Cyber Threat Report: 'StopRansomware: ALPHV Blackcat'

This '#StopRansomware' advisory from CISA and partners outlines technical details and mitigations for the ALPHV Blackcat 'Ransomware as a Service'. According the advisory, the group's administrators encouraged operators to target hospitals and since December 2023, most of the 70 leaked victims are in the healthcare sector. The report states that actors typically gain access using advanced social engineering - for example, posing as IT helpdesk staff and using phone / SMS to obtain employee credentials.

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.

Privileged Account Management

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

Password Policies

Set and enforce secure password policies for accounts.

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.

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.

Disable or Remove Feature or Program

Remove or deny access to unnecessary and potentially vulnerable software to prevent abuse by adversaries.

Encrypt Sensitive Information

Protect sensitive information with strong encryption.

Limit Access to Resource Over Network

Prevent access to file shares, remote access to systems, unnecessary services. Mechanisms to limit access may include use of network concentrators, RDP gateways, 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...

Network Intrusion Prevention

Use intrusion detection signatures to block traffic at network boundaries.

Software Configuration

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

Active Directory Configuration

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