A New Type of Malware: FoggyWeb

The cyberattack on SolarWinds was devastating for many reasons, and Microsoft has officially uncovered yet another kind of malware used in the attack on the software provider: a backdoor threat they have named FoggyWeb. What does this threat do and why is it so imperative to look at this incident even now?

In April security researchers laid the blame for the SolarWinds attack on the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service. Microsoft has discovered that there are various modules used by the attack group, a collective referred to as Nobelium. Nobelium includes other malware such as GoldMax, GoldFinder, and Sibot. Other types of malware that were previously known to researchers include Sunburst/Solorigate, Teardrop, and Sunspot. In the case of FoggyWeb, it is a malware that installs a backdoor on an already compromised server.

Backdoors allow hackers to pull off all sorts of nasty tricks. Hackers can utilize the backdoor to access a network at any given time in the future, install malware, access sensitive data, spy on users, and so much more. It’s safe to say that backdoors are dangerous for businesses to deal with.

As for FoggyWeb, the backdoor itself is used to steal credentials and configurations from compromised servers. With these credentials in hand, hackers can remain on the infrastructure even after they have been purged from it. Hackers can also use these credentials to control access to critical assets or other tasks that demand authentication. As with other backdoor threats, FoggyWeb can also receive commands remotely to pull off even more dangerous stunts.

To ensure that your business does not fall victim to these types of threats, you should take a multi-faceted approach to your network security. This includes monitoring your network for suspicious activity, ensuring that user access controls are in effect, and deploying comprehensive security solutions that can keep your infrastructure safe.

Fortunately, these solutions are more accessible than ever with the help of managed service providers like Macro Systems. We can help arm you with the tools to protect your business from any type of threat. To keep your business secure from all sorts of threats, reach out to Macro Systems at 703-359-9211.