activity.
- Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly update an incident response plan to quickly and effectively respond to security incidents.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in the network.
Conclusion
The Scattered Spider group represents a significant threat to organisations across various industries. Their ability to adapt and innovate makes them a formidable adversary in the world of cyber crime. By understanding their tactics and implementing robust cyber security measures, organisations can better protect themselves against this relentless threat. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay secure.