The WannaCry ransomware attack spread worldwide very quickly in part because it used NSA hacking tools that exploited vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system. WannaCry implemented two of the NSA's tools, but a new strain of malware threatens to be more dangerous because it uses all seven NSA hacking tools.
The new malware is a worm called EternalRocks. EternalRocks uses the following NSA tools:
ArchTouch
DoublePulsar
EternalBlue
EternalChampion
Eternal Romance
EternalSynergy
SMBTouch
WannaCry, for contrast, only used DoublePulsar and EternalBlue.
ArchTouch and SMBTouch look for open SMB ports. The Eternals are all exploit tools, which compromise the machines once the malware has access. DoublePulsar spreads it from one machine to another.
EternalRocks is designed to stay stealthy on the infected machine. The first thing it does is to download and install Tor, a web browser known for its anonymity. It then uses Tor to connect to a server on the dark web. Then it waits a full day to avoid detection. Once 24 hours have passed the exploits are downloaded. The computer's ports are scanned and the worm is passed along.
Since these attacks exploit zero-day vulnerabilities, it's hard to be 100% protected against them. One step you can take is to make sure you apply all updates and patches for software, firmware, and operating systems as soon as you can. If you want to make sure you're as prepared and protected as possible for a cyberattack, schedule a consultation with us today.
Need help implementing these strategies?Our cybersecurity experts can assess your environment and build a tailored plan.
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group
Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent 20+ years professionally at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential issued by the Cyber AB and leads Petronella as a CMMC-AB Registered Provider Organization (RPO #1449). Craig is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE) and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. He also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.
He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.
Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served hundreds of regulated SMB clients across NC and the southeast since 2002, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.
