Technology

Surge in “Hunter-killer” Malware Uncovered by Picus Security

Published

11 months ago

February 13, 2024

The Picus Red Report 2024 reveals 333% increase in malware that targets and disables security controls

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Picus Security, the Security Validation company, has released the Picus Red Report 2024. This fourth annual report shares learnings from an in-depth analysis of more than 600,000 real-world malware samples and identifies the most common techniques leveraged by attackers. This year, Picus uncovered a surge of “Hunter-killer” malware from the research findings, demonstrating a drastic shift in adversaries’ ability to identify and neutralize advanced enterprise defenses such as next-gen firewalls, antivirus, and EDR. According to the report, there was a 333% increase in malware that can actively target defensive systems in an attempt to disable them.

“We are witnessing a surge in ultra-evasive, highly aggressive malware which shares the characteristics of hunter-killer submarines,” said Dr. Suleyman Ozarslan, Picus Security Co-founder and VP of Picus Labs. “Just as these subs move silently through deep waters and launch devastating attacks to defeat their targets’ defenses, new malware is designed to not only evade security tools but actively bring them down. We believe cybercriminals are changing tact in response to the security of average businesses being much-improved, and widely used tools offering far more advanced capabilities to detect threats. A year ago, it was relatively rare for adversaries to disable security controls. Now, this behavior is seen in a quarter of malware samples and is used by virtually every ransomware group and APT group.”

The Red Report helps security teams better understand and battle cyber attacks by identifying the Top 10 most prevalent MITRE ATT&CK techniques exhibited by the latest malware. Its insights help prioritize defensive actions against commonly used techniques. Additional key findings include:

Evolving tactics challenge detection and response: 70% of malware analyzed now employ stealth-oriented techniques by attackers, particularly those that facilitate evading security measures and maintaining persistence in networks.Invisibility at the forefront of evasion: There was a 150% increase in the use of T1027 Obfuscated Files or Information. This highlights a trend toward hindering the effectiveness of security solutions and obfuscating malicious activities to complicate the detection of attacks, forensic analysis, and incident response efforts. The ransomware saga continues: There was a 176% increase in the use of T1071 Application Layer Protocol, which are being strategically deployed for data exfiltration as part of sophisticated double extortion schemes.

To combat Hunter-killer malware and stay ahead of 2024 malware trends, Picus is urging organizations to embrace machine learning, protect user credentials, and consistently validate their defenses against the latest tactics and techniques used by cybercriminals.

“It can be incredibly difficult to detect if an attack has disabled or reconfigured security tools, because they may still appear to be working as expected,” said Huseyin Can YUCEEL, Security Research Lead at Picus Security. “Preventing attacks that would otherwise operate under the radar requires the use of multiple security controls with a defense-in-depth approach. Security validation must be a starting point for organizations to better understand their readiness and identify gaps. Unless an organization is proactively simulating attacks to assess the response of its EDR, XDR, SIEM, and other defensive systems that may be weakened or eliminated by Hunter-killer malware, they will not know they are down until it is too late.”

For more information:

Download the Picus Red Report 2024 Read the Red Report 2024 blog

Methodology

Between January 2023 and December 2023, Picus Labs, the research unit of Picus Security, analyzed 667,401 unique files, with 612,080 (92%) categorized as malicious. Sources of these files include but are not limited to commercial and open-source threat intelligence services, security vendors and researchers, malware sandboxes, malware databases, and forums. From these files, a total of 7,754,801 actions were extracted, an average of 13 malicious actions per malware. These actions were then mapped to 7,015,759 MITRE ATT&CK techniques, an average of 11 techniques per malware.

To compile the Picus Red Report 2024 Top Ten, Picus Labs researchers determined the number of malicious files that used each technique. They then calculated the percentage of malware in the dataset that utilized that technique. For example, the T1055 Process Injection technique was used in 195,044 (32%) of the 612,080 malicious files analyzed.

About Picus Security

Picus Security helps security teams consistently and accurately validate their security posture. Our Security Validation Platform simulates real-world threats to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls, identify high-risk attack paths to critical assets, and optimize threat prevention and detection capabilities.

As the pioneer of Breach and Attack Simulation, we specialize in delivering the actionable insights our customers need to be threat-centric and proactive.

Picus has been named a ‘Cool Vendor’ by Gartner and is recognized by Frost & Sullivan as a leader in the Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) market.

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Technology

Haivision to Announce Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year Ended October 31, 2024

Published

49 minutes ago

December 26, 2024

MONTREAL, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Haivision Systems Inc. (“Haivision”) (TSX: HAI), a leading global provider of mission critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, plans to announce financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended October 31, 2024 after markets close on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Haivision’s management team will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter and full year results at 5:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday January 15, 2025.

To register for this conference call, please use this link: https://registrations.events/direct/Q4I334142. After registering, a confirmation will be sent through email, including dial in details and unique conference call codes for entry. Registration is open through the live call, to ensure you are connected for the full call we suggest registering a day in advance or at minimum 10 minutes before the start of the call. Alternatively, you can access the webcast through this link https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/867568591.

A replay of the Conference Call will be available approximately two hours following the completion of the call. The same registration link will be live for participants to receive a unique access code and dial-in number to listen to the playback.

About Haivision

Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision making. We provide high quality, low latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open sourced its award-winning SRT low latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded an Emmy® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. To learn more, visit Haivision www.haivision.com.

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SOURCE Haivision Systems Inc.

Technology

365 Retail Markets Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Hires

Published

3 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Announcement Comes as Two Long-Time Executives Retire

TROY, Mich., Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 365 Retail Markets, the global leader in unattended retail technologies, today announced the appointment of Anton Rakushkin as Chief Technology Officer and Bill Reidy as VP of Sales for North America. These strategic hires come as two long-time leaders, Joe Rogan and John Chidiac, retire after years of dedicated service to the company.

365 Retail Markets announces the appointment of Anton Rakushkin as CTO and Bill Reidy as VP of Sales- North America.

Rakushkin comes to 365 with twenty years of experience in retail technology including time with Streamware Corporation and Crane Connectivity Solutions. He holds impressive accomplishments in the areas of vending management, including the architecture of Vendmax, an extensively used VMS system across the industry. His achievements also include innovations around data exchange and tools for operator success such as industry-first pre-kit and dynamic scheduling features. Rakushkin has had notable success working closely with both customers and other solution providers to create widely adopted industry standards.

“I am excited to bring my experience to the world-class team at 365 and look forward to elevating their impressive accomplishments across the industry as well as extending that success to more opportunities. By understanding customer needs and providing solutions that will drive the industry forward, we will accomplish great things,” said Rakushkin.

Reidy joins 365 Retail Markets with over thirty years of experience in sales leadership and executive management. Throughout his career, he has successfully developed and grown businesses across various verticals and industries. Reidy has cultivated a deep understanding of the SaaS industry by advancing through prominent firms, including well-known players in the automotive technology space, such as KPA, Netsertive, and DealerMatch. During his time at vAuto, he designed highly effective sales and operations management processes and built a renowned national sales team.

When asked about his optimism around 365’s growth potential, Reidy noted, “I’m fortunate to be joining a well-established team at 365 Retail Markets, and I believe that through coaching and establishing the right processes, we can expand our opportunities immensely. I am looking forward to elevating the reach and success of this organization through the help of a world-class sales team.”

Joe Hessling, CEO at 365 Retail Markets, expressed his excitement about the leadership additions. “Bringing experts like Anton and Bill onto the team is essential to keep up with the intense growth we are seeing in our unattended retail business. We have heard for years that the market is tired of the lack of investment by the legacy VMS providers and the lack of consumer-focused features from the me-too payment terminal providers. Anton and Bill will be focused on being sure 365 remains the global leader for decades to come.”

Joe Rogan retires after 10 years with 365. While currently serving as Chief Strategy Officer, he has previously served as Chief Financial Officer and an early advisor and Board Member helping define nearly every successful initiative in the company’s history. Joe will be missed greatly by his industry colleagues and friends at 365 but will remain in an advisory role in his retirement.

John Chidiac’s decade of service to 365 comes with many accomplishments in roles as Chief Operating Officer and later as President of International, spearheading international growth. His dedication to 365 has positioned the long-term success internationally and his relationships with many in the industry has gained him immense respect among his peers and colleagues.

Hessling acknowledged their contributions, stating, “I would like to thank both Joe and John for helping me turn 365 into what it is today. Taking the leap to join over 10 years ago was a risk neither had to take and their impact on 365, me, and the industry has been something that most don’t ever get the chance to do in their careers. I will miss working with them both but am happy for them in their next stage of life.”

Both retirements are effective December 31, 2024 and 365 Retail Markets thanks both individuals for their incredible dedication and commitment to the organization and industry.

CONTACT:
Navreet Gill
VP of Marketing & Communications, 365 Retail Markets
navreet.gill@365smartshop.com

About 365 Retail Markets
365 Retail Markets is the global leader in unattended retail technology. Founded in 2008, 365 provides a full suite of best-in-class, self-service technologies for food service operators including end-to-end integrated SaaS software, payment processing and point of-sale hardware. Today, the company’s technology solutions autonomously power food retail spaces at corporate offices, manufacturing and distribution facilities, hospitality settings and more, in order to provide compelling foodservice options for consumers. 365’s technology solutions include a growing suite of frictionless smart stores, micro markets, vending, catering, and dining point-of-sale options to meet the expanding needs of its customers. 365 continuously pioneers innovation in the industry with superior technology, strategic partnerships and ultimate flexibility in customization and branding.

For more information about 365 Retail Markets, visit www.365retailmarkets.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE 365 Retail Markets, LLC

Technology

The Inner Circle acknowledges, Tane Remington as a Pinnacle Professional Member

Published

3 hours ago

December 26, 2024

LIVERMORE, Calif., Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Tane Remington is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions at the Forefront of Innovation in Physics & Engineering.

Dr. Tane Remington, a trailblazer in the fields of physics, engineering, and materials science, continues to drive forward technological innovation as the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Maelstrom Water Technologies. With a profound commitment to advancing environmental sustainability through cutting-edge research and development, Dr. Remington has established herself as a visionary leader in the industry.

Dr. Remington’s journey into the realm of scientific discovery began with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, laying a solid foundation for her academic pursuits at Swarthmore College. At the University of California, San Diego. Here, she earned a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering, followed by a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, completing her education in 2015. Her academic achievements underscore her deep expertise and dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.

Throughout her illustrious career spanning over a decade, Dr. Remington has amassed multiple pending patents and has actively contributed to pioneering research initiatives. Her seminal works, including groundbreaking articles on Numerical Simulations of Laboratory-Scale Hypervelocity-Impact Experiments for Asteroid-Deflection Code Validation and Deformation and failure in extreme regimes by high-energy pulsed lasers, highlight her pivotal role in advancing the frontiers of science and technology.

An active member of the American Physical Society, Dr. Remington remains committed to fostering collaborative partnerships and driving impactful change within her field. Her contributions have not only garnered acclaim but have also set new standards for innovation and excellence in physics and engineering.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Remington attributes much of her success to the support of her family and peers, expressing gratitude to “all the dreamers” who have inspired and motivated her throughout her journey.

Looking ahead, Dr. Remington envisions a future marked by continued growth and success in her pursuit of environmental sustainability through technological advancement. Her unwavering commitment to innovation and scientific inquiry positions her as a catalyst for positive change in the global landscape of physics and engineering.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

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SOURCE The Inner Circle