Summary:
This report analyzes the exfiltration techniques used by ransomware and extortion groups, highlighting the motivations behind their campaigns and the tools employed during the exfiltration phase. It emphasizes the significance of data exfiltration in maximizing financial and reputational damage, particularly through the double extortion method. The report also discusses the evolution of these techniques and the importance of early detection strategies for organizations.
#RansomwareExfiltration #DataTheft #ExtortionTechniques
This report analyzes the exfiltration techniques used by ransomware and extortion groups, highlighting the motivations behind their campaigns and the tools employed during the exfiltration phase. It emphasizes the significance of data exfiltration in maximizing financial and reputational damage, particularly through the double extortion method. The report also discusses the evolution of these techniques and the importance of early detection strategies for organizations.
#RansomwareExfiltration #DataTheft #ExtortionTechniques
Keypoints:
Ransomware and extortion groups have increasingly adopted data exfiltration techniques since 2019.
Attackers leverage stolen data for financial gain and reputational damage through public exposure and sales to other threat actors.
Some groups focus solely on data exfiltration without encrypting files, reducing effort and bypassing encryption challenges.
State-sponsored actors also utilize exfiltration tactics for covert intelligence gathering and misdirection.
Ransomware operators have refined their extortion techniques to maximize leverage through double extortion.
Targeted searches are conducted to extract high-value sensitive files, including financial and personal records.
Custom and publicly available tools are used for data exfiltration, with advanced groups developing proprietary solutions.
Legitimate tools are often employed to facilitate stealthy data exfiltration, blending in with normal activities.
Early detection of data exfiltration attempts is crucial for organizations, requiring a multimethod strategy focused on suspicious behavior and file access patterns.
MITRE Techniques:
Data Encrypted for Impact (T1486): Utilizes encryption to render data inaccessible to victims, enhancing leverage for extortion.
Data Exfiltration Over Command and Control Channel (T1041): Transfers stolen data through established command and control channels.
Exfiltration Over Web Service (T1567): Uses web services to exfiltrate data, making it harder to detect.
Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol (T1048): Employs alternative protocols to transfer data, avoiding traditional detection methods.
Exfiltration Over Physical Medium (T1052): Involves transferring data to physical media for later retrieval, bypassing network detection.
IoC:
[domain] leaksite.com
[url] exfiltrationtool.com
[tool name] Malware-as-a-Service
[tool name] infostealer
Full Research: https://blog.sekoia.io/ransomware-driven-data-exfiltration-techniques-and-implications/