Chinese Clandestine APT41 Group Activities

Sakshi Ankush Dhanawade

Intern, Policy and Advocacy

PUBLISHED ON

Aug 2, 2023

Introduction

A famous quote, “Half knowledge is always dangerous”, but “Too much knowledge of anything can lead to destruction”. Recently very infamous spyware and malware named WyrmSpy and Dragon Egg were invented by a Chinese group of hackers APT41. The APT41 is a state-endorsed Clandstein active group based in the People’s Republic of China that has been active since 2012. In contrast to numerous countries-government supported, APT has a footprint record jeopardising both government organisations for clandestine activities as well as different private organisations or enterprises for their financial gain. APT41 group aims at Android devices through spyware wyrmspy and dragon egg, which masquerades as a legitimate application. According to the U.S. jury legal accusation from 2019 to 2020, the group was entangled in threatening over more than 100 public and private individuals and organisations in the United States and around the world.Moreover, a detailed analysis report was shared by the Lookout Threat Researchers, that has been actively monitoring and tracking both spyware and malware.

Briefing about how spyware attacks on Android devices take place

To begin with, this malware imitates a real source Android application to show some sort of notification. Once it is successfully installed on the user’s machine, proclaims multiple device’s permission to enable data filtration.

Wyrmspy complies with log files, photos, device locations, SMS(read and write), and audio recordings. It has also authenticated that there are no detection malware activities found on google play even after running multiple security levels. These malicious things are made with the intent to obtain rooting access privileges to the device and monitor activities to the specified commands received from the C2 servers.

Similarly, Dragon Egg can collect data files, contacts, locations, and audio recordings, and it also accesses camera photos once it successfully trade-off the device. Dragon egg receives a payload that is also known as “smallmload.jar”, which is either from APK(Android Packet Kit).

WyrmSpy initially masquerades as a default operation system application, and Dragon Egg simulates a third-party keyboard/ messaging application.

Overview of APT41 Chinese group background

APT41 is a Chinese-based stealth activity-carrying group that is said to be active since mid-2006. Rumours about APT41 that it was also a part of the 2nd Bureau of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Staff Department’s (GSD) 3rd Department. Owning to that fact, 2006 has seen 140+ organisations’ security getting compromised, ranging from 20 strategically crucial companies.APT is also recognised for rationally plundering hundreds of terabytes of data from at least 141 organisations between 2006 and 2013. It typically begins with spear-phishing emails to the targeted victims. These sent emails contain official templates along with language pretending to be from a legitimate real source, carrying a malicious attachment. As the victim opens the attached file, the backdoor bestows the control of the targeted machine to the APT groups machine. Once there is an unauthorised gain of access, the attacker visits and revisits the victim’s machine. The group remains dormant for lengthy durations, more likely for months or even for years.

Advisory points need to adhere to while using Android devices

The security patch update is necessary at least once a week
Clearing up unwanted junk files.
Cache files of every frequently used application need to clear out.
Install only required applications from
Google play store.
Download only necessary APK files only it comes from trusted resources.
Before giving device permission, it is advisable to run your files or URLs on VirusTotal.com this website will give a good closure to the malicious intent.
Install good antivirus software.
Individuals need to check the source of the email before opening an attachment to it.
Never collect or add any randomly found device to your system
Moreover, the user needs to keep track of their device activity. Rather than using devices just for entertainment purposes, it is more important to look for data protection on that device.

Conclusion

Network Crack Program Hacker Group (NCPH), which grew as an APT41 group with malicious intent, earlier performed the role of grey hat hacker, this group somehow grew up greedy to enhance more money laundering by hacking networks, devices, etc. As this group conducts a supply chain of attacks to gain unauthorised access to the network throughout the world, targeting hundreds of companies, including an extensive selection of industries such as social media, telecommunications, government, defence, education, and manufacturing. Last but not least, many more fraud-making groups with malicious intent will be forming and implementing in the future. It is on individuals and organisations to secure themselves but practise basic security levels to safeguard themselves against such threats and attacks.

PUBLISHED ON

Aug 2, 2023

Related Blogs

Netflix Scams and How to Protect Yourself

December 24, 2024

Introduction

Netflix is no stranger to its subscribers being targeted by SMS and email-led phishing campaigns. But the most recent campaign has been deployed at a global scale, affecting paid users in as many as 23 countries according to cybersecurity firm Bitdefender. In this particular campaign, attackers are using the carrot-and-stick tactic of either creating a false sense of urgency or promising rewards to steal financial information and Netflix credentials. For example, users may be contacted via SMS and told that their account is being suspended due to payment failures. A fake website may be shared through a link, encouraging the individual to share sensitive information to restore their account. Once this information has been input, it is now accessible to the attackers. This can create significant stress and even financial loss for its users. Thus, they are encouraged to develop the necessary skills to recognize and respond to these threats effectively.

How The Netflix Scam Works

Users are typically contacted through SMS. Bitdefender reports that these messages may look something like this:

"NETFLIX: There was an issue processing your payment. To keep your services active, please sign in and confirm your details at: https://account-details[.]com"

On clicking the link, the victim is directed to a website designed to mimic an authentic user experience interface, containing Netflix’s logo, color scheme, and grammatically-correct text. The website uses this interface to encourage the victim to divulge sensitive personal information, such as account credentials and payment details. Since this is a phishing website, the user’s personal information becomes accessible to the attacker as soon as it is entered. This information is then sold individually or in bundles on the dark web.

Practical Steps to Stay Safe

Know Netflix’s Customer Interface: According to Netflix, it will never ask users to share personal information including credit or debit card numbers, bank account details, and Netflix passwords. It will also never ask for payment through a third-party vendor or website.
Verify Authenticity: Do not open links from unknown sources sent by email or sms. If unsure, access Netflix directly by typing the URL into the browser instead of clicking on links in emails or texts. If the link has been opened, do not enter any information.
Use Netflix’s Official Support Channels: Confirm any suspicious communication through Netflix’s verified help page or app. Write to phishing@netflix.com with any complaints about such an issue.
Contact Your Financial Institution: If you have entered your personal information into a phishing website, you should immediately reach out to your bank to block your card and change your Netflix password. Contact the authorities via www.cybercrime.gov.in or by calling the helpline at 1930 in case of loss of funds.
Use Strong Passwords and Enable MFA/2FA: Users are advised to use a unique, strong password with multiple characters. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication or Two Factor Authentication to your accounts, if available, to add an extra level of security.

Conclusion

Phishing campaigns which are designed to gather customer data through fraudulent means often involve sending links to as many users as possible, with the aim of monetizing stolen information. Attackers exploit user trust in online platforms to steal sensitive personal information, making such campaigns more sophisticated as highlighted above. This underscores the need for users of online platforms to practice good cyber hygiene by verifying information, learning to detect suspicious information and ignoring it, and staying aware of the types of online fraud they may be exposed to.

Sources

https://www.bitdefender.com/en-gb/blog/hotforsecurity/netflix-scam-stay-safe
https://help.netflix.com/en/node/65674
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/netflix-users-beware-this-netflix-subscription-scam-is-active-in-23-countries-how-to-spot-one-and-stay-safe/articleshow/115820070.cms

The Murky Illusion: Online Gambling and Cyber-Security Issues

February 28, 2024

Introduction

As the world is being "Digitally Interlaced", cyber security has become a continuous wrangle. The “Gambling industry” is considered an incredibly lucrative mark for cybercriminals, principally due to the enormous quantities of cash on hand and the sensitive details it processes day to day. Cybercriminals may use susceptibilities in gambling scaffolds to achieve financial scams or launder unlawful funds. An analysis by Security Scorecard discovered that the online gambling industry was ranked third in the possibility of encountering a cyber attack, following the energy and financial services sectors. Similarly, Online gambling is a bending matter that demands meticulous contemplation by policymakers and nationals. The incredible rise of online gambling has led to a terse acclivity in unlawful activities such as online scams, fraud, etc. Also, online sports gambling has become a thriving endeavour in contemporary years as millions of people are putting stakes and gambles on their electronic devices.

The Challenges

Online gambling has thus become a widespread frolicking for numerous youngsters, with the industry tossed to be worth billions of dollars in the forthcoming decades. The prominent cyber security challenges in the gambling industry are money laundering, financial laundering, ransomware, personal information theft, data breaches, distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), system disruptions and Insider perils and employee malfeasance. Challenges of online gambling also include being properly not regulated and a lack of social interaction with near and dear ones. The spread of Internet gambling has presented many problems affecting consumer behaviour online, motivations to gamble, problem gambling, security of websites, and the righteousness and virtue of the games. The rise of online gambling among young people due to the lack of clear regulations has likewise produced an abundant backdrop for financial ruination.

Web games and betting are among the fastest-evolving areas of the Internet. Over the past several years, there has been an international flare-up in online gambling, permitting customers to play from the convenience of home, work, and public locations. Numerous offshore betting websites and apps usually permit parties to win in the start with sound returns, whereas after the user gets addicted and invests considerable sums, they either keep failing or have the website refuse to cash out the winnings. Also, the information demonstrates that online games have been employed to commit wrongdoings (Child sexual exploitive material, religious conversion, cyberbullying, fraud, betting in virtual online casinos, etc.)

India's laws and regulations surrounding online gambling are complex and constantly evolving. While the legal framework is not entirely clear, a few state in India have their own set of rules.

Recently In April 2023, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (“MeitY”), by virtue of the rule-making powers available to the central government under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (“IT Act 2000”), implemented a new central legal framework for online gaming through amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (“IT Rules 2021”). These amendments (“Online Gaming Rules”) propose a light-touch, co-regulatory regime whereby MeitY-recognised, independent self-regulatory bodies (“SRB”) will verify whether an “online real-money game” is to be made available to the general public or not – in accordance with the baseline criteria prescribed by the Online Gaming Rules.

The Online Gaming Rules attempt to regulate online gaming platforms by treating them as an “online gaming intermediary” (“OGI”) and prescribing intermediary due diligence obligations for them under the IT Rules 2021. An OGI has been defined in the Online Gaming Rules as “any intermediary that enables the users of its computer resource to access one or more online games”. Under the Online Gaming Rules, an online game can be a “permissible online game” if (i) it is not an online real-money game, or (ii) it is an online real-money game but is “verified” by an SRB in accordance with the baseline criteria prescribed by the Online Gaming Rules and any additional criteria prescribed by the SRB itself.

Global Perspective

The global gaming industry worth over US$227 billion in 2022 is further projected to grow to US$312 billion by 2027. Several countries have set regulatory frameworks about online gaming, though these are skewed, concentrating mainly on gambling and circumventing numerous of the more typical cyber threats. The US spends about $60 billion annually on online gambling and sports betting. In Europe, gambling is an even larger moneymaker. Also, numerous countries in Europe, like the UK, have legalised gambling. Nevertheless, it is prohibited for a US based company to operate an online gambling site. Yet, sports betting online is permitted in some states.

Today, though the gaming market has been overpowered by China and the US, future growth in the sector is anticipated to come from emerging economies like India with increasing populations. The permitted status of online gambling in India is nonetheless imprecise, vamoosing space for exploitation by cyber criminals and disarray for players involved. One of the climactic points that ought to be addressed is the sudden upsurge of online games, which increases gambling. Skill-based games such as poker, rummy etc., have additionally been developed to circumvent the legal definition of gambling in India. The recent instances of the online gaming industry not being properly regulated have also come to light in India. For instance, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is still investigating the vast Mahadev Online Betting scandal, exposing an unknown money laundering method using Unified Payment Interface (UPI) IDs. Also, the Cyber Cell in Agra has taken proactive action against copyright violations, illegal online gambling and betting activities, shutting down 27 Illegal cricket betting sites in major operations, safeguarding several lakhs of Indians with thousands of crores from being transferred to overseas shores principally China.

Consequently, though India has announced new regulations on online gaming, its contemporary policy framework cannot contend with the problems endangering this sector. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 makes it unlawful to use a public gambling house or to be seen in one. Nevertheless, the act does not explicitly cite online gambling, leading to further interpretation. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has released a further awareness campaign for offshore illegal gambling apps, notifying users to be mindful of foreign apps as they may be fraudulent and might induce monetary damage to the user. Also, state laws control gambling in India with each state having its own directive on the subject. Yet, the Supreme Court of India has maintained that skilled games are not gambling and are thus legal. Furthermore, the Information Technology (IT) Act, of 2000 does not precisely handle online gambling or games that enable gambling.

Today, developers have strived for new ways to monetise the growing popularity of online gaming, which oversaw the creation of in-game currencies that can be bought using actual money, usually through credit cards. Several nations have prohibited the usage of in-game currency and loot boxes, considering them a kind of online gambling. The in-game currency has thus caused much disagreement about becoming a state of hunting monetisation by developers, especially targeting minor or newbie players. The gambling industry, therefore, faces unique cybersecurity challenges that require a comprehensive and proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Conclusion

Presently, there are approximately 3.09 billion active video game players worldwide, and the number is expected to reach 3.32 billion by 2024 as of 2023. In the contemporary digital era, information is priceless, and encryption acts as a necessary means to safeguard it. Thus, Regulators are working to maintain the swiftness of shift in the industry, as the dearth of transparency in the law has made it challenging to implement regulations. There is also less awareness about cyber security in India due to the following grounds such as the lack of ethical hackers in the country, companies in India lacking focus on cyber security and hiring a team of ethical hackers and cyber security experts. Furthermore, there has been a lack of knowledge among the citizens as well.

It is essential to realise the conceivable social and economic consequences and take measures to handle the online gambling industry. The industry has thus been undersized in the mode of research following online crime and Internet gambling, even though it is an acute emphasis. There is also a pressing necessity to rebuild these regulations to tackle the more unbridled cyber security hazards swarming the gaming industry. Similarly, there is an urgent need for governments and policymakers around the world to start paying more attention to the gaming industry as cyber security threats continue to rise. There should be a further need to strengthen the regulatory framework, establish Self Regulatory Organizations (SROs), create ethical gaming designs and increase awareness among gamers. The Government of India should consider devising its own rating system to rate games so that players under 18 cannot access them.

Eventually, cyber security is a shared commitment, and everyone in the online gambling ecosystem must function jointly to provide a secure and safe setting for all.

References:

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Endorsements Know-hows!

New Guidelines for Social Media Influencers: Ensuring Transparency in the Digital Age of Endorsements.

January 30, 2023

Introduction

Social media is the new platform for free speech and expressing one’s opinions. The latest news breaks out on social media and is often used by political parties to propagate their parties during the elections. Hashtag (#)is the new weapon, a powerful hashtag that goes a long way in making an impact in society that so at a global level. Various hashtags have gained popularity in the last years, such as – #blacklivesmatter, #metoo, #pride, #cybersecurity, and many more, which were influential in spreading awareness among the people regarding various social issues and taboos, which then were removed from multiple cultures. Social media is strengthened by social media influencers who are famous personalities with a massive following as they create regular content that the users consume and share with their friends. Social media is all about the message and its speed, and hence issues like misinformation and disinformation are widespread on nearly all social media platforms, so the influencers play a keen role in making sure the content on social media is in compliance with its community and privacy guidelines.

The Know-How

The Department of Consumer Affairs under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution released a guide, ‘Endorsements Know-hows!’ for celebrities, influencers, and virtual influencers on social media platforms, The guide aims to ensure that individuals do not mislead their audiences when endorsing products or services and that they are in compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and any associated rules or guidelines. Advertisements are no longer limited to traditional media like print, television, or radio, with the increasing reach of digital platforms and social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, there has been a rise in the influence of virtual influencers, celebrities, and social media influencers. This has led to an increased risk of consumers being misled by advertisements and unfair trade practices by these individuals on social media platforms. Endorsements must be made in simple, clear language, and terms such as “advertisement,” “sponsored,” or “paid promotion” can be used. They should not endorse any product or service and service in which they have done due diligence or that they have not personally used or experienced. The Act established guidelines for protecting consumers from unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements. The Department of Consumer Affairs published Guidelines for prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022, on 9th June 2022. These guidelines outline the criteria for valid advertisements and the responsibilities of manufacturers, service providers, advertisers, and advertising agencies. These guidelines also touched upon celebrities and endorsers. It states that misleading advertisements in any form, format, or medium are prohibited by law.

The guidelines apply to social media influencers as well as virtual avatars promoting products and services online. The disclosures should be easy to notice in post descriptions, where you can usually find hashtags or links. It should also be prominent enough to be noticeable in the content,

Changes Expected

The new guidelines will bring about uniformity in social media content in respect of privacy and the opinions of different people. The primary issue being addressed is misinformation, which was at its peak during the Covid-19 pandemic and impacted millions of people worldwide. The aspect of digital literacy and digital etiquette is a fundamental art of social media ethics, and hence social media influencers and celebrities can go a long way in spreading awareness about the same among common people and regular social media users. The increasing threats of cybercrimes and various exploitations over cyberspace can be eradicated with the help of efficient awareness and education among the youth and the vulnerable population, and the influencers can easily do the same, so its time that the influencers understand their responsibility of leading the masses online and create a healthy secure cyber ecosystem. Failing to follow the guidelines will make social media influencers liable for a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. In the case of repeated offenders, the penalty can go up to Rs 50 lakh.

Conclusion

The size of the social media influencer market in India in 2022 was $157 million. It could reach as much as $345 million by 2025. Indian advertising industry’s self-regulatory body Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), shared that Influencer violations comprise almost 30% of ads taken up by ASCI, hence this legal backing for disclosure requirements is a welcome step. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs had been in touch with ASCI to review the various global guidelines on influencers. The social media guidelines from Clairfirnia and San Fransisco share the same basis, and hence guidelines inspired by different countries will allow the user and the influencer to understand the global perspective and work towards securing the bigger picture. As we know that cyberspace has no geographical boundaries and limitations; hence now is the time to think beyond conventional borders and start contributing towards securing and safeguarding global cyberspace.

Chinese Clandestine APT41 Group Activities

Introduction

Briefing about how spyware attacks on Android devices take place

Overview of APT41 Chinese group background

Advisory points need to adhere to while using Android devices

Conclusion

Related Blogs

Introduction

How The Netflix Scam Works

Practical Steps to Stay Safe

Conclusion

Sources

Introduction

The Challenges

Global Perspective

Conclusion

References:

Introduction

The Know-How

Changes Expected

Conclusion

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