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Every year, computers and gadgets around the world are compromised with the help of automated hacking tools. Most attacks are carried out by hacker groups who rely heavily on Malware as a Service (MaaS) networks.
So what is MaaS? How do hackers distribute malware? And how do you protect yourself from malware?
Malware as a service explained
Just as big tech organizations like Microsoft, Google, and Oracle have evolved over the years to provide cloud-based subscription-based services, the hacker underworld now offers similar subscription models.
Malware-as-a-Service platforms, in particular, offer malware rental services that allow anyone with an Internet connection to access customized malware solutions. Most of the apps are cloud-based and don’t require installation.
Some of the MaaS services even offer money back guarantees while others operate using commission-based models in which a portion of the funds obtained through hack campaigns are kept by the administrators of the platform.
Breaking down MaaS networks
MaaS networks typically operate on a model made up of three key groups.
The first and most important are the programmers who are responsible for developing the malware kits.
The second group is made up of distributors. They specialize in identifying common vulnerabilities in computer systems that allow the injection of malware during virus distribution campaigns.
The third group is that of administrators. They oversee the day-to-day operation of the network to make sure everything is running smoothly. They also receive ransom commissions during campaigns and ensure that all participants follow house rules and regulations.
That said, a large portion of MaaS networks are subscriber-based. Payments are typically made in privacy-focused cryptocurrencies such as Monero. These advances in money transfer have emboldened cybercriminals as payments are harder to trace.
The scalability of MaaS operations also makes them formidable.
Among the most notable cybersecurity attacks launched by MaaS syndicates is the infamous cryptoworm ransomware WannaCry. It infected over 200,000 computers in 2017. Originally developed by the US National Security Agency (NSA), it was personalized and leased to hackers by a group known as Shadow Brokers.
The malware was used to cripple the systems of Deutsche Bahn AG, England’s National Health Service, and FedEx, the international courier company.
Common ways of distributing malware as a service
Here are some of the most common malware distribution methods used by MaaS platforms.
1. Messaging systems
A significant number of these services rely on email systems to undermine vulnerable systems. They send emails to unsuspecting targets who have embedded links leading to malicious websites.
In the event that a victim clicks on the link, the chain of infection will start. Typically, malware begins by writing firewall exceptions and setting up obfuscation processes before scanning the computer for vulnerabilities. The main objective is usually to corrupt the primary sectors of the processor.
After the initial infection is successful, additional malware may be downloaded to the system. The infected device may also be connected to a botnet controlled by MaaS.
2. Malicious advertising
Malicious advertising relies on ad networks to spread worms and involves embedding malicious code in advertisements. The malware infection sequence is triggered each time the ad is viewed using a vulnerable device.
The malware is usually hosted on a remote server and configured to exploit key browser elements such as Adobe Flash Player and JavaScript.
Malicious ad campaigns are generally difficult to curb, as ad networks rely heavily on automation to serve thousands of ads at once.
In addition, the advertisements displayed are exchanged every few minutes. This makes it difficult to discern the exact ad that is causing the problems. This weakness is one of the main reasons why malicious ad campaigns are favored by MaaS networks.
3. Torrent files
Torrent sites are increasingly used by hackers to distribute malware. Hackers usually download corrupted versions of popular movies and games from torrent sites for malware campaign purposes.
The trend increased at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in increased downloads. A significant number of files hosted on the sites were found to be bundled with cryptocurrency miners, ransomware and other types of malicious applications designed to compromise system security.
How to avoid falling victim to MaaS attacks
MaaS networks use common methods of malware infection to implant malicious code. Here are the standard precautionary measures used to thwart their attacks.
1. Install reputable antivirus
Antivirus software is a formidable first line of defense in Internet security because it detects worms before they cause major damage.
Top rated antivirus suites include Avast, ESET, Kaspersky, Malwarebytes, and Sophos.
2. Avoid using torrent sites
The other precautionary measure to take in order to avoid MaaS attacks is to avoid downloading files from torrent sites. Indeed, a large number of files hosted on the sites contain malware. The lack of file integrity checks makes torrent sites prime distribution centers for viruses.
Additionally, some torrent sites openly mine cryptocurrency using visitors’ machines by taking advantage of browser loopholes.
3. Do not open emails from unknown senders
It is always important to avoid opening emails from unknown sources. This is because MaaS organizations regularly send emails to targets that include links to malware-laden sites. Websites are typically designed to probe visitors’ browsers for vulnerabilities and trigger intrusion attacks.
If you are unsure of the integrity of a linked site, disabling certain browser elements such as JavaScript and Adobe Flash Player will help thwart associated attacks, but the best advice is not to click on it at all. .
4. Use a secure operating system
Using a secure operating system in a conventional manner helps mitigate malware attacks. Many of them are simply more secure than Windows because they are less popular and therefore hackers spend less resources finding their vulnerabilities.
The most secure operating systems by design include Qubes, TAILS, OpenBSD, and Whonix. Many of them include enhanced data privacy and virtualization features.
All is not lost
As malware-as-a-service networks grow, law enforcement agencies have gone to great lengths to eliminate them. These counter-strategies consist in particular in subscribing to them in order to disentangle the operation of their hacking tools in order to disrupt them.
Antivirus companies and cybersecurity researchers sometimes also use MaaS to provide prevention solutions.
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