Darktrace’s 2022 Predictions for the Future of Cyber Security

Hey there, folks from the Bay Area! You all know we’re big fans of two things around here: discussing cybersecurity and the world of healthcare. So let’s dive into a topic today that combines both – multi-functional malware and, more specifically, something called Gootloader.

You might be wondering, “What on earth is multi-functional malware?” Well, remember back when malware was pretty single-minded? Like a soccer player with only one move, it would enter a system with one harmful goal in mind. But just as soccer players have evolved to master multiple skills, so have malware. These newer, nastier threats are like triple-threat performers, singing, dancing, and acting all on one malicious stage. They can change their routines faster than our poor, human-led security teams can follow. That’s why detecting anomalies – the cyber equivalent of a misplaced prop or a flubbed line – is seriously important in battling these threats today.

But let’s get back to Gootloader. Picture it as an obnoxious party crasher, barging its way, uninvited, into Windows-based systems across various industries. It’s been causing trouble since 2020, mainly in the US, Canada, France, Germany, and South Korea. Once it’s found its way in, it uses the host network as a party pad, and starts downloading more of its destructive pals. It’s an expert at data theft and holding files for ransom.

So how do we stop this marauder? Well, imagine if Sherlock Holmes were to land a job in cybersecurity. He notices anomalies, irregular activities that normal security teams might miss. And just as Holmes never fails to alert Watson about the presence of danger, our modern-day Sherlocks need to promptly inform the broader security team about these anomalies and prevent their spread.

Getting back to our party crasher metaphor, Gootloader usually arrives disguised as an innocuous guest, conning us through a technique termed ‘Search Engine Optimization (SEO) poisoning.’ Imagine a party inviter directing you to a dodgy venue rather than the real event, and you get the picture.

Once Gootloader settles in, it brings in even more trouble. If it remains undetected, it’ll invite something called Gootkit – its partner in crime – or other malicious pals like Cobalt Strike and Osiris. These damaging programs can cause major ruckus, from stealing sensitive information to messing up your files.

In this quickly changing cyber landscape, tools like Gootloader prove the importance of punctilizing systematic, early detection and responding swiftly enough to halt their harmful activities. This swift response is crucial to buy the security teams some time to understand the threat, quarantine the compromised system, and thwart the stage for any further payload.

The take-home message is simple, folks. Malware isn’t the straightforward one-trick pony it used to be. It’s evolved into a multifaceted beast, just as goal-focused and hard-working as any Bay Area professional. But don’t worry! Just as we’ve risen to every other challenge that’s come our way, we can effectively combat these threats with quick detection, swift response, and the collective action of our security teams.

So, stay vigilant, stay educated, and as always, stay safe in our brave, new, digitally connected world.

by Morgan Phisher | HEAL Security