In a recent large-scale cyberattack, hackers infiltrated over 230 million unique cloud environments hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS). In this blog, we break down the details of the attack and give your organization tips to strengthen its cloud security.
How the Attack Unfolded
In this attack, the hackers employed automated scanning tools to search for exposed .env files across millions of domains.
Once the attackers gained access to a compromised cloud environment, they used AWS API calls to gather information about the victim’s cloud setup. This reconnaissance phase enabled them to understand the network’s structure and identify key resources they could manipulate.
A particular focus was placed on obtaining Mailgun credentials, which would later be used to launch phishing campaigns.
The ultimate goal? Data exfiltration. Once exfiltrated, they erased everything from the victim’s systems and uploaded ransom notes demanding payment to prevent public data leaks and offered the possibility of restoring the deleted information.
Strengthening Cloud Security
To prevent similar attacks in the future, organizations using cloud platforms like AWS must adopt a multi-layered defense strategy, including:
– Securing .env Files:
– Implementing Strong IAM Policies
– Disabling Unused AWS Regions
– Monitoring Cloud Activities
– Enforcing Logging and Retention Policies
How We Can Help
OptfinITy ensures that our clients are taken care of and can assist you in the proper cloud infrastructure. Learn more by contacting us at sales@optfinity.com or 703-790-0400.
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