The FormBook malware is the #1 threat in Greece today. It can give the attacker access to your most sensitive data. See how to spot it and how to protect yourself.
Whether you manage sensitive data at a corporate or personal level, you should always keep your eyes open for malware attacks, such as the FormBook malware. Once inside your network or computers, this infostealer malware can cause irreparable damage.
FormBook proved to be the #1 threat for 2022 and as the number 2 for him January of 2023. You should pay special attention to it and take care of your safety, especially if you work in a business.
Like let's start things from the beginning. What is FormBook malware, how does it infect computers, and how can you remove it?
What is Malware FormBook
FormBook is known as information stealing malware that was first discovered in 2016. After infecting the device σας, το FormBook μπορεί να υποκλέψει διάφορους τύπους δεδομένων, όπως τι κουμπιά πατάτε στο πληκτρολόγιό σας, στιγμιότυπα screens, login credentials cached in web browsers and more.
Worse, FormBook can also act as a downloader. This means it can download and execute additional malicious code on infected systems.
The FormBook malware works according to the model Malware as a Service (MaaS), allowing cybercriminals to purchase it at a low price from the Dark Web.
How FormBook Malware Works
The developers of the FormBook malware do not develop the malware themselves. Its membership is sold to hackers at a very low price. The strategy of selling the Formbook was to sell it cheaply to as many attackers as possible.
However, the FormBook subscription usually does not include a distribution method. Therefore, criminals must also purchase a delivery medium to deploy FormBook. So then attackers usually also buy access to other underground services that allow them to distribute the malware, package the FormBook, or load it with a document. This diverse scene of attackers and underground services has led to an equally diverse set of distribution methods.
Formbook has often been distributed using Office documents (.RTF, .DOC, or .XLS) that contained the malicious code, which exploited a Microsoft Office vulnerability known as CVE-2017-8570.
As FormBook is separated from the delivery mechanism, it can use various delivery techniques to infect systems. Some common delivery mechanisms for FormBook malware infection include, but are not limited to, phishing campaigns, malicious URLs, and executable file attachments.
Once the FormBook malware infects a machine, it releases its malicious executable code into various processes. The code then installs different routines to register keyloggers, steal clipboard data, take screenshots, and perform other desired tasks.
In addition to stealing information, FormBook can also receive commands from attackers. This allows hackers to install other malware on your computer via a remote command. For example, they can install ransomware and encrypt the data on your computer, then demand a ransom.
FormBook is a powerful malware. It can target every popular browser, email client and file browser.
Therefore, you should take the necessary steps to prevent this malicious program from infecting your systems and stealing sensitive information.
How to prevent a FormBook attack
Cybercriminals use various methods of FormBook delivery, as we mentioned above. Here are some ways to minimize the risk of one of your machine operators accepting the malware.
Implementation of anti-phishing solutions
Phishing emails are the main cause of malware infection, including of course FormBook. The implementation of various anti-phishing and anti-spam solutions can detect and block emails containing malicious files and can generally minimize the risk.
Use Content Disarm and Reconstruction
By removing executable code from documents, a system Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR) makes files open safely.
Therefore, using a CDR system can go a long way in preventing FormBook malware infection. Additionally, a good CDR system removes all executable content from documents, making it possible to prevent 0-day threats.
Get powerful anti-malware software
Installing strong anti-malware software will help you scan all documents before users open them.
As a result, you can identify and block the FormBook threat before it infects your computers.
Adopt multi-factor authentication
While adopting multi-factor authentication (MFA) doesn't directly help you prevent a FormBook malware attack, it can prevent hackers from using stolen login credentials. This can help limit the damage.
Intrusion detection and prevention system implementation
Intrusion detection and prevention system (Intrusion detection and prevention system = IDPS) constantly monitors your network traffic for suspicious activity. If IDPS detects any unusual activity, it will block it and notify you.
IDPS works like this:
- The system detects a malicious activity.
- It drops the malicious packet and blocks traffic from the source address.
- The system resets the connection and configures the firewall to prevent future attacks.
Implementing a reliable intrusion detection and prevention system can prevent a FormBook attack. So determine the level of security your company requires and choose the best IDPS system.
Train your employees
As hackers often use social engineering techniques to install FormBook on victims' computers, training your employees goes a long way in preventing it from becoming infected.
Therefore, you should make sure that your employees know how to spot spam emails, malicious attachments and URLs.
Downloading freeware from suspicious sites can also install FormBook on a computer. Therefore, prevent your employees from downloading freeware, games, video or other programs on work computers.
Your cybersecurity training program should be tailored to meet the varying needs of your employees. And make sure you provide training program at regular intervals.
You should also encourage your employees to practice safe online behavior to enhance overall security at your company.
How to tell if you have a FormBook infection
Here are some telltale signs of a FormBook infection:
- Your system runs slower as FormBook installs other programs that consume CPU and memory resources.
- You see increased activity on thenetwork on your computer even when you are doing nothing. This is because FormBook communicates with the attacker after infecting the device to download additional malware or transfer stolen data.
- Your antivirus software is disabled and you cannot enable it.
- There are many processes running on your computer that you don't remember downloading and installing.
Whenever in doubt, run a full scan on your computer with an up-to-date anti-malware program to find out if it is infected or not.
How to remove FormBook malware
FormBook is a powerful malware program equipped with advanced evasion techniques.
After being injected through various processes, it then camouflages its original payload. This makes it difficult to detect and remove the FormBook malware.
Once you know your system is infected, disconnect it from the network and deploy a strong anti-malware solution to detect and remove it.
If the protection program fails to remove the FormBook malware, you should seek professional help. Look for a cybersecurity company that specializes in malware removal.
Stay safe from FormBook malware
Hackers are constantly trying to gain access to sensitive data because your data is of great value.
FormBook malware is just one way to steal information. Therefore, you should take the necessary steps to protect your machines from both the FormBook threat and any other information-stealing malware.
You should also know what to do once you find a malware program on your computer so you can remove it quickly to limit the damage.
