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Date: 03/29/2023
A phishing campaign has been discovered targeting taxpayers by sending fake W-9 forms purporting to be sent from the IRS. Emotet campaigns typically have been known to align with holidays and other yearly occurrences. These emails often contain malicious attachments such as Office documents, OneNote (.one), or ZIP files. The subject for this email will likely be similar to “IRS Online Center.”
Emotet is a paid platform for other threat actors to launch campaigns. Emotet allows threat actors to establish a foothold within a target environment and steal email content, contacts, and other browser-based information. Second stages of the attack could involve ransomware deployment.
In general, be aware of IRS-related emails. It is unusual for tax forms to be distributed via word documents. Block OneNote file extensions via email if there is no business need to send/receive them. Also, installing MS 365/MS Office group policy templates will allow the implementation of OneNote policies named “Disable embedded files” and “Embedded Files Blocked Extensions.” Lastly, ensure endpoints are monitored 24/7/365 using an Endpoint Detection & Response platform.
Sources
Apple has released updates for older devices for a vulnerability that is being actively exploited. This vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2023-23529 and is related to a type of confusion bug in the WebKit browser engine that could lead to arbitrary code execution. Exploitation can take place when encountering specifically crafted web content.
Exploitation could lead to device takeover, putting sensitive information stored on vulnerable devices at risk. In-depth details about exploitation are not yet known.
The update is available in versions iOS 15.7.4 and iPadOS 15.7.4 for iPhone 6s (all models), iPhone 7 (all models), iPhone SE (1st generation), iPad Air 2, iPad mini (4th generation), and iPod touch (7th generation). In addition to this fix, other updates have been made available to fix various vulnerabilities.
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A new Android-based banking trojan has been discovered by the Cleafy Threat Intelligence and Response Team. The researchers have recently published their findings on this malware, which has been active since early 2022. Dubbed as Nexus, this trojan is a subscription-based malware-as-a-service (MaaS) platform where threat actors can either purchase or rent access to the malware for carrying out various attacks. Although some experts suggest that Nexus is still in its early developmental stages, several attack campaigns have already been detected worldwide.
With Nexus, threat actors can execute various Account Takeover (AOT) attacks against banking portals and cryptocurrency wallets. These attacks comprise stealing credentials, intercepting SMS messages, and implementing targeted social engineering tactics. Moreover, Nexus is believed to have over 400 distinct native injection attacks on financial applications. Although Nexus and similar malware mainly focus on banking attacks, there is a possibility that threat actors may extend or pivot these capabilities to attack organizational software or sensitive data.
It’s crucial for organizations to exercise caution regarding various mobile-focused malware campaigns. With the growing trend of businesses providing company-owned cellular devices to their staff, malware platforms like Nexus pose a severe threat to organizational data.
To safeguard against such malware, companies can conduct robust security awareness training programs to educate users on the risks of downloading potentially harmful applications. Furthermore, implementing mobile device management (MDM) policies and application white-listing can prevent unauthorized downloads or installations of additional applications on corporate devices.
Sources
https://cyware.com/news/nexus-new-feature-rich-android-banking-trojan-8eac8ace
https://www.cleafy.com/cleafy-labs/nexus-a-new-android-botnet
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Ho Chin is Chief Financial Officer at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Ho leads Finance, HR, IT and Professional Development. As part of the executive leadership team, Ho works to establish the company’s overall strategy and ensure proper execution of the supporting initiatives pertaining to the above areas of responsibility.
Prior to joining GreyCastle Security, Ho led finance and administrative functions at multiple private equity and venture-backed portfolio companies across multiple industries. Ho holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University in Centre County, Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Michael Stamas is an entrepreneur, board member, Vice President and a founder of GreyCastle Security. With more than two decades of experience in the technology sector, Mike pairs his management and business development skills with a deep understanding of cybersecurity. Mike brings a unique brand of risk-based advising to GreyCastle clients and prospects.
Mike holds certifications in numerous security and technology related areas, including the Department of Homeland Security and other security technologies like Symantec, Cisco and Microsoft.
Mike plays an active role in his community and serves as a board member and Vice President of InfraGard Albany as well as an advisory board position with the Capital Region YMCA.
Mike has been recognized for his numerous achievements through various honors including the Albany Business Review’s prestigious 40 Under 40 award.
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Prior to becoming CEO, Dan served as the company’s Chief Strategy Officer, during which he supported multiple acquisitions and helped the organization achieve substantial sales growth. In addition to serving as CEO at GreyCastle Security, Dan continues to hold the position of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Assured information Security (AIS) in Rome, New York, a company he co-founded in 2001.
Over the course of the last 22 years, Dan has been committed to advancing the state of cybersecurity and has played an instrumental role in the identification and development of critical, next-generation cyber capabilities. He has held positions in almost every facet of cybersecurity, beginning as a computer forensic examiner and progressing through the management and executive leadership ranks. In addition to co-founding AIS, Dan has facilitated multiple cybersecurity startups, raised investment capital and has served in various lead and support roles toward the acquisition of five companies in the last eight years.
Dan has a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and a master’s degree in Cybersecurity from Utica College in Utica, New York.
Dan Maynard serves as GreyCastle Security’s Chief Operating Officer, where he currently leads Sales, Marketing and Legal.
Dan has enjoyed a 30+ year career in the Information Technology and Telecommunications industry, during which time he has held various leadership positions for organizations such as Rochester Tel/RCI, Citizens Communications (Frontier), PAETEC Communications, IntegraOptics, tw telecom/Level3 and Centurylink.
In addition to various voice and data technology platforms, he possesses a strong background in leadership development, sales and marketing leadership, transformational leadership and strategic planning. Dan has a thirst for knowledge and as a committed lifelong learner, he encourages and supports professional development initiatives for his teams and continues his involvement with Vistage International.
Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he was selected as a member of their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
When not at work, Dan enjoys traveling, golfing, attending Utica Comets hockey games and relaxing in the Adirondacks on beautiful Canada Lake with family and friends.
Dan Didier is the Vice President of Solutions and board member at GreyCastle Security.
Dan has been a cybersecurity practitioner for more than 20 years and uses his knowledge and experience to develop cybersecurity solutions that ensure readiness and preparedness.
Dan received his bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a master’s degree in Information Assurance from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.
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800-403-8350Francesca LoPorto-Brandow is Director of Culture at GreyCastle Security. In this role, Francesca leads all social responsibility efforts and partnerships and develops effective strategies that promote organizational-wide behaviors and attitudes consistent with a culture of safety, inclusion, teamwork, motivation and high-performance.
Prior to this role, Francesca was Director of People & Culture at GreyCastle and with her leadership, the company’s culture has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as a Nationally recognized Best Workplace, Albany Business Review Best Places to Work and Albany Times Union Top Workplaces.
Before joining GreyCastle Security, Francesca worked as an OD consultant and focused on strategic culture change at The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc. for more than six years. There, she facilitated client education sessions, coached leaders and teams, developed and executed consulting interventions and served as strategy project leader on various client engagements. Her work has taken her into Fortune 100 companies and across borders including Panama, Singapore and beyond.
Francesca is a Lean Six Sigma–certified Green Belt, a proud YWCA-GCR board member and in 2013, she coordinated and emceed the inaugural TEDx Troy—a livestream of TEDCity 2.0. Since 2012, she has coordinated and emceed the Troy 100 Forum, a biannual forum for government, religious and community leaders to discuss issues vital to the future of Troy, New York.
Bilingual in English and Italian, Francesca holds a bachelor’s degree in Management and Technology from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management & Technology. She was awarded Cybersecurity Recruiter of the year North America in 2017 by the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards.
Jamie Aiello is Senior Vice President of Services and Product Management at GreyCastle Security. In this position, Jamie is responsible for leading a high performing and well-balanced team that is ultimately responsible for the identification, selection, execution and successful performance of our company’s diverse portfolio of cybersecurity offerings.
Prior to joining GreyCastle Security, Jamie has held leadership positions with Annese and Associates, ConvergeOne and BlueSky IT Partners with a focus on delivering cost effective information technology solutions for companies across multiple verticals.
Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, a master’s degree in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina and a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona.
