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Commentary



LINUX RANSOMWARE POSES SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Organizations running Linux distributions need to prepare to defend their
systems against ransomware attacks. Steps to ensure resiliency and basics such
as access control reduce major disruptions.
Jon Miller
CEO & Co-Founder, Halcyon
July 18, 2023
Source: Spectral via Alamy Stock Photo
PDF


Linux systems run many of the most critical operations behind the scenes,
including a good deal of our nation's critical infrastructure, and now more
ransomware groups are introducing Linux versions. If these systems are disrupted
by a ransomware attack, it could cause a catastrophic event.



Ransomware attacks on these systems could make the Colonial Pipeline disruption
look like a blip, so we should be making all necessary preparations to address
this rapidly growing threat. Unfortunately, this makes Linux even more alluring
to today's ransomware gangs — many of which are affiliated with nation-states
that have unlimited resources.


UH, LINUX?

Most people aren't familiar with Linux or don't fully understand how much it
touches their daily life. The Linux operating system runs on less than 3% of
desktops, whereas Windows is running on about 80%. Since Linux isn't as visible
in the front office or at home, Linux threats don't garner as much attention as
those impacting Windows.

What most people don't know is that Linux runs approximately 80% of Web servers
and is the most common operating system for constrained, embedded, and IoT
devices used in sectors such as energy and manufacturing. Linux also drives most
of the US government and military networks, financial and banking systems, and
runs the backbone of the Internet.



Furthermore, Linux runs most organizations' database servers, file servers, and
email servers. Linux unifies the IT stack and makes the network more easily
managed. So, if an attacker gains access to a Linux environment, it has access
to an organization's most critical systems and data.



Given its lack of visibility and small market share on desktops and laptops,
Linux defense tends to be an afterthought. In fact, most endpoint security
solutions don't even cover Linux, so options are few. This makes defending Linux
systems a major challenge.


LINUX RANSOMWARE

In 2022, ransomware attacks targeting Linux systems increased by 75% from the
previous year. Ransomware gangs have been introducing Linux versions at an
increasing pace, with attacks now coming from some of the most infamous gangs
like Conti, LockBit, RansomEXX, REvil and Hive. Lesser-known and emerging threat
actors are also focusing more on Linux, with groups like Black Basta, IceFire,
HelloKitty, BlackMatter, and AvosLocker adding Linux capabilities, to name a
few.

So, why the sudden focus on Linux servers? Attackers are increasing their
attention on Linux servers for a few reasons — namely, disrupting Linux servers
holds the potential to inflict a lot of pain, and attackers know that more pain
translates to more dollars in their pockets from higher ransom demands.



The "always on, always available" nature of Linux systems paints a huge target
for threat actors, and compromising Linux systems provides a strategic beachhead
for moving laterally throughout a targeted organization's network. And Linux is
open source, which means attackers have a great deal more insight into how Linux
systems are running, and have a head start in customizing attacks.

Linux is also highly customizable, which is why it is the preferred operating
system for large network environments. This means threat actors have a
considerable level of control over the network once they have achieved
persistence and access to the Linux Terminal, providing them with a host of
powerful network tools to further their ingress into the network.


TIME TO PREPARE IS NOW

The key takeaway here is that any organization running critical Linux
distributions should start preparing to defend these systems that, until
recently, were rarely targeted by ransomware. There are very few security
solutions options on the market that can protect Linux systems, and no dedicated
solutions that focus on stopping ransomware specifically.

Specific measures to ensure an organization is resilient after a ransomware
attack will vary depending on the organization's line of business. In general,
organizations need to at least have the basics in place in preparation for a
ransomware attack, including:

 * Endpoint protection: Deploy an anti-ransomware solution alongside existing
   endpoint protection platforms (EPP/DR/XDR) to bridge the gaps in
   ransomware-specific coverage.
 * Patch management: Keep all software and operating systems updated and
   patched.
 * Data backups: Assure critical data is backed up off-site and protected from
   corruption in case of a ransomware attack.
 * Access control: Implement network segmentation and policies of least
   privilege (zero trust).
 * Awareness: Educate against risky behaviors and teach about avoiding phishing
   techniques with an employee awareness program.
 * Resilience testing: Regularly test solutions against simulated ransomware
   attacks to ensure effective detection, prevention, response, and full
   recovery of targeted systems.
 * Procedure testing: Plan and prepare for failure by running regular tabletop
   exercises and ensuring all stakeholders are ready and available to always
   respond to an attack.

The targeting of Linux systems has the potential to cause serious disruptions
far beyond the scale of what we have seen in any ransomware attacks to date. The
consequences of not redoubling our efforts to defend Linux systems could prove
catastrophic, but we can reduce the threat of a major disruption and its
potential impact by preparing now.



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