Information Security Analyst
.jpg)
Cybercriminals have taken advantage of Google’s cloud service to target several consumer routers to redirect DNS queries from legitimate sites to malicious ones.
According to security researcher Troy Mursch at Bad Packets, the attack is easy to carry out.
He said that anyone with a Google account can access a 'Google Cloud Shell' machine by simply visiting the Google Cloud console.
"This service provides users with the equivalent of a Linux VPS with root privileges directly in a web browser," he said. "Due to the ephemeral nature of these virtual machines coupled with Google’s slow response time to abuse reports, it’s difficult to prevent this kind of malicious behaviour."
There have been three waves of attacks since December last year. In all three waves, a reconnaissance scan was carried out using Masscan to check for active hosts on port 81/tcp prior to attempting the DNS hijacking exploits. The attacks targeted D-Link DSL-2640B, D-Link DSL-2740R, D-Link DSL-2780B and D-Link DSL-526B routers.
The hack intended to modify DNS settings in the routers to point to unauthorised webpages that scan user data.
The latest wave of attacks came from three distinct Google Cloud Platform hosts and targeted additional types of consumer routers not previously seen before including: ARG-W4 ADSL routers, DSLink 260E routers, Secutech routers, and TOTOLINK routers, according to Mursch.
"The rogue DNS servers used in this round, 195.128.126.165 and 195.128.124.131, are both hosted in Russia by Inoventica Services. Internet access is provided by their subsidiary Garant-Park-Internet Ltd (AS47196)," he added.
Mursch said that users should keep their home router firmware up-to-date.
"When security vulnerabilities are discovered, they are usually patched by the manufacturer to mitigate further attacks. It’s also advisable to review your router’s DNS settings to ensure they haven’t been tampered with," he added.
Mihai Vasilescu, security researcher at Ixia, told SC Media UK that for end users, simple precautions can mitigate many of the risks we face online.
"Making sure that our devices—in this case routers—are up-to-date and not exposing the admin interface online is important," he said.
"Also, be extra careful when accessing important websites, banking especially. Make sure that the connections are HTTPS, check the certificate. All of this is important to make sure that when you're entering your credentials, they don't get to someone else."
In a blog post, he added that hackers have also targeted Netflix, PayPal, Uber, Gmail, and others in phishing attacks.
Eoin Keary, CEO and co-founder of Edgescan, told SC Media UK that one of the prime factors to successful compromise is having the router Administration console exposed to the public Internet.
"Most routers can enable "Loopback only" so only local connections can connect to the router administration console. In addition, such attacks are a good reason to ensure default credentials and weak passwords are not used on consumer routers. In fairness, many router vendors now provide the hardware with complex credentials and secure defaults, but older routers are significantly more vulnerable and have few if no security controls enabled by default," he said.
source scmagazineuk

Latest Jobs
-
- Network Security Engineer
- Germany
- €550 a day
-
German- based contract opportunity This is an onsite based position, we would need the Network Security engineer to be able to work on the client site 5 days a week Seeking an experienced Network Security Engineer for a leading technology company. Strong expertise in firewall/IPS solutions, proxy solutions, and certificate management is required. Good hands-on experience in networking and web-related technologies necessary. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential. we are looking for a Network Security Engineer with the following experience: · Expertise in Administration, Management & Troubleshooting of Firewall / IPS solutions / Proxy solutions/Certificate Management Solutions · Good Hands-on Experience on security devices (PaloAlto/ /McAfee Proxy/CISCO ISE/Certificate Management) · Good Hands-on Experience in Networking with skills of switching, routing & wireless Technologies · Familiarity with web related technologies (Web applications, Web Services, Service Oriented Architectures) and of network/web related protocol · Configuration of NAT / PAT, firewall policies, profiling, objects, AD-Integration, backup – restore · Knowledge of Subnetting TCP/IP Communication, VLSM Configuration of VLAN VTP · Configuration of Routing Protocols e.g. RIPv1 & v2, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP Knowledge of standard and extended ACL 12 month contract
-
- IAM Consultant
- N/A
- Upto £110,000 depending on level of position
-
Identity Access Management (IAM) Consultant Location: Germany We are seeking an experienced IAM consultants in Germany. we are looking for people from consultant through to Architect, The ideal candidate will have previous IAM deployment experience and be fluent in German. Key responsibilities: Design and implement IAM solutions for clients Provide expertise on industry best practices and standards Troubleshoot and resolve IAM-related issues Work closely with clients to understand their business requirements and provide solutions to meet those needs Qualifications: Previous deployment experience with IAM solutions Fluency in German Strong understanding of IAM technologies and principles Excellent communication and project management skills If you are an experienced IAM consultant with a strong track record of delivering successful projects, please apply today.
-
- ForgeRock Consultant
- Spain
- Upto €85000 plus benefits
-
ForgeRock deployment consultant is needed for this expanding IT Services business within Spain, to act as their ForgeRock technical lead, Responsibilities include: High level and low level design, Scoping the techical needs of the project design, configure, develop and test the forgeRock deployment. We are looking for a strong IAM consultant ideally with ForgeRock experience, Must have strong Oauth 2.0, SAML and API experience
-
- IAM Consultant
- France
- Upto €85000 plus benefits
-
An Identity & Access Management Consultant is needed for an expanding IT Security consultancy, based in France. (Remote role with monthly office meet-ups) The Identity & Access Management Consultant will be responsible for the technical design and implementation of Identity & Access Management/IAM products for a wide variety of clients. Deliver bespoke end-to-end consultancy service to our clients, from gathering requirements through to implementation. Work in a close team designing, developing, and implementing first-class IAM solutions. Manage client relationships, working closely with key stakeholders to continually evaluate business requirements and ensure the highest quality solution delivery. If you are interested we are looking for an individual with Previous experience working within the IAM or CIAM field is essential, Strong knowledge with SAML and Oauth and ideally OpenID Previous experience from any of these technologies: One Identity, SailPoint, Saviynt, Ubisecure, Ping Identity, would be advantageous