DarkHotel is a notorious cybercrime group that has been active since at least 2007. The group is known for targeting high-level executives and government officials with sophisticated malware campaigns, often through hotel Wi-Fi networks.
DarkHotel has been linked to a number of high-profile cyber attacks, including the 2014 Sony Pictures hack and the 2015 attack on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. The group is believed to operate out of Asia, with possible ties to North Korea.
What Does DarkHotel Do?
Darkhotel uses a variety of tactics to compromise the security of its targets, including phishing attacks, zero-day vulnerabilities, and the use of malicious software such as Trojans and keyloggers. The group has been known to use fake login pages and malicious Wi-Fi networks to trick victims into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials and financial data.
Once they have gained access to a victim’s device, Darkhotel has been known to steal sensitive documents and other data, as well as install additional malware to maintain access to the compromised device. The group has also been known to use their access to a victim’s device to monitor their activity and steal additional login credentials.
Darkhotel’s attacks have been primarily targeted at individuals in the United States, South Korea, Japan, and China.
How To Protect Yourself from DarkHotel?
There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself from DarkHotel and other cyber threats:
- Be wary of suspicious emails and links: DarkHotel often uses spear-phishing campaigns to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links or downloading malware. Be cautious of emails from unfamiliar sources and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments unless you are certain they are safe.
- Use strong passwords: Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
- Keep your software and devices up to date: Make sure to keep all of your software and devices up to date with the latest security patches. This can help prevent vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your online activity and prevent cybercriminals from accessing your device through a public Wi-Fi network.
What to Do If You Are Infected with DarkHotel?
If you believe you have been infected with DarkHotel malware, there are a few steps you should take:
- Disconnect from the internet: Disconnect your device from the internet to prevent the malware from spreading or communicating with the cybercriminals.
- Run a malware scan: Use a reputable antivirus or malware removal tool to scan your device for malware.
- Change your passwords: Once you have cleaned your device, change the passwords for all of your accounts. Make sure to use strong, unique passwords.
- Notify your employer or relevant authorities: If you believe the malware was used to access sensitive information or systems, notify your employer or relevant authorities immediately.
Overall, it is important to be vigilant in protecting yourself from DarkHotel and other cyber threats. This includes being cautious of suspicious emails and links, using strong passwords, keeping your software and devices up to date, and using a VPN to protect your online activity. If you believe you have been infected with DarkHotel malware, it is important to take immediate action to clean your device and prevent further damage.