Cyber Threat Report: 'Scattered Spider Advisory AA23-320A'

This advisory from CISA outlines tactics, techniques and procedures used by the Scattered Spider threat actors, as observed by the FBI up until November 2023. The report describes Scattered Spider as a cybercriminal group which targets large companies and their contracted IT help desk and may ultimately steal data and deploy ransomware to extort the victim. The report also outlines mitigations which organizations can employ to reduce the likelihood and impact of an attack by the group.

Restrict Web-Based Content

Restrict use of certain websites, block downloads/attachments, block Javascript, restrict browser extensions, etc.

Behavior Prevention on Endpoint

Use capabilities to prevent suspicious behavior patterns from occurring on endpoint systems. This could include suspicious process, file, API call, etc. behavior.

Data Backup

Take and store data backups from end user systems and critical servers. Ensure backup and storage systems are hardened and kept separate from the corporate network to prevent compromise.

Network Intrusion Prevention

Use intrusion detection signatures to block traffic at network boundaries.

Filter Network Traffic

Use network appliances to filter ingress or egress traffic and perform protocol-based filtering. Configure software on endpoints to filter network traffic.

Execution Prevention

Block execution of code on a system through application control, and/or script blocking.

Encrypt Sensitive Information

Protect sensitive information with strong encryption.

User Account Management

Manage the creation, modification, use, and permissions associated to user accounts.

Audit

Perform audits or scans of systems, permissions, insecure software, insecure configurations, etc. to identify potential weaknesses.

Multi-factor Authentication

Use two or more pieces of evidence to authenticate to a system; such as username and password in addition to a token from a physical smart card or token generator.

Restrict File and Directory Permissions

Restrict access by setting directory and file permissions that are not specific to users or privileged accounts.

User Training

Train users to be aware of access or manipulation attempts by an adversary to reduce the risk of successful spearphishing, social engineering, and other techniques that involve user interaction.

Privileged Account Management

Manage the creation, modification, use, and permissions associated to privileged accounts, including SYSTEM and root.

Software Configuration

Implement configuration changes to software (other than the operating system) to mitigate security risks associated to how the software operates.

Password Policies

Set and enforce secure password policies for accounts.

Account Use Policies

Configure features related to account use like login attempt lockouts, specific login times, etc.

Application Developer Guidance

This mitigation describes any guidance or training given to developers of applications to avoid introducing security weaknesses that an adversary may be able to take advantage of.

Active Directory Configuration

Configure Active Directory to prevent use of certain techniques; use SID Filtering, etc.

Network Segmentation

Architect sections of the network to isolate critical systems, functions, or resources. Use physical and logical segmentation to prevent access to potentially sensitive systems and information. Use a DMZ to contain any internet-facing services...

Operating System Configuration

Make configuration changes related to the operating system or a common feature of the operating system that result in system hardening against techniques.

Antivirus/Antimalware

Use signatures or heuristics to detect malicious software.

Pre-compromise

This category is used for any applicable mitigation activities that apply to techniques occurring before an adversary gains Initial Access, such as Reconnaissance and Resource Development techniques.