2 minutes read Raise your hand if you prefer mitigation over remediation! 🤚🏻
Recent events have highlighted the critical importance of proactive cybersecurity measures, particularly in light of the “rapeflake” attack targeting Snowflake. The Snowflake breach has had a significant impact, affecting several prominent customers, including TicketMaster and Santander. Let’s delve into the specifics of the attack, the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used, and the key takeaways for improving our cybersecurity practices.
The “Rapeflake” Attack: What Happened?
- Targeted User Credential Theft: The attack involved a sophisticated campaign aimed at stealing user credentials. The malware, dubbed “rapeflake,” was designed to infiltrate Snowflake environments and extract usernames and passwords. Customers such as TicketMaster and Santander were among the victims.
- Exploiting MFA Gaps: The stolen credentials included those from users who did not have Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) configured, highlighting a significant vulnerability.
- Compromised Demo Account: A former employee’s demo account was hacked, providing attackers with an entry point into the system.
- Credential Sale on BreachForums: The stolen credentials quickly surfaced on the BreachForums marketplace, sold by a group known as ShinyHackers.
- Delayed SEC Breach Notifications: Despite the severity of the breach, only some affected companies have filed SEC breach notifications to date.
Key Takeaways: Enhancing Cybersecurity Practices
Continuous Control Monitoring (CCM)
It is essential to maintain continuous visibility and proactively identify potential security risks. Key measures include:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Ensure MFA is enabled for all users to add an extra layer of security.
- Principle of Least Privilege: Limit user access rights to the minimum necessary for their roles.
- Segregation of Duties: Divide responsibilities among multiple people to reduce the risk of fraud or error.
- Employee Termination Procedures: Implement strict procedures for terminating access promptly when employees leave the organization, to prevent the risks orphan users pose.
User Access Reviews (UARs)
Conduct continuous reviews to identify and address excessive permissions, dormant accounts, and orphaned users (accounts belonging to terminated employees). These reviews can help surface potential issues before they escalate into breaches.
The Moral of the Story
The Snowflake breach underscores the need for automated regimens to proactively monitor and mitigate security controls. It is astounding that many highly respected companies still lack these measures. By adopting a proactive approach, we can detect and stop attacks before they happen, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
For more about taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity, check out our most recent blog on adopting “Shift Left” vs. “Shift Right” practices.