DarkHotel
(also Tapaoux, Karba, Nemim)
DarkHotel definition
DarkHotel is a cyberespionage group that has been active since at least 2007 and is known for targeting high-profile individuals and organizations, like business executives and government officials.
Members of this group start their attacks by sending deceptive emails, which may contain harmful links or attachments. Then, the group installs malware on the victim’s computer when they interact with these elements. The attackers can utilize this malware to steal sensitive information, including passwords and credit card numbers.
DarkHotel is a highly skilled group that manages to avoid detection by many security solutions. It employs various techniques to target victims, including social engineering, exploiting vulnerable websites, and infecting computers through unintentional downloads.
DarkHotel can steal and exploit sensitive information for malicious purposes. Businesses and governments must implement measures such as using strong passwords, keeping software updated, and staying vigilant against social engineering attempts to protect against DarkHotel attacks.
See also: anti-malware, spear phishing
Characteristics of DarkHotel attacks
- Targeting specific individuals or organizations
- Using sophisticated techniques like spear phishing and malware
- Achieving a notable level of success in compromising high-profile targets
Protecting against DarkHotel attacks
- Regularly update and patch software to fix security vulnerabilities that lure attackers.
- Employ advanced threat detection and response solutions to identify anomalous behavior or suspicious activities.
- Educate employees on the importance of not clicking on suspicious links or opening unknown attachments and the consequences of doing so.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
- Regularly back up important data to restore it in case of a data breach or ransomware attack.
- Collaborate with others to share information about the latest threats and defense strategies.