Communications Authority of Kenya warns that network systems getting targeted by Emotet Banking Virus

A warning has been issued for the local institutions and public by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) regarding a very destructive and advanced banking virus called 'Emotet', which as per the warning is targeting network systems. As per the CA, till now, the National Computer Incident Response Team Coordination Centre has detected 11 cases where the Emotet virus has targeted the local institutions, and they are in touch with local institutions on this matter.

According to the CA, the Emotet malware has been spreading through malicious email links or attachments appearing as some account alerts from the bank, payment notifications and invoices.

Tom Olwero, the Director General of the CA, as per the statement issued on December 31, 2018, said that the Emotet malware is a very destructive and advanced banking Trojan affecting the network systems. As per him, "it can evade typical signature-based detection and has several methods for maintaining persistence, including auto-start registry keys and services".

Olwero further added that "Emotet is notorious for its modular architecture, persistence techniques, and worm-like self-propagation that rapidly spread network-wide infection. Once downloaded, Emotet establishes persistence and attempts to propagate the local networks through incorporated spreader modules".

The Emotet malware poses a great danger as it may result in permanent or temporary loss of sensitive files and information, which can normally harm reputation of any organisation. Moreover, it also leads to disruption of regular business operations in an organization, and financial losses while restoring the systems and files.

The CA has requested people as well as local organizations to be cautious from Emotet malware. Tom Olwero has further urged the organizations who suspect their machines been infected by the Emotet malware to scan them, and then isolate the infected computers from rest of their network. This should be preceded by cleaning and repairing
of the system.

Institutions are also advised to install the protective software for combating malware and for sticking to best practices in the cybersecurity. As per the CA, regular upgradation of security measures is needed for securing network from attacks in the future.

The CA, on December 19 of last year, said that cyber-attacks in the country reached 3.8 million in between July 2018 and September 2018.

» SPAMfighter News - 1/15/2019