Artificial Intelligence and Cyber-Threats

Artificial Intelligence and Cyber-Threats

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, all organizations and businesses are susceptible to data breach. Companies have to update their security systems and improve their resilience in order to reduce such threats. In this blog, our major focus will be on those factors that are aiding the hackers to penetrate into systems. A number of technologies that we are currently using needs to be reviewed to combat the growing cyber threats. So, let’s head towards them!

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Humans have made much progress in the past several years, steering everyone towards technological connectivity. This has also led to a fusion of the digital and physical world. Companies that are leveraging the power of AI and ML are well aware of their benefits in terms of decision making, problem solving and speech recognition etc. Given this, data synthesis and predictive analytics can give statistical conclusions to minimize risks. Automated cybersecurity systems can identify new attacks and you can send this data to the endpoint protection solutions to make your business operationally secure. However, do keep in mind that malpractitioners are using AI and ML for offensive cyber-attacks and phishing attacks. So, make sure your cyber defense system is strong and undefeatable.

Highly Advance Botnets

Botnets are a number of devices or computers that are connected through the internet and are a part of the system that is under the control of cyber criminals. In this situation owners remain unaware of the suspicious activities. Wi-Fi routers and web servers are used to infect machines with malware. Such PCs are not well protected by anti-virus software. With AI and ML these botnets can be automated to speed up hacking. The use of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) style and Bot as a Service is also increasing, threatening the businesses.

Ransomware

Ransomware attacks are another danger for organizations in which hackers use elusive malware. This criminal extortion tool encrypts the key files of a victim; therefore, they are unable to access their data. Later, the hacker promises to restore your system only if the demanded ransom is paid (often in the form of cryptocurrencies) to them by the owner. On average, the recovery time takes almost a week, despite the fact that companies have strong security.

All in all, Cybersecurity threats are surfacing like never before since bad actors are at work, fully equipped with the relevant tools and technologies. Organizations have to come up with a strong and resilient counter strategy to defeat them.

 

The Relentless LockBit Ransomware

All eyes are on LockBit

In recent times, LockBit Ransomware has gained momentum and made the headlines. Many of the high profile companies and enterprises have been under threat because of the spree of cyber-attacks made by this group through malicious software. There are a number of other notorious ransomware gangs like LockBit who are active and have steadily impacted thousands of organizations around the globe. DarkSide, Conti, REvil and DoppelPaymer are to name a few who have adopted aggressiveness, persistence and effectiveness to be successful in their vile mission. Countries such as the United States, France, China, India and the United Kingdom have been their major targets. Since LockBit has been driving the world crazy so it’s important for you to know more about it.

What is LockBit Ransomware? 

LockBit Ransomware, also known as the ABCD ransomware is a smart and prolific ransomware gang that has emerged lately. This group has professionally designed a malicious software through which they lock the user’s computer and demand ransom in return. If their target does not provide a ransom then LockBit automatically encrypts and gets access to all their files in their computers. With this aggressive approach and through their extortion tools, it has posed unique threats to large businesses and government organizations. The first high severity cyber-attack was made by them in September, 2019. The cycle of attacks has continued since then.

What’s more threatening?

Through LockBit, data theft, extortion and illegal publications are made by the hackers for monetary gains. Businesses face operational disruptions and with it their crucial processes come to a sudden halt. It is important to note that LockBit attacks are self-piloted. These cyber attackers have adopted various ways to target for example by email attachments or by cascading of files. Since LockBit integrates sophisticated technology, it is seen as a formidable adversary in the cyber realm. The gang is backed by ransomware groups which encourages them to carry on with the attacks. Moreover, with superior upgrading they have been able to introduce its new encryption tool called the StealBit which is far better than the prior versions. Initially, it attacked only the Windows systems but with time it evolved to target Linux computers as well. With the help of its malware, it targets the key data of both the operating systems by infiltrating into them. LockBit attacks are self-spreading and they are using highly advanced methods such as the double extortion and triple extortion techniques to exploit their victim by stealing or leaking their data. In future, DDoS attacks will be a further challenge for them.

Keeping the aforementioned threats in mind, it is essential for businesses to take protective measures to prevent themselves from falling into LockBit ransomware’s trap. A strong password, multi factor authentication, regular system wide backups and comprehensive cyber security solutions will act as a shield against them.