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ESET’s Latest Banking Malware Discovery Sheds Light on Increasingly Sophisticated Attacks on Finance

Created: 2017-02-21 07:51:07

Today, ESET researchers published findings that illustrate how one of the newer cybercrime groups, RTM, has been deploying complex malware based in the Delphi programming language, that targets a type of business software known as Remote Banking Systems (RBS). The software is used to make bulk financial transfers.

The findings, shared in a detailed white paper, explore the deployment of this sophisticated malware against targets in Russia and the surrounding region. The confirmed capabilities, especially in respect to spying, include: smart card reading, keylogging and real-time monitoring of banking-related activities. 

“From our analysis, the malware actively searches for export files common to popular accounting software mainly used in Russia,” explained Jean-Ian Boutin, Malware researcher at ESET. 

According to ESET research these files are likely to be of interest since they can contain details of bulk transfers, an intermediary step in RBS’ execution of payment orders. The criminals have the ability to extract some interesting information from the text files within, namely the recipient account details or the amount transferred, and thus profiting from their activities.

RTM is not the first group to pursue this method of attack. Others like Buhtrap and Corkow have also targeted RBS users in the past, slowly building an understanding of the network and building custom tools to steal from corporate victims.

“The growth in capabilities and methodology of groups like these, which are primarily targeting Russia at the moment, suggests that businesses in other parts of the world, vulnerable to similar attacks, are likely to be their next targets,” continued Boutin. 

To counter these threats, ESET advises all companies, regardless of the sector to employ Core cybersecurity best practices — including ongoing education for employees, implementing tools like two-factor authentication (2FA), encryption, and layered protection for systems and endpoints.

To learn more about RTM’s activities and the tools they use, please refer to our complete white paper. IOCs for this threat can be found on our GitHhub account.
 

 

About ESET
ESET®, the pioneer of proactive protection and the maker of the award-winning ESET NOD32® technology, is a global provider of security solutions for businesses and consumers. For over 26 years, the Company continues to lead the industry in proactive threat detection. By obtaining the 80th VB100 award in June 2013, ESET NOD32 technology holds the record number of Virus Bulletin "VB100” Awards, and has never missed a single “In-the-Wild” worm or virus since the inception of testing in 1998. In addition, ESET NOD32 technology holds the longest consecutive string of the VB100 awards of any AV vendor. ESET has also received a number of accolades from AV-Comparatives, AV-TEST and other testing organisations and reviews. ESET NOD32® Antivirus, ESET Smart Security®, ESET Cyber Security® (solution for Mac), ESET® Mobile Security and IT Security for Business are trusted by millions of global users and are among the most recommended security solutions in the world.

ESET recently updated its two-factor authentication (2FA) application, adding a secure validation to weak and static user passwords. This updated version of ESET’s 2FA application provides flexibility and deeper integration of 2FA into bespoke applications, making it the best cost-effective solutions for SMBs everywhere.

The Company has global headquarters in Bratislava (Slovakia), with regional distribution centers in San Diego (U.S.), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Singapore; with offices in Jena (Germany), Prague (Czech Republic) and Sao Paulo (Brazil). ESET has malware research centers in Bratislava, San Diego, Buenos Aires, Singapore, Prague, Košice (Slovakia), Krakow (Poland), Montreal (Canada), Moscow (Russia) and an extensive partner network for more than 180 countries. For more information visit https://eset.version-2.sg/ or follow us on Facebook.

 

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Limited is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the Company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 Limited offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which includes Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

For more information, please visit www.version-2.com.sg or call (65) 6296-4268.

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