The APT33 hacking group, also known as Peach Sandstorm, has recently leveraged a new malware strain named Tickler to target and compromise networks within the US government and defense sectors, as well as organizations in the United Arab Emirates. Operating on behalf of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), APT33 conducted an intelligence collection campaign between April and July 2024. The group’s use of Tickler malware allowed them to backdoor critical systems, raising concerns about the security of sensitive governmental and defense information.
Microsoft’s investigation revealed that APT33 employed fraudulent Microsoft Azure subscriptions for command-and-control operations. The group utilized compromised user accounts to gain access to Azure infrastructure, which they then used to further their attacks. A key tactic involved password spray attacks, where a limited number of commonly used passwords were employed to avoid triggering account lockouts, enabling broad access across targeted sectors including government, defense, and satellite industries.
In addition to the recent Tickler malware campaign, APT33’s activities include a notable incident in November 2023 when they used FalseFont backdoor malware to breach defense contractors globally. This campaign is part of a broader pattern of APT33 operations, which has also included extensive password spray attacks since February 2023, impacting various sectors such as defense, satellite, and pharmaceuticals.
To counter these evolving threats, Microsoft has announced that multi-factor authentication (MFA) will become mandatory for all Azure sign-ins starting October 15, 2024. This security measure aims to bolster protection against sophisticated phishing and hijacking attempts. MFA has proven to be highly effective, with a 99.99% success rate in preventing unauthorized access and reducing the risk of compromise by over 98%. This step is crucial in addressing the increased threat posed by advanced persistent threats like APT33.
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