With so many cybercrime cases emerging every other day, everyone is fully aware of what online crimes are and how they may affect online users. While you must be aware of terms like viruses and malware, you might not know what a wiper attack is, right?
The reason why you would not have heard about the wiper attack is that it was not formerly considered malware because it does not provide any profit to the attacker. They are generally used for disruption and destruction and are useful tools for nation-state actors and hacktivists.
But in 2022, the use of wipers increased dramatically increased. When Russia invaded Ukraine, many wipers were used to disrupt the Ukrainian government, infrastructure, and business. It is estimated that over nine wipers were deployed against Ukraine, symbolizing that it can be a potential tool for cyberwarfare.
Here, we are going to talk about everything about Wiper attacks, what they are, and how they can be prevented. So, let’s get into it.
What is a Wiper Attack?
As the name implies, a Wiper attack is a kind of cyber attack that wipes off data from the infected system. The main goal of these attacks is to destroy the data and make it inaccessible to the owner. So, the hacker gains access to a system and deletes files to make the server unusable.
But how do they do that?
First of all, they target Master Boot Record (MBR), NFTS-formatted drives, or Master File Table (MFT). Corrupting these files will make the system unable to start up. A wiper simply deletes the data from the drive; unlike ransomware, the hacker does not necessarily pressure the data owner to pay a ransom to release the data. Once MBR or MFT is deleted, the remaining data is overwritten with small, meaningless data.
Some other common Wiper attack techniques are:
- Overwriting Files
In this case, hackers target files on a system and overwrite the data. The hackers replace the information with random five-character extensions, destroy recovery options, and change the system’s desktop background to a ransom note.
- Encrypting Files
Hackers may use another technique in which they may encrypt a file and destroy the key that accesses it. Malicious entities crack the keys to access a system and block the target file, making it inaccessible for the file owner. This attempt is, thus, equivalent to destroying the file altogether.
Wiper attack, as said earlier, is an insidious malware that allows hackers to cover their tracks after stealing valuable data. Therefore, it is something that businesses as well as cybersecurity professionals, need to worry about. These attacks are becoming prevalent, with more and more cases being reported lately.
How to Prevent Wiper Attacks?
We realize that wiper attacks are critical, but it is necessary to learn about ways to prevent them. It is recommended to have the right security in place to avoid crying over spilled milk because once it enters your system, it is too late to do anything.
Before anything else, to mitigate online attacks, be it Wipers, it is essential to ensure the network you use to send information is secure. It is like step one to your security. Anything like Optimum will be a great option as it offers optimal device security and service protection. To learn more about the service, plans, and packages, you can dial away número de teléfono de Optimum (For Spanish speakers).
Anyway, here are a few precautionary measures that can help prevent Wiper attacks:
- AI Procurement
There are AI-based security systems capable of detecting surreptitious activities, such as attempted logins. So, you should set up an AI-based security system that can help you know when a hacker attempts to brute-force your system. Brute-forcing is a technique where a computer program guesses correct passwords.
- Data Backups
As said earlier, wipers do nothing but erase data. Therefore, you should maintain a copy of your data so that you can restore it from the backups. As a result, you will not have to worry about the detrimental impacts of such attacks.
- Email Security
The common means of malware delivery is email. Therefore, it is important to invest in email security solutions that can automatically detect and block emails that contain malicious links or attachments.
- Patch Management
Hackers love to benefit from unpatched vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is important to install updates and patches to fill the vulnerable gaps.
- Account Security
Cybercriminals can remotely access accounts and plant malware indirectly. Therefore, you can beef up your account security by encrypting it with two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is a strong security measure that double-checks if you are the one accessing the account, letting you know when someone else attempts to log in to your account.
- Endpoint Security
Another way to prevent wipers is deploying endpoint security solutions. These solutions are also considered effective in mitigating active infections in the system.
Bottom Line
Wiper attacks are not very popular, but they are growing at a good pace, and within a few years, they will become common. Therefore, it is important for businesses that have sensitive data in their systems to be ready to avenge any challenge. Installing firewalls and securing accounts and systems with strong passwords can help you fend off such threats.
