New Phishing Kit Leverages SMS, Voice Calls to Target Cryptocurrency Users
Summary:
A new phishing kit has emerged, targeting cryptocurrency users by impersonating login pages of prominent cryptocurrency services, with a focus on mobile devices. The kit allows attackers to create fake single sign-on (SSO) pages, using a combination of email, SMS, and voice phishing to deceive victims into divulging sensitive information, including usernames, passwords, and even photo IDs. Notable targets include employees of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as well as users of platforms like Binance, Coinbase, Gemini, and Kraken, among others.
The phishing pages employ CAPTCHA tests using hCaptcha to evade automated analysis tools. Victims are prompted to enter credentials, after which they may be asked for two-factor authentication (2FA) codes or instructed to wait for verification. The phishing kit also allows for real-time customization of pages, including the last two digits of the victim's phone number and the length of the token requested.
Security Officer Comments:
While the campaign shares similarities with the Scattered Spider group, it exhibits distinct capabilities and infrastructure. It's unclear whether this is the work of a single threat actor or multiple groups utilizing a common tool. Furthermore, in Canada, financial institutions are targeted by a new phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) group called LabHost, which employs a campaign management tool named LabRat for adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) attacks. Additionally, LabHost offers an SMS spamming tool, LabSend, enabling smishing campaigns at scale. These developments underscore the increasing sophistication and prevalence of phishing attacks emphasizing vigilance among users and robust cybersecurity practices.
Suggested Corrections:
Users should always be cautious of individuals or organizations that ask for personal information. Most companies will not ask for sensitive data from its customers. If in doubt, users should verify with the company itself to avoid any potential issues.
Users should always take a close look at the sender’s display name when checking the legitimacy of an email. Most companies use a single domain for their URLs and emails, so a message that originates from a different domain is a red flag.
As a general rule, users should not click links or download files even if they come from seemingly “trustworthy” sources.
Check for mismatched URLs. While an embedded URL might seem perfectly valid, hovering above it might show a different web address. In fact, users should avoid clicking links in emails unless they are certain that it is a legitimate link.
Users should always be on the lookout for any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Legitimate companies will often employ proofreaders and editors who ensure that the materials they send out are error-free.
Users should not be frightened or intimidated by messages that have an alarmist tone. They should double check with the company if they are uncertain about the status of their accounts.
Phishing emails are designed to be sent to a large number of people, so they need to be as impersonal as possible. Users should check whether the message contains a generic subject and greeting, as this can be a sign of a phishing attempt.
Although not every end user has access to advanced anti-phishing software, they can still use the built-in protection of their email clients to filter messages. One example is setting the email client to block all images unless approved.
Legitimate companies will never send confirmation emails unless there are specific reasons for doing so. In fact, most companies will avoid sending unsolicited messages unless it’s for company updates, newsletters, or advertising purposes.
Users should always take the context of an email or message into account. For example, most online accounts do away with viewable member numbers, so users should be wary if they receive emails containing a “member number” for services that generally don’t use them.
It is important to take note of unusual information in the text of the message. Any mentions of operating systems and software that are not typically used by consumers can often be indicators of a phishing attempt.
If it seems suspicious, it probably is. Users should always err on the side of caution when it comes to sending out personally identifiable information through messages and emails.
Link(s):
https://thehackernews.com/2024/03/new-phishing-kit-leverages-sms-voice.html
A new phishing kit has emerged, targeting cryptocurrency users by impersonating login pages of prominent cryptocurrency services, with a focus on mobile devices. The kit allows attackers to create fake single sign-on (SSO) pages, using a combination of email, SMS, and voice phishing to deceive victims into divulging sensitive information, including usernames, passwords, and even photo IDs. Notable targets include employees of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as well as users of platforms like Binance, Coinbase, Gemini, and Kraken, among others.
The phishing pages employ CAPTCHA tests using hCaptcha to evade automated analysis tools. Victims are prompted to enter credentials, after which they may be asked for two-factor authentication (2FA) codes or instructed to wait for verification. The phishing kit also allows for real-time customization of pages, including the last two digits of the victim's phone number and the length of the token requested.
Security Officer Comments:
While the campaign shares similarities with the Scattered Spider group, it exhibits distinct capabilities and infrastructure. It's unclear whether this is the work of a single threat actor or multiple groups utilizing a common tool. Furthermore, in Canada, financial institutions are targeted by a new phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) group called LabHost, which employs a campaign management tool named LabRat for adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) attacks. Additionally, LabHost offers an SMS spamming tool, LabSend, enabling smishing campaigns at scale. These developments underscore the increasing sophistication and prevalence of phishing attacks emphasizing vigilance among users and robust cybersecurity practices.
Suggested Corrections:
Users should always be cautious of individuals or organizations that ask for personal information. Most companies will not ask for sensitive data from its customers. If in doubt, users should verify with the company itself to avoid any potential issues.
Users should always take a close look at the sender’s display name when checking the legitimacy of an email. Most companies use a single domain for their URLs and emails, so a message that originates from a different domain is a red flag.
As a general rule, users should not click links or download files even if they come from seemingly “trustworthy” sources.
Check for mismatched URLs. While an embedded URL might seem perfectly valid, hovering above it might show a different web address. In fact, users should avoid clicking links in emails unless they are certain that it is a legitimate link.
Users should always be on the lookout for any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Legitimate companies will often employ proofreaders and editors who ensure that the materials they send out are error-free.
Users should not be frightened or intimidated by messages that have an alarmist tone. They should double check with the company if they are uncertain about the status of their accounts.
Phishing emails are designed to be sent to a large number of people, so they need to be as impersonal as possible. Users should check whether the message contains a generic subject and greeting, as this can be a sign of a phishing attempt.
Although not every end user has access to advanced anti-phishing software, they can still use the built-in protection of their email clients to filter messages. One example is setting the email client to block all images unless approved.
Legitimate companies will never send confirmation emails unless there are specific reasons for doing so. In fact, most companies will avoid sending unsolicited messages unless it’s for company updates, newsletters, or advertising purposes.
Users should always take the context of an email or message into account. For example, most online accounts do away with viewable member numbers, so users should be wary if they receive emails containing a “member number” for services that generally don’t use them.
It is important to take note of unusual information in the text of the message. Any mentions of operating systems and software that are not typically used by consumers can often be indicators of a phishing attempt.
If it seems suspicious, it probably is. Users should always err on the side of caution when it comes to sending out personally identifiable information through messages and emails.
Link(s):
https://thehackernews.com/2024/03/new-phishing-kit-leverages-sms-voice.html