Unit 42, the Palo Alto Networks threat intelligence team made up of accomplished cyber-security researchers and industry experts, last week released a new report, '419 Evolution' that reveals phishing scams by Nigerian cyber-criminals to steal business-critical data from enterprises. The fraudsters are infamous for using the same method to steal credit card details or personal information.
Palo Alto Networks researchers discovered these activities and techniques, code-named Silver Spaniel, using WildFire, which rapidly analyzes cyber threats in a cloud-based, virtual sandbox environment. The cyber-criminals use free Remote Administration Tools (RATs) or commercial RATs such as NetWire to take complete control over infected and compromised operating systems.
According to Palo Alto, traditional Antivirus programs and legacy firewalls are ineffective because Silver Spaniel attacks are specifically designed to evade those technologies.
“These Silver Spaniel malware activities originate in Nigeria and employ tactics, techniques and procedures similar to one another. The actors don't show a high level of technical acumen, but represent a growing threat to businesses that have not previously been their primary targets."
- Ryan Olson, Unit 42 Intelligence Director, Palo Alto Networks
