Dan Goodin of Ars Technica writes about a newly-discovered hacking platform recently revealed by Kaspersky.
They are labeling the operators 'Equation Group,' and multiple zero-day exploits in the malware kit appear to be related to those which were used by Stuxnet to hack Iran's Natanz nuclear facility in 2010. It is by far the most advanced malware ever discovered, going so far as to flash malicious firmware on the hard disks of no fewer than 12 vendors. Much of the malware was distributed through usual channels such as Java vulnerabilities or ad networks, but it was even found on CDs which were mailed to attendees of a conference in Houston in 2009 which were intercepted and modified to deliver the malicious payload.
The sophistication of the operations and the malware itself leave little doubt that Equation Group is is a state-sponsored organization. The scariest part of it might be that the operation is over 14 years old and unfortunately, much of the malware is yet to be reverse-engineered. Kaspersky has been reaching out to white hats for further assistance in determining the nature and capabilities of the software.
(Score: 2) by Freeman on Tuesday February 17 2015, @05:28PM
Use one computer on the Internet. Keep another computer off the Network. Air Gap = Somewhat More Secure. At the least they don't have 24/7 access to your "secure" stuff. You can keep your computer up-to-date with Anti-Virus Updates and other Updates by Burning the Files to CD/DVD/Blu-Ray Disc. Sure, there could be "Ways" to get something off the computer that isn't connected to the Network, but most of those would require you to be a Specific Target. You're probably screwed no matter what, if you are a specific target and you have no idea they are coming.
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee"