Le deface, ce piratage que personne ne regarde
The article highlights a significant trend beyond just data breaches and ransomware – the prevalence of ‘deface’ attacks. ZATAZ documented 975 deface attacks in August alone, with a large percentage of these sites still displaying the attacker’s signature. These attacks are not simply cosmetic; they can be used for reconnaissance, testing exploits, and even for later operations like spreading disinformation or launching targeted attacks during politically sensitive times. The article emphasizes that simply restoring a website after a deface is insufficient, and that thorough investigation – including analyzing the attacker’s techniques, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and tracking their activity – is crucial for effective threat intelligence and response.
The article focuses on a growing trend in cyberattacks that goes beyond the typical focus on data breaches and ransomware. Instead, it highlights the widespread use of ‘deface’ attacks – where attackers modify a website’s appearance – as a tool for reconnaissance and potentially more sophisticated operations. ZATAZ documented a staggering 975 deface attacks in August, and a concerning 83% of these sites were still displaying the attacker’s signature, indicating a persistent threat.
These defaces aren’t just random vandalism. The attackers are leaving a digital ‘fingerprint’ that can be used to understand their motives and techniques. They can be used to test exploits, probe for vulnerabilities, and even to prepare for later operations, such as spreading disinformation or launching targeted attacks during politically sensitive times – as exemplified by the timing of attacks around the European Swimming Championships.
Beyond the visual disruption, defaces can reveal a deeper picture of an attacker’s activity. The article notes that these attacks are often linked to profiles of Chinese, North African, Brazilian, and potentially French attackers, as well as unidentified actors. The signatures used in these attacks can be correlated with other indicators to build a more complete understanding of the threat landscape.
Simply restoring a website after a deface is not enough. The article stresses the need for a comprehensive investigation, including identifying the point of entry, changing compromised credentials, checking for added accounts, reviewing modified files, and assessing potential persistence – meaning, determining how long the attacker has been able to access the system. The ZATAZ Alert Protocol has been activated, and the ANSSI (French Agency for National Cybersecurity) is involved in the response.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes that these attacks are part of a broader intelligence picture. The graffiti, the language used, the timing of the attacks, and the infrastructure involved can all provide valuable insights for threat intelligence analysts. The fact that companies have been contacted and the ANSSI is involved underscores the seriousness of this trend and the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.