A Russia-linked hacking group unleashed a brand new “superior phishing marketing campaign” focusing on European diplomats with invitations to faux wine tasting occasions, in response to a report.
Check Point Research stated the APT29 group is attempting to “impersonate a serious European Ministry of Overseas Affairs to ship out invites to wine tasting occasions, prompting targets to click on an online hyperlink resulting in the deployment of a brand new backdoor [malware] referred to as GRAPELOADER.”
“This marketing campaign seems to be targeted on focusing on European diplomatic entities, together with non-European international locations’ embassies situated in Europe,” the cybersecurity agency stated in an advisory, noting that the emails with malicious hyperlinks included topic traces reminiscent of “Wine tasting occasion (replace date),” “For Ambassador’s Calendar” and “Diplomatic dinner.”
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency stated final yr that APT29, which additionally goes by the names of Midnight Blizzard, the Dukes, or Cozy Bear, is “a cyber espionage group, nearly definitely a part of the SVR, a component of the Russian intelligence companies.”
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A brand new phishing marketing campaign is focusing on European diplomats with invitations to faux wine tasting occasions, a cybersecurity agency stated. (Thierry Monasse/Getty Photographs)
Examine Level Analysis stated Tuesday that APT29 is “recognized for focusing on high-profile organizations, together with authorities companies and suppose tanks” and that “their operations range from targeted phishing campaigns to high-profile provide chain assaults that make the most of a big array of each customized and business malware.”
“All through the [new] marketing campaign, the targets embody a number of European countries with a particular deal with Ministries of Overseas Affairs, in addition to different international locations’ embassies in Europe. Along with the emails we’ve recognized, we discovered indications of restricted focusing on exterior of Europe, together with of diplomats primarily based within the Center East,” it additionally stated.
Examine Level Analysis stated the phishing assaults began in January of this yr.
Examine Level Analysis stated the APT29 group is attempting to “impersonate a serious European international affairs ministry to distribute faux invites to diplomatic occasions – mostly, wine tasting occasions.” (Justin Sullivan/Getty Photographs)
“In instances the place the preliminary try was unsuccessful, further waves of emails have been despatched to extend the probability of getting the sufferer to click on the hyperlink and compromise his machine,” it added.
“The server internet hosting the hyperlink is believed to be extremely protected in opposition to scanning and automatic evaluation options, with the malicious obtain triggered solely below sure circumstances, reminiscent of particular instances or geographic areas. When accessed immediately, the hyperlink redirects to the official web site of the impersonated Ministry of Overseas Affairs,” the agency continued.
The malacious emails had topic traces together with “Wine Occasion,” in response to Examine Level Analysis. (iStock)
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It’s unclear if any of the phishing assaults have been profitable.
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