Saving money in the bank appears to be a safe option. But with the Emotet malware, your entire life savings can be erased in the blink of an eye. All it takes is clicking on a malicious link, and your bank account will be hacked.
Emotet malware is deceptive, encountering real files to lure victims. However, understanding the components of the Emotet malware and how it works will help you secure your system. So, let’s dive in.
What is Emotet Malware?
Emotet is a banking Trojan used to steal sensitive data from the victim’s computer. It consists of text, document files, and spam links and is often presented with a sense of urgency to lure the victim into action.
First discovered in 2014 by internet experts, Emotet malware poses devastating threats. The motive for publishing it is to steal banking details and related credentials. It has now become a useful tool for multiple criminal activities.
Emotet malware targets almost anyone including the public and private sectors, businesses, and government-owned online personal files. This malware remains in hibernation until the user activates it through macros spread across word documents or email attachments.
The deadly Trojan horse, Emotet, affects more than 45,000 networks in the United States. Newer versions of Emotet malware do more harm than you can imagine to a system. It moves undetected, disables the network against removal, and hosts many other Trojans, which act as an aid to various criminal groups.
Emotet hosts space for other Trojans that act as pranks for annoying credentials. His actions could inflict massive blows. With security researchers dealing with its harmful effects and searching for ways to avoid this malware attack for good, it is still a common destructive malware.
Cybersecurity awareness has helped manage the effects of the Emotet malware. People now understand how it spreads and can easily identify its flexible infiltration. In this discussion, you will learn how it works and how you can protect your system from such attacks.
How does Emotet malware work?
Emotet acts like a fox, cunning in its ways and difficult to detect. It remains inactive until you hit the destroy button. With one click, the affected system is doomed to fail. It is better to prevent this malware from entering your system than to have to process its presence.
Emotet consists of several servers around the world, each with at least one unique function of managing victims’ computers and spreading new malware. After activation, you hack into the inbox of peers, relatives and people on your mailing list.
In a brute force attack, Emotet malware finds its way into any connected devices. If a network activates this malware while communicating with other devices, Emotet uses a multiple password-guessing strategy to gain access through any connection. If a connected device has saved its password as a “password”, Emotet will detect it.
Cybercriminals usually launch the Emotet malware through spam emails, sometimes bypassing spam filters. They make these emails look authentic, and carry the names of the people who are in the victim’s contacts. The victim proceeds to click on the message, thinking it is from someone he knows.
You might be wondering what would happen next if you randomly clicked on an Emotet doc file or link. The macro code is activated in your system and it starts hosting an attack right away.
The second update contains a money transfer system, including multiple bank modules and malspam modules. While the Internet world is still trying to deal with such a development, another version is being presented to the public. This time, it sets the path for cybercriminals and applies for jobs to move undetected.
Experts research to understand how this malware spreads. It appears that Emotet is not spreading through the EternalBlue/DoublePulsar vulnerabilities but is using TrickBot to hack the act. TrickBot uses EternalBlue/DoublePulsar for extended attacks, and Emotet hosts the party, which is a completely different malware on its own.
How to protect your system from Emotet malware attacks
Emotet malware is usually under the radar, and since it runs silently, securing the system becomes complicated. It has been called the “dropper” due to its function of installing other malware. Thus, if you become a victim, you may have to deal with more ransomware.
The following tips will help you protect your system from Emotet malware attacks.
1. Use the SIEM solution
Humans may have a hard time identifying an Emotet attack, but an effective SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solution makes the task easy. The Internet has many security updates to recognize and manage such attacks.
Be aware of every email that brings with it some urgency. Better yet, get the facts right before taking any form of action.
2. Disable macros
Business emails are the most vulnerable and targeted personal files for cybercriminals. Once you neglect the basic procedures, this malware will infiltrate your system and host a feast through the back door.
To be on the safer side, deactivate the macros for Microsoft Office files. These criminals want you to click on their links, and once the macros are activated, they immediately pose a threat. Also, always remember to backup all your data and save it separately in case of emergency.
3. Develop cybersecurity awareness
When people become aware of the strange behaviors of cyber attackers, the chances of them becoming a victim will be very slim. Enlighten everyone on your team on how to stay safe online.
You can create a cyber security training program for your team members, which will help everyone prevent and manage the attack. They can detect Emotet malware when they see it and resist the urge to open any unfamiliar link.
4. React quickly after the attack
If you suspect that an Emotet malware is infected, search your system to identify this attack. After backing up your data, disconnect each network system and check for this malware and delete it immediately.
Well done, but that’s not all. You should also check for other malware and scan the infected system if necessary.
Check other systems and invest your time to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Emotet, which used to be an online theft tool, is now a resource for cybercriminal groups around the world and has the most fake malware delivery service.
Implement expert defenses against Emotet attacks
There is a misconception that organizations are targets for Emotet attacks. But this is not the case; These attacks also target individuals.
Like other forms of cyber attack, adopting a proactive security approach is a good defense against Emotet malware. The likes of vulnerability scanning, database maintenance, and penetration testing are some of the techniques you can implement.
If you lack the expertise to prevent or combat an Emotet attack, enlist the services of Internet experts to help you.
read the following
About the author
