Under an affiliate model, developers partner with affiliates who are responsible for various tasks or stages of the operation lifecycle, such as distributing the malware, providing initial access to organizations or even target selection and reconnaissance. endstream 12 CFR Part 1002 Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B), January 1, 2018. Accenture Security assesses the group's operations have just begun, and their activity will likely continue to proliferate into the foreseeable future, targeting additional victims. In addition to using valid credentials to log into the VPN directly, the threat group has utilized Cobalt Strike for C2 for backup persistence, if needed. <> The use of legitimate credentials, service creation, remote management software and distribution of command and control (C2) beacons across victim environments using Cobalt Strike are the predominant approaches used by the threat group to further its foothold and maintain persistence. components of the CARES Act that impact consumer rights and protections include: Foreclosure Moratorium and Right to Forbearance. Relaunches itself using the command line parameter go, Deletes itself and its copy using the following command structure where %s is the path to file executable: cmd /c waitfor /t %u pause /d y & attrib -h "%s" & del "%s" & rd "%s", Unpacks an executable in memory and executes it (i.e., the unpacked Hades sample), Deletes shadow copies through vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet, Traverses local directories and network shares looking for files to encrypt and skips files with specified extensions or strings, Adds an extension (different for each sample) to files that it encrypts and drops a ransom note with file name HOW-TO-DECRYPT-[extension].txt, As previously noted, the ransom note includes a URL to a TOR site for ransom instructions, Batch script that leverages wevtutil.exe to clear event logs on impacted hosts, Disabling Anti-Virus (AV) products on endpoints, as well as manually disabling Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) tools and prevention policies through the user interface, Modification of Group Policy Object (GPO) to disable windows audit logging. Our Code is more than just a documentits what we believe, how we live and how we lead. All rights reserved. stream This is a developing story; additional details will be released to the community when available. Please try logging in with your registered email address and password. Access at: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-paves-way-consumers-receive-economic-impact-payments-quicker/. Accenture, the Accenture logo, and other trademarks, service marks, and designs are registered or unregistered trademarks of Accenture and its subsidiaries in the United States and in foreign countries. However, the threat group appears to escalate privileges using the aforementioned techniques and tools only if needed, typically using previously obtained credentials. For all analyzed samples, the ransom notes identified instruct the victim to install Tor browser and visit the specified page. In addition, Accenture Security assesses with moderate-to-high confidence that the threat groups extortion approach includes steps to avoid, as much as possible, drawing attention to its activities. This individual should have extensive complex sales experience. So you will always have lots of learning opportunities (formal and informal) to improve your role-specific skills and expertise. As large-scale events like the global health crisis impacting the, and the global economy evolve, certain actions and outcomes are becoming more likely to occur, including increased requests for consumer support and relief, temporary easing of regulatory and compliance requirements, and new government backed programs to shore-up bank lending capabilities. Accenture is an incredible place to work - and keep learning. The Karakurt group does not appear to focus on a specific industry vertical or size. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Next Post - Turn big challenges into meaningful changeopen for reinvention, Suggested Post - Turn big challenges into meaningful changeopen for reinvention. Account closures typically rise during economic downturns or crisis, either by the consumer or by the financial institution, and often due to non-payment and default. 7 0 obj Patch infrastructure to the highest available level, as threat actors are often better able to exploit older systems with existing vulnerabilities. This is a developing story; additional technical analysis of the intrusion clusters, attacker TTPs and indicators of compromise (IOCs) will be released to the community in a separate blog post. Found a fitting vacancy or role? ]tech registered on, Karakurt known to be operational as early as, First known victim based on Accenture Securitys collection sources and intrusion analysis , First victim revealed on karakurt[. The threat group is financially motivated, opportunistic in nature, and so far, appears to target smaller companies or corporate subsidiaries versus the alternative big game hunting approach. %PDF-1.7 <> It is subject to change. Accenture Security observed the threat group modify its tactics depending on the victim environment, favoring a more living off the land approach and often avoiding the use of common post-exploitation tools like Cobalt Strike. This involves identifying business opportunities, selling concepts to the client where required and influencing the client to give additional business based on demonstrated capability and past performance; Conduct research as well as competitor analysis, delivering client presentations, preparing estimates, proposals and participating in negotiations; Assuring the client of the commitment and driving the delivery process by working collaboratively with delivery management to address all issues that may affect delivery; Work closely with Solutions Architects to build customized solutions and pitches to enhance revenue growth; Build an account plan for the account scope with details of the relationships required, the opportunities to pursue, target revenues, competitor analysis, potential threats and weaknesses that need to be addressed; Pricing decisions within the scope of the Master Services Agreement. Service members have unique protections under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), including members of the National Guard, Reserve, and their families. 0 As mentioned before, it should be noted that the threat actors often operated out of the root of C:\ProgramData where several executables tied to the intrusion set were found. %%EOF <> The opinions, statements, and assessments in this report are solely those of the individual author(s) and do not constitute legal advice, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Accenture, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. Of note, we observed significant effort by the threat group to disable or bypass endpoint defenses, including Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tooling, using both custom tooling and hands on keys approaches. Figure 1. The Account Executive will be expected to build an account plan for area of work together with the Client Account Lead, Technology Account Lead and will be responsible for growth of the technology footprint and client relationship management at existing and new prospects. Latest "News" from Karakurt[.] endobj HQ^z@PiDZ)ED]pV\A@QwO<3gs~z]g>y] u{Z' lZ' 61RN q XZ{ [q XxM 8 27I ,$>`?-6Rg@"_J6]|J+ 4bc e K|8 L q xg.uJ_ ,x}v[K{%Oq xw+@R>` .QJ[}w $uT_* xmn Wq x^gLu id'K]_? The first name is required and cannot be empty, The last name is required and cannot be empty. Preparing to emerge stronger from the pandemic: Practical steps for CROs, Banking, Capital Markets and Insurance Monthly Regulatory Tracker April 2020, Managing liquidity risk: How banking can respond to the global crisis, COVID-19: A longer-term response to credit risk, COVID 19: A near-term response to credit risk, Shifting privacy responsibilities from the second to the first line of defense, LIBOR transition raised as a concern in OCC semiannual perspective, Consumer protection at the U.S. State level, The current state of consumer financial protection, The privacy operating model compliance versus broader transformation, European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), Alternative Reference Rate Committee (ARRC), Turn big challenges into meaningful changeopen for reinvention. There is already a separate, active Accenture Careers account with the same email address as your LinkedIn account email address. One possibility is exploitation of vulnerable VPN devices, but all cases included inconsistent or absent enforcement of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user accounts. If you have an incident or need additional information on ways to prevent, detect, respond to, or recover from, cyberthreats, contact a member of our CIFR team 24/7/365 by phone 888-RISK-411 or email CIFR.hotline@accenture.com. Ensure robust crisis management, incident response and disaster recovery plans are in place in the event of a data breach or ransomware incident. You can then update your LinkedIn sign-in connection through the Edit Profile section. Your email address will not be published. As a result, banks should consider allocating greater effort (e.g., workforce, control monitoring) to high risk areas that are likely to see a spike in volume. With a potential increase in military, national and state guards, banks should be prepared to handle an equal growth in volume of relief requests, such as interest rate reductions and fees, and measure and plan for the short and long-term impacts to their portfolios. Besides our high-profile, challenging projects and our nurturing work environment, we offer excellent employee benefits, including: Hospitalization insurance and extensive group insurance package, Green mobility program: e-bikes, public transport, bike 2 work allowance,, Flexrewards: decide on your rewards package with our flexible benefits tool, Discount program: get discounts at your favorite (online) shops, Are you ready to join Accenturefor a career where you can be yourself and do what you love? to regulations impacted by operationalizing the CARES Act and responding to the current economic environment. Additionally, over the years, many states have adopted their own SCRA versions with provisions to provide additional or alternative protections for state guards and other servicemembers not currently covered by the federal regulation, thus adding a greater level of compliance complexity. 2 0 obj Managing Director Strategy & Consulting. The first name is required and cannot be empty, The last name is required and cannot be empty. Follow us @AccentureSecure on Twitter or visit us at www.accenture.com/security. He is a senior incident response and threat hunt lead on the CIFR team. Employ a strong corporate password policy that includes industry standards for password length, complexity, and expiration dates for both human and non-human accounts. Banksshould rigorously review any temporary or permanent modifications in underwriting criteria as a result of recent events and assess downstream impacts to their portfolios. In addition to a robust password policy, use MFA where possible for authenticating corporate accounts to include remote access mechanisms (e.g., VPNs). The Evolution to GRC 5.0: Achieving Cognitive GRC, Opportunities and challenges for integrating ESG risk into existing frameworks, The importance of building trust in the financial services workplace explained in 6 eye-opening statistics. 1002 0 obj <>stream Please try logging in with your registered email address and password. Secure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections with complex passwords, virtual private networks (VPNs) and Network Level Authentication (NLA), if RDP connections must be used. 9 0 obj The opinions, statements, and assessments in this report are solely those of the individual author(s) and do not constitute legal advice, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Accenture, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. Maintain best practices against ransomware, such as patching, firewalling infection vectors, updating anti-virus software, employing a resilient backup strategy (e.g., 3-2-1, 3-2-2, etc. However, in recent intrusions, the threat group did not deploy backup persistence using Cobalt Strike. Train users of all systems to positively identify and safely handle e-mails that could be part of a phishing campaign. The primary method for initial access into the victims network appears to be internet-facing systems via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or Virtual Private Network (VPN) using legitimate credentials. H.R.748 CARES Act, Congress.gov, March 27, 2020. Lateral Movement How to design a best-in class Issues Management Framework? Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) was also leveraged for host-to-host lateral movement. To shore up their loan portfolios and to provide customers some financial relief to those hardest hit during recent events, banks can look to dust off loan modification programs launched through the Dodd-Frank Act, and used during the 2008 financial crisis (e.g., Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), Cash For Keys program)as credit workout activities to keep consumers in their homes. Further, under the CARES Act, landlords with federally backed mortgages (including bank-owned properties) cannot initiate legal action to recover the property, fees or penalties for 120 days. Great! Subscribe to Accenture's Cyber Defense Blog, Digital Engineering and Manufacturing Jobs, Do Not Sell My Personal Information (for CA), e657ff4838e474653b55367aa9d4a0641b35378e2e379ad0fdd1631b3b763ef0. Impeding defenses was achieved through use of domain administrator credentials and includes the following: Discovery Accenture, the Accenture logo, and other trademarks, service marks, and designs are registered or unregistered trademarks of Accenture and its subsidiaries in the United States and in foreign countries. Given the inherent nature of threat intelligence, the content contained in this alert is based on information gathered and understood at the time of its creation. 5 0 obj x"qDnF6 978 0 obj <> endobj Defense evasion If you suspect any misconduct or unethical behavior, please visit the Accenture Business Ethics Helpline website where you may report your concern. The group was then able to leverage previously obtained user, service, and administrator credentials to move laterally and take action on objectives. This approach enabled it to evade detection and bypass security tools such as common endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions. Access at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/748/text?loclr=bloglaw. This also may explain the relatively low number of known victims since Hades was first identified publicly in December 2020. Download the guidelines that govern our work for the U.S. federal government. 53IHi%J>WmlKJ<=V>~)Tr!~O'J tXO'dv'~L' g^yB|M'_/7a:}NB^@P+ @6l8+$Nt6@M-t;VS\ dRl5f0-" ^XLbKAuNg %A:(^AuDR-qAka$i3Z2gkby>O0Flr8 %1b#p 0b5,C`VqCjt{d7X#kF|cS ]#Opj]2kTCo 4$ Further, banks should conduct rigorous due diligence to identify any companies seeking funding under CARES or any other lending program that is an affiliate of the bank, in order to capture the appropriate compliance and reporting requirements. Contact our recruiters in case of questions, they are here to help and guide you. 6 0 obj All trademarks are properties of their respective owners. hb```"B This is retroactively available to January 31, 2020 for 120 days (or until the end of a national emergency). \;G7cwY"zQ[.=4%GPhfRh,A5E(F,~6J;ZuF0S]LpjFE,l)g9:|O/t*!IA0RPR c2@R@yfw4Cz1K@"!I'$?o3GaJ },7,]/=' =fd`]7c}* P ``?Qx _} Privilege escalation hbbd```b``^"H+$/$K"WTI([nX$Hg6?? % endstream endobj startxref We will discuss your ambitions and past experiences and tell you all you want to know about the role. endobj Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Paves Way for Consumers to Receive Economic Impact Payments Quicker, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, April 13, 2020. We bring security innovation, coupled with global scale and a worldwide delivery capability through our network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Persistence Disable RDP on external-facing devices and restrict workstation-to-workstation RDP connections. The primary method for initial access into victim networks includes internet-facing systems via virtual private network (VPN) using legitimate credentials. In addition, we identified similarities in the Hades ransom notes to those that have been used by REvil ransomware operators, where portions of the ransom notes observed contain identical wording. %PDF-1.7 A previously unconfirmed, financially motivated threat group operating under the self-proclaimed name, Karakurt started ramping up attacks late in the third quarter of 2021 and continued into the fourth quarter. Consider developing continuity of operations plans (COOP) that account for ransomware or wiper attacks that can impact business operations. endobj <> As this is a developing story, additional indicators will be released, when available. Besides the work we do for our clients, were really proud of our vibrant, diverse workplace culture: we believe in openness and honesty, fairness and equality, common sense and realism. In addition to data theft, actors deploy Hades ransomware to encrypt files identified on the victim network. Copyright 2021 Accenture. The information outlined in this blog is based on collection from CIFR incident response engagements, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), and various media reports. Encrypt data-at-rest where possible and protect decryption keys and technology. Our process is short - but thorough - and we'd like to get to know you, and see if we are a great fit. Ensure that a robust crisis management and incident response plan are in place in the event of a high impact intrusion. As such, all information and content set out is provided on an as-is basis without representation or warranty and the reader is responsible for determining whether or not to follow any of the suggestions, recommendations or potential mitigations set out in this report, entirely at their own discretion. If we are all happy to proceed after the interviews, we'd like to make you an offer to join Accenture. 4 0 obj Ordered by potential impact, below are related regulatory and other considerations: While not a comprehensive list of all the potential impacts and regulatory considerations arising from the promulgation of the CARES Act or socio-economic behavior changes as a result of recent events, these areas represent heighted risks banks should consider when managing, monitoring, and assessing risk and compliance across their functions. Accenture Security first observed Karakurt intrusion clusters in September 2021, when multiple sightings occurred within a short timeframe. As the government rolls out the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which has many implications, including providing small businesses funding to maintain employee payroll and temporary protections for homeowners under financial hardship, banks should be looking at processes, risks and controls related. Jeff has 20 years of IT experience with a focus on infosec. Deploy EDR across the environment, targeting at least 90% coverage of endpoint and workload visibility. Figure 5 includes the known impacted industry verticals to date, based on Accenture Securitys collection sources. This will navigate you to Accenture.com Sign In page. endobj Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) employed to compromise a victim network, escalate privileges, move laterally, evade defenses, exfiltrate data and deploy Hades ransomware are. The reproduction and distribution of this material is forbidden without express written permission from Accenture. You can then update your LinkedIn sign-in connection through the Edit Profile section. Based on intrusion analysis to date, the threat group focuses solely on data exfiltration and subsequent extortion, rather than the more destructive ransomware deployment. Actions taken by the bank to close a customers account during a widespread economic downturn to pursue property (e.g., foreclosure, repossession) should be made with the utmost care, as reputation risks are heightened and repercussions (both regulatory and socially) can be extremely damaging. <> This will navigate you to Accenture.com Sign In page. 3 0 obj 1 0 obj Employ robust and routine user-awareness and training regimens for users of all systems. , We are publishing indicators to help organizations identify both the Unknown Threat Groups TTPs and the Hades Ransomware variant itself. Its our way of putting integrity into actionevery one of us, in every moment, every day. Specifically, banks would be well advised to review their Truth in Lending Act (TILA) (Reg Z) and Unfair, Deceptive, and Abusive Acts and Practices (UDAAP) program controls to assess whether customer facing materials such as marketing campaigns and disclosures properly reflect modified terms, and functions like customer care centers are properly educated on the eligibility and compliance requirements. All trademarks are properties of their respective owners. Consider deploying Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) across the environment, targeting at least 90% endpoint and workload visibility. Download the conduct guidelines for our suppliers who support our work for the U.S. federal government. endobj COVID-19 Will Apparently Not Delay CCPA Enforcement, The National Law Review, March 26, 2020. As large-scale events like the global health crisis impacting theUnited Statesand the global economy evolve, certain actions and outcomes are becoming more likely to occur, including increased requests for consumer support and relief, temporary easing of regulatory and compliance requirements, and new government backed programs to shore-up bank lending capabilities. The use of legitimate credentials, service creation, and distribution of Command and Control (C2) beacons across victim environments through the use of Cobalt Strike and Empire, so far appear to be the predominant approach used by the unknown threat group to further their foothold and maintain persistence. 6Pz0iRYH2SKF3$Aw^wM}3x3nTHTqI )tpXQ"0H1@j & 9S %Om(`Q>/w4c:(p>9qSG&~"Sgvq!WykQs9OZ)7BiV_?G3c~v0e &&A4&a
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