TrendLabs
Data exfiltration is the final stage of a targeted attack campaign where threat actors steal valuable corporate information while remaining undetected. 1 43% of most serious threats to the company s enterprise IT infrastructure are from external sources. Threat actors use a variety of legitimate and malicious tools to extract specific information and mimic normal network traffic. For instance, the EvilGrab malware, which is related to a targeted attack campaign, uses a Windows filter to grab audio and video files. 2 Other techniques include using backdoor malware to upload gathered files, file transfer protocol (FTP) to transfer files without consent, and WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) to monitor and capture recently opened files, and web applications to open browsers. Figure 1: Targeted Attack Campaign Diagram Preventing the exposure of confidential information is a top challenge for most (71%) enterprises. 3 Given the introduction of the mobile platform and the sophistication of targeted attacks, enterprises need to step up to protect its intellectual property, trade secrets, and other sensitive information. 1 Trend Micro Incorporated. A TrendLabs Security in Context Paper. Data Exfiltration: How Do Threat Actors Steal Your Data? Last updated on: September 2013. Accessed on: November 2013. http://about-threats.trendmicro.com/cloud-content/us/entprimers/pdf/how_do_threat_actors_steal_your_data.pdf 2 Trend Micro Incorporated. A TrendLabs Report. 2Q Report on Targeted Attack Campaigns. Last updated on: July 2013. Accessed on: November 2013. http://about-threats.trendmicro.com/cloudcontent/us/ent-primers/pdf/2q-report-on-targeted-attack-campaigns.pdf 3 International Data Corporation. An IDC Infographic Sponsored by Trend Micro. Keeping Corporate Data Safe. Last updated on: 2013. Accessed on: November 2013. http://apac.trendmicro.com/apac/enterprise/security-suite-solutions/esdp-suite/infographic/index.html 2 TrendLabs Security in Context Paper
Figure 2: Potential Data Threats in an Enterprise Network Data breach and data loss are the most obvious outcomes of a successful targeted attack. However, the following shows real-world consequences that come right after: These include all the monetary costs and resources needed for a company to gauge the amount of damage, find the nature of data stolen, and track all possible traces of the attack. These involve fines incurred by organizations following strict regulations, as those running industrial control systems (ICS). This is the amount that organizations already invested into intangible assets such as research and development advances and trade secrets, the theft of which can decrease their competitive advantage. Data theft from a trusted organization can easily translate to decrease in confidence from the industry it belongs. 3 TrendLabs Security in Context Paper
Detecting targeted attacks at the data exfiltration stage is very challenging for enterprises. We recommend that enterprises assume compromise, enforce preventive measures, and use an airtight custom defense strategy that can detect threats in real time. We have stressed that securing the network infrastructure is the first step in the fight against targeted attacks. 4 This time, we present these key points as the next vital step: protecting valuable data 5 : Every department or business unit should classify the crown jewels, the release of which can negatively affect an organization, from normal day-to-day documentation. These include government information, scientific research, and pharmaceutical formulas. Sharing and downloading them must require privileged access. They can be spread across the network to prevent threat actors from getting the whole information. PCs, mobile devices, and removable devices should be secured by encrypting files, disk, and removable media. Identity-based encryption solutions can be used to protect emails. Data should also be encrypted when using cloud applications, public or private cloud infrastructure, and virtual environments. A protected infrastructure requires multi-tiered access, where top-level information pieces are in a disconnected network, second-level ones require a special two-factor authentication process, while third-level ones are on regular file servers. 4 Trend Micro Incorporated. A TrendLabs Security in Context Paper. Securing Your Network Infrastructure Against Targeted Attacks. Last updated on: 2013. Accessed on: November 2013.http://about-threats.trendmicro.com/cloud-content/us/ent-primers/pdf/the-enterprise-fights-backp01.pdf 5 Trend Micro Incorporated. A Trend Micro Research Paper. Suggestions to Help Companies with the Fight Against Targeted Attacks. Last updated on: 2013. Accessed on: November 2013. http://www.trendmicro.com/cloud-content/us/pdfs/security-intelligence/white-papers/wp-suggestionsto-help-companies-with-the-fight-against-targeted-attacks.pdf 4 TrendLabs Security in Context Paper
TREND MICRO LEGAL DISCLAIMER The information provided herein is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended and should not be construed to constitute legal advice. The information contained herein may not be applicable to all situations and may not reflect the most current situation. Nothing contained herein should be relied on or acted upon without the benefit of legal advice based on the particular facts and circumstances presented and nothing herein should be construed otherwise. Trend Micro reserves the right to modify the contents of this document at any time without prior notice. Translations of any material into other languages are intended solely as a convenience. Translation accuracy is not guaranteed nor implied. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of a translation, please refer to the original language official version of the document. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. Although Trend Micro uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information herein, Trend Micro makes no warranties or representations of any kind as to its accuracy, currency, or completeness. You agree that access to and use of and reliance on this document and the content thereof is at your own risk. Trend Micro disclaims all warranties of any kind, express or implied. Neither Trend Micro nor any party involved in creating, producing, or delivering this document shall be liable for any consequence, loss, or damage, including direct, indirect, special, consequential, loss of business profits, or special damages, whatsoever arising out of access to, use of, or inability to use, or in connection with the use of this document, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an as is condition. Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in security software, strives to make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Our innovative security solutions for consumers, businesses and governments protect information on mobile devices, endpoints, gateways, servers and the cloud. For more information, visit www.trendmicro.com 2013 by Trend Micro, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Trend Micro and the Trend Micro t-ball logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Trend Micro, Incorporated. All other product or company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners.