In our mobile-first/mobile-last world, many employees’ work days both start and end on a mobile device. Mobile devices are now essential tools for productivity and communication. As many organizations transition to hybrid work environments, mobile devices offer a rich target for malicious actors because they are often the least protected corporate devices and offer platforms from which to launch social engineering attacks.

Unlike traditional computers, which are generally well-defended with antivirus software and cybersecurity protocols, mobile devices are frequently left vulnerable due to a lack of user awareness and proper protection.

Mobile devices have unique vulnerabilities that cyber criminals increasingly exploit. Yet, because mobile device security has historically received less attention, most users and IT teams don’t fully recognize these risks. This lack of awareness often translates into a lack of cyber hygiene, such as timely updates and the installation of essential security software, leaving devices susceptible to a growing number of cyber threats.

Why are mobile devices more vulnerable?

Mobile devices face different security challenges than desktops or laptops, as they rely on various applications, connect to public networks and carry sensitive data in pockets and purses. Here are a few ways they are at greater risk:

1. Frequent connection to public networks: Mobile devices frequently connect to public Wi-Fi in coffee shops, airports and other common spaces, making them easy targets for attackers. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, allowing hackers to intercept sensitive data, including login credentials and personal information.
2. Lack of routine updates: Unlike desktop computers, where security patches and updates are standard practice, mobile devices are often left with outdated software. This is problematic as mobile operating system updates are essential to patch known vulnerabilities.
3. Inconsistent security across devices: Businesses often use a mix of iOS and Android devices, each with its own security protocols and vulnerabilities. Android, for instance, has a more fragmented ecosystem, where updates are not universally applied across devices, leaving users exposed. In addition, iOS users may not be aware that jailbreaking their phones disables important security features.
4. More personal apps and data at risk: Mobile devices often hold both personal and professional data, including emails, contacts and payment information, as well as business data. The mixture of personal and business use increases exposure to potential breaches, as malicious apps downloaded for personal use can compromise corporate security.
5. Malware-laden apps: Although app stores like Google Play and Apple’s App Store vet applications, malicious apps still manage to slip through. These apps can contain malware that gathers data, spies on activity or even takes control of a device, risking both personal and business information.

Common mobile threats

In addition to the vulnerabilities mentioned above, there are specific mobile threats every user and IT team should be aware of:

• Phishing attacks: Phishing remains one of the most effective attack vectors, and mobile users are highly susceptible due to the small screens and simplified user interfaces. Emails, SMS texts and even social media direct messages can carry phishing links that result in credential theft or malware.
• Malware and spyware: Malicious apps can install malware that collects sensitive data or tracks a user’s activity without consent. Known as spyware, this malware can access everything from location to keystrokes, making it a prime threat to both personal privacy and business security.
• Man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM): Public Wi-Fi networks are ideal for MITM attacks, where attackers intercept communication between a mobile device and a server. Sensitive information, such as login credentials, can be exposed without the user realizing it.
• Unsecured devices and theft: Because mobile devices are portable, they are also at a higher risk of being lost or stolen. When devices don’t have proper security, such as screen locks or device encryption, sensitive information can be accessed by anyone who picks up the device.

Best practices for mobile cybersecurity

While mobile threats are on the rise, there are ways to reduce the risk of attacks. Individuals and organizations can take proactive measures to secure their mobile devices and protect sensitive data. Regularly updating operating systems, using mobile security software and employing strong authentication are essential steps for protecting mobile devices. Additionally, limiting app permissions and promoting cybersecurity training among employees can significantly reduce risks.

For businesses, implementing a mobile device management (MDM) solution, like IBM MaaS360, is particularly valuable. MDM provides critical control and visibility, allowing organizations to enforce security policies, manage devices remotely and wipe data if a device is lost or stolen — ensuring comprehensive security across all mobile devices accessing company resources.

Learn more about IBM MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense Advanced

Embracing mobile security for the hybrid workforce

As more organizations embrace hybrid work models, mobile device security is no longer optional. In a world where business data is accessed on the go, employees and IT teams must take mobile security seriously. Without proper safeguards, the productivity benefits of mobile devices are outweighed by the increased security risks they pose.

IBM MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense add-ons (Professional and Advanced) represent a major evolution in the endpoint security capabilities of the IBM MaaS360 platform and the enterprise mobility market. The new add-ons consolidate devices, users, threats and vulnerabilities into a unified endpoint management and security platform. MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense provides device management, mobile threat defense, seamless integration with existing cybersecurity stacks and AI-driven security insights to accelerate threat assessment and response.

IBM MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense Advanced represents a significant advance in how organizations adopt and leverage mobile device defense. As an integrated extension of IBM MaaS360, IBM MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense Advanced combines simplicity and security in a single solution with a fully automated deployment and zero-touch device activation. The platform provides on-device protection powered by machine learning and features near real-time dashboards to identify risky users and devices, as well as detect and respond to advanced and persistent mobile threats.

MaaS360 Unified Endpoint Management, combined with the MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense Professional add-on, provides IT administrators with a comprehensive, integrated, end-to-end solution that brings together best-in-class endpoint management and mobile threat defense. Administrators can manage and protect their mobile ecosystem from a central point of control with granular endpoint security policies and automated, proactive threat detection and response.

These offerings provide organizations with protection from evolving mobile threats. They also improve employee productivity while reducing risks to corporate data and employee privacy.

If you want to learn more about the significant evolution of the IBM MaaS360 platform and how IBM MaaS360 Mobile Threat Defense provides you with a simple way to protect your mobile users and corporate data from advanced mobile threats, register for our FREE webinar on January 14th here.

The post Mobile device security: Why protection is critical in the hybrid workforce appeared first on Security Intelligence.

On November 29th, 2024, Black Friday, shoppers flooded online stores to grab the best deals of the year. But while consumers were busy filling their carts, cyber criminals were also seizing the opportunity to exploit the shopping frenzy. Our system detected a significant surge in Gozi malware activity, targeting financial institutions across North America.

The Black Friday connection

Black Friday creates an ideal environment for cyber criminals to thrive. The combination of skyrocketing transaction volumes, a surge in online activity and often lax security awareness among users provides fertile ground for launching attacks. Gozi malware, a well-known banking Trojan, exploits this seasonal chaos to target unsuspecting users and financial institutions alike.

This year’s Black Friday activity was particularly concerning, with a notable increase in web-inject attacks. These sophisticated techniques compromised online banking sessions, enabling the theft of credentials, financial information and other sensitive data.

The campaign is not expected to stop there. With the subsequent year-end shopping rush, Gozi malware is poised to continue its onslaught. Cyber criminals are likely to capitalize on the desperation of last-minute shoppers seeking the best holiday deals, amplifying the malware’s reach and impact.

These ongoing attacks emphasize the need for vigilance and proactive security measures. Whether you’re a consumer enjoying the convenience of online shopping or a business managing increased transaction volumes, understanding the evolving tactics of cyber criminals is critical to staying ahead of the threat.

What is Gozi malware?

Gozi, also known as Ursnif and ISFB, is a modular banking Trojan that has been active since the mid-2000s. It is infamous for its ability to steal banking credentials, monitor user activity and execute advanced web-injects during online banking sessions. Over the years, it has evolved to include features like anti-debugging mechanisms and encrypted communication and is also used for targeted attacks on specific regions and financial institutions.

Observations from our system

During Black Friday, our telemetry revealed the following trends:

• Targeted campaigns: Gozi operators appeared to focus on North American banks, aligning their campaigns with the peak shopping hours.
• Increase in attack volume: The malware’s web-inject functionality was heavily used, indicating a rise in compromised banking sessions.

Why the surge?

The Black Friday spike in Gozi activity can be attributed to:

• Volume of transactions: The sheer number of financial transactions increases the probability of successful attacks.
• Weakened defenses: Many businesses prioritize frictionless user experience, uptime and sales during Black Friday, potentially delaying or weakening their security measures.
• Human behavior: Consumers are more likely to overlook suspicious activity when rushing to grab deals.

What we found

The provided script demonstrates a sophisticated web injection attack used to compromise online banking sessions. It dynamically injects malicious code into the legitimate banking page, allowing attackers to manipulate the session without the victim’s knowledge. The malicious script operates in the background to steal sensitive data, such as credentials, and is designed to evade detection by immediately removing itself from the page after execution. By blending with the legitimate page and erasing evidence, the attack becomes nearly invisible to both users and traditional security measures. This highlights the growing sophistication of web-inject attacks and underscores the need for advanced monitoring systems and robust security measures to detect and prevent such threats.

Figure 1: Sample of Gozi injection

From the screenshot below, it appears that the attacker left minimal evidence, likely attempting to test the mechanism and ensure everything is functioning correctly:

Figure 2: Attacker preparation

We believe the web-inject is still a work in progress, with potential future updates and enhancements to the code likely.

If you’d like to learn more about Gozi malware, you can find additional information here.

Final thoughts

As cyber criminals continue to exploit global events like Black Friday, staying vigilant is more crucial than ever. The resurgence of Gozi malware activity highlights the importance of proactive security measures for both businesses and individuals. While the current attacks are predominantly targeting North America, we suspect this campaign will soon expand to Europe, leveraging the holiday shopping season to further its impact.

While we enjoy the convenience of online shopping, it’s vital to stay aware of the ever-present cyber threats lurking in the digital landscape. By adopting robust security practices and remaining cautious, we can reduce the risks and protect ourselves against these sophisticated attacks. Cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge—it’s a shared responsibility.

How to avoid Gozi malware

Here are some recommendations to avoid Gozi malware and protect yourself from similar threats:

• Be wary of email links. Exercise caution when opening email attachments or clicking on links, especially if they come from unknown or suspicious sources. Be particularly vigilant for phishing emails that may attempt to trick you into downloading malware.
• Increase your password security. Create strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts, including cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets. Avoid using easily guessable information and consider using a reliable password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
• Remain vigilant online. Pay attention to any unusual behavior or unexpected requests when accessing websites, especially financial or cryptocurrency-related platforms. If you encounter unexpected pop-ups, requests for additional personal information or changes in website appearance, it could be a sign of a web-inject attempting to deceive you.
• Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. Familiarize yourself with common techniques used by cyber criminals, such as phishing scams and social engineering, to avoid falling victim to their tactics.

One of the best tools to detect Gozi malware and protect your organization is IBM Security Trusteer Pinpoint Detect. The tool uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to protect digital channels against account takeover and fraudulent transactions and detect user devices infected with high-risk malware. Learn more here.

IOC

/usbank/inj[.]php

/in/sella/sella[.]php

/in/paypal/p[.]php

/in/ebay/ebay[.]php

/in/poste/po[.]php

/in/ubibanca/ub[.]php

/in/amazon/a[.]php

/in/clienti.chebanca/ch[.]php

/in/credem/cr[.]php

frcorporateonline/inj[.]php

hsbcnet/inj[.]php

/lancher/in

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