The threat of wiper malware is becoming increasingly worrisome in the cybersecurity landscape. While phishing attacks and ransomware attacks have been widely discussed, wiper malware poses a far more destructive force, aiming to erase all data and programs within an organization’s infrastructure. Also known as wiperware, this malicious payload is designed for total annihilation and destruction, with no possibility of data recovery after an attack. In comparison to ransomware and phishing, which can be likened to tornadoes, wiper malware is more akin to a Category 5 hurricane in its level of severity and devastation.
The origins of wiper malware can be traced back to 2012 when Kaspersky researchers first identified instances of Wiper and Shamoon wiperware attacking Iranian and Saudi computer systems, respectively. Initially, wiperware was not widely used due to its lack of a profit motive for cyber attackers. However, there has been a noticeable uptick in wiperware attacks in recent years, particularly following the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Several well-known variants of wiper malware, such as NotPetya, Industroyer, HermeticWiper, HermeticWizard, and HermeticRansom, have been associated with high-profile breaches and cyberwarfare incidents. These variants employ different tactics to achieve the same destructive end goal of wiping out all data and systems within a targeted organization.
The impact of wiperware on a business is profound, affecting the organization in four main ways. Wiper malware can corrupt the master file table, erase the master boot record, encrypt files with no hope of decryption, and overwrite all data with null values or binary digits. Once a business falls victim to a wiperware attack, it becomes immediately apparent as all systems and data become inaccessible, leaving the organization in a state of irreversible damage.
The motivations behind wiperware attacks are not financial gain but rather centered around sabotage, instilling psychological fear, and destroying evidence of other cyber attacks. Wiperware is a preferred tool for cyber warfare as it ensures complete destruction of the target, leaving no room for recovery or investigation.
To mitigate wiper malware attacks, organizations are advised to implement proactive measures such as creating immutable and distributed backups, securing email environments to prevent phishing attacks, applying regular patches and updates to prevent vulnerabilities, utilizing multi-factor authentication and zero trust principles, and securing endpoints with advanced security tools.
In conclusion, the rise of wiper malware as a destructive force in the cybersecurity realm underscores the importance of being vigilant and proactive in defending against such attacks. By understanding the nature of wiperware and implementing robust security measures, organizations can better protect themselves from the devastating consequences of a wiperware attack.