It’s no surprise that security attacks are getting more complex and sophisticated to deal with. Such advancement in the technology of cyber-crime makes it paramount that IT security teams start understanding new-age threats, and equip themselves with proper strategies to counter attacks. Blended threats are one of the many complex attacks to detect and contain. A blended threat is one that combines several types of malware exploits and inflicts a multi-pronged attack against network computers. Hackers introduce threat vectors in various parts of your IT infrastructure and use multiple methods to coordinate and propagate them across your network. Show Constituents of a Blended Threat A blended threat may comprise of a combination of viruses, worms, Trojan horse, or a piece of malicious code such as bots, rootkits and spyware, etc. In Part 1 of this two-part blog series, let’s understand the differences between each of these threat vectors, and then, in Part 2, see how a blended threat works, and how it can be prevented. What is a Computer Virus? A computer virus is a malware that is available, in most cases, as an executable file that, when run, cause damage to your computer. Viruses can also spread, like an infection, to other systems attached to your network and  affect them. A virus is generally activated by human action, i.e. when the malware executable is accidentally or intentionally executed. The defining characteristic of viruses is that they are self-replicating computer programs which install themselves without the user's consent. What is a Computer Worm? A computer worm is similar to a virus in its characteristic of propagating from one system to another and causing damage, but differs in the way it is activated. In contrast to the virus, a worm need not always be executed by human action. Worms are standalone software that exploit a vulnerability on the target system by taking advantage of your system’s information sharing and transport features, allowing it to spread unaided through the network.
What is a Trojan Horse? A Trojan horse is a type of malware that tricks computer users into loading or executing it. A Trojan conceals harmful and malicious code and can pose a number of threats ranging from annoying window pop-ups to deleting files and stealing data. What is a Rootkit? A rootkit is a type of malware that is designed to conceal viruses and other malware from your anti-virus software. Rootkits also prevent malicious processes from being visible to the system administrators. Rootkits achieve this concealment by modifying the host’s operating system and they are activated before the OS boots up. What is a Bot? Bots (short for robot) are automated programs that is used by a hacker to simulate user activity on the target system. As defined by Cisco, a malicious bot is self-propagating malware designed to infect a host and connect back to a central server or servers that act as a command and control (C&C) center for an entire network of compromised devices, or "botnet." [1] What is a Backdoor? In a normal computer operating system, a backdoor is method of bypassing normal system authentication and security mechanisms. This is made available during the development phase of an OS, and programmers use it for testing and troubleshooting purposes. The backdoor is typically removed when development is over and the OS is ready to be shipped. Hackers exploit undetected backdoors and associated vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access into your system and secure remote access. What is Spyware? A spyware is also a type of malware that aids the hacker in gathering or stealing from the host computer. Spyware can get into a computer as part of any untrusted download of executables. They secretly get into your system, and relay information back to the hacker. A blended threat involves a combination of multiple choices of the above attack vectors, and is carefully planned and coordinated to cause maximum damage and financial loss to the victim organization, network and computers. We’ll learn more about blended threats in Part 2. A blended threat can be described as a software vulnerability that involves a series of attacks that focus on different vulnerabilities. When a blended threat begins, the computer will find it difficult to focus on any particular problem. This type of threat can also be any type of program that is designed to exploit different vulnerabilities such as trojans horses, worms, and computer viruses. Due to the nature in which it operates a blended threat is also known as a complex threat or a blended attack. A blended threat is one of the most powerful tools that can be used by a malicious attacker to bring down a system. If you thought any single malware was dangerous, blended threats surpass any single malware by combining a variety of them. This type of attacks comprises malicious code, worms, trojan horses, and computer viruses including hardware vulnerabilities. It will seek out the loophole in your computer system and use it to tear it down. Complex threats are made up of two or more attacks, i.e multiple attacks at the same time. Common examples of complex threats include the Paris terrorist attacks in 2015 or a coordinated cyberattack on the framework of a large organization. In recent years, this type of threat has become more common. These cyberattacks have also begun to affect physical systems such as Stuxnet, Triton, or Trisis. A blended threat is also a term that can be used to describe computer system threats that arise from potential physical hazards. They include natural, accidental, purposeful, and virtual forms of danger that will affect the person’s life, the flow of information, environment, and property. The new definitions of blended threat were endorsed by the 2010 US Department of Homeland Security’s Risk Lexicon. The effect of blended threats has been difficult to cope with for many years now. They can make their way into a system through various channels. With their new ability to attack healthcare systems, blended threats may also break down healthcare systems that may operate by relying on an internet connection. Many hospital equipments such as pacemakers, can be exploited during this type of large-scale cyberattack. As of 2020, there were already some minor threats in multiple medical devices and equipment. Recently, a flaw was discovered in about 500,000 pacemakers that will make them susceptible to external attack and control. Security researchers were able to identify a list of loopholes that can be used to transform these peaceful pacemakers and cause physical harm to patients. The first large-scale blended attack took place in 2001 when a Code Red virus was able to successfully break into thousands of computer systems within a single day. Code Red was designed to be able to replicate itself and cause DDoS attacks in some website IP addresses. It was the first popular cause of a widespread worm attack that affected a long list of IP addresses and led to coordinated attacks against third-party networks. How Does A Blended Threat Work?Blended attacks are dangerous because they operate with a variety of attack vectors and malware functions. All of the malware resources are combined to achieve an ultimate final goal. If a hacker intended to launch a DDoS attack and proceed to infect their network with a server rootkit at the same time, they probably would keep their server away from the target or risk getting infected too. These bullet points illustrate how a blended attack might take place:
It’s only possible for a malicious attacker or hacker with a high skill level to execute this scale of the attack. Examples of malicious attackers that can launch blended attacks on systems include state-backed hacking groups or an organization of cybercriminals. The growing usage of technological devices such as smartphones, laptops, and IoT technology provides more attack vectors to break into any system. How to repel the blended threatIt’s almost impossible to prevent blended threat malware from occurring on a system or server, but security teams can make it harder for malicious hackers to infiltrate or operate on their network. Because blended threats are perpetrated using a variety of attack vectors and a mixture of strategies, an organization would need a well-detailed security system to fend it off. Only complex security protocols can handle the complexity of a blended attack or threat. Some of the tools that can help your fight against blended threats include advanced firewalls and a variety of next-generation anti-virus or spy detection software. They need a security system that can detect known and unknown threats quickly. As soon as a blended threat begins, a security team will not have enough time to react or take measures to protect themselves. It will be too late. Organizations may consider setting up packet capture through SIEM products. This product will enable them to perform deep forensic analysis and eliminate false positives to properly deal with blended attacks. Big-money investments in SIEM and Managed Detection and Response will offer the right amount of cybersecurity protection to fend off advanced and complex threats. ConclusionBlended attacks represent the next generation of vulnerabilities that can affect any system. They are difficult to cope with and their effects are far-reaching. However, the implementation of hybrid security tools and measures will help any organization fare better against these types of attacks. Proactiveness is crucial against blended threats. What are the characteristics of blended threat?Blended Threats combine the characteristics of viruses, worms, Trojan Horses, and malicious code to make use of server and internet vulnerabilities, therefore allowing the attack to initiate, transmit and spread throughout a network.
What is a blended threat attack?Blended threats are bundles of malicious programs that combine the functionality of different types of malware such as Trojans, worms, and backdoors. A blended threat often involves an infection chain that begins with a user visiting a website and then diverted to a malicious URL.
What is the most common form of blended threats?What is the most common type of blended attack? The most common types of blended attacks combine phishing emails or instant messages, malware, worms, spyware, viruses and social engineering tactics that lure unsuspecting users to click on malicious code and links on infected websites.
What are the three major classes of threats?A threat can be spoken, written, or symbolic.
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