The Black Basta ransomware group has intensified its tactics by adopting new social engineering techniques, including email bombing and the use of QR codes, since October 2024. Cybersecurity firm Rapid7 reported that attackers bombard target email accounts with numerous subscription sign-ups to create chaos, after which they reach out to the affected users.

Previously, in August, hackers made initial contact through Microsoft Teams, posing as IT personnel or support staff from the victim’s organization. They often encouraged users to install legitimate remote access software, such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer, to implement their attacks. The group has been associated with exploiting Microsoft’s Quick Assist feature and has been identified by Microsoft under the moniker Storm-1811.

Additionally, Rapid7 discovered attempts by this cybercriminal group to exploit the OpenSSH client for creating reverse shells, while also sending malicious QR codes through chat messages, likely aimed at credential theft under the guise of device trust configuration.

ReliaQuest, another cybersecurity firm, speculates that these QR codes may lead users to more malicious infrastructure. Once the attackers gain remote access through legitimate software, they can deploy additional malware, including custom credential theft programs like Zbot and DarkGate, which serve as gateways for further intrusions.

The ultimate aim of these campaigns appears to be quick enumeration of the victim’s environment and the retrieval of user credentials. In some instances, attackers target VPN configurations for more profound access into corporate networks.

Black Basta emerged as a notorious group following the disbandment of Conti in 2022. They initially used QakBot for infiltration but later diversified into various social engineering strategies. Other tactics include utilizing unique malware families like KNOTWRAP, KNOTROCK, DAWNCRY, and PORTYARD aimed at executing malicious payloads or establishing remote command-and-control connections.

Yelisey Bohuslavskiy from RedSense noted that Black Basta has transitioned from a heavily botnet-reliant approach to a hybrid strategy that leverages social engineering to enhance their effectiveness. This evolution indicates a broader trend in ransomware tactics, suggesting an ongoing need for vigilance and improved cybersecurity measures.

As this ransomware group continues to evolve, so do the challenges for organizations seeking to defend against such advanced cyber threats.

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