GRTech
Sophos whitepaper reveals SamSam Ransomware has raked in almost $6m
Ransomware is universal and one of the greatest threats in cybersecurity currently. Extensive research by Sophos has uncovered a trove of new information on the notorious SamSam ransomware that has affected far more victims than previously thought, and raised vastly more in ransom demands – almost $6 million.
Most ransomware is spread in large, noisy and untargeted spam campaigns sent to thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of people. They use simple techniques to infect victims and aim to raise money through large numbers of relatively small ransoms of perhaps a few hundred dollars each.
What sets SamSam apart from most other ransomware is that its use in targeted attacks by a skilled team or individual, who breaks into a victim’s network, surveils it and then runs the malware manually.
The attacks are tailored to cause maximum damage and ransom demands are measured in the tens of thousands of dollars.
The attack method is surprisingly manual, and more cat burglar than smash-and-grab. As a result, the attacker can employ countermeasures (if needed), and is surprisingly adept at evading many security tools. If the process of encrypting data is interrupted, then the malware comprehensively deletes all trace of itself immediately, to hinder investigation.
SamSam is a particularly thorough encryption tool, rendering not only work data files unusable but any program that isn’t essential to the operation of a Windows computer, most of which are not routinely backed up. Recovery may require reimaging and/or reinstalling software as well as restoring backups. The attacker is very good at covering their tracks and appears to be growing increasingly paranoid (or experienced) as time passes, gradually adding more security features into his tools and websites.
Key findings
The basics
- The SamSam ransomware first appeared in the wild in December, 2015
- Some victims reported a widespread ransomware event that significantly impacted operations of some large organizations, including hospitals, schools and cities
- The attack details took some time to obtain because the attacker(s) responsible took great care to obfuscate their methods and delete any evidence that could be revealing
- Many victims found that they could not recover sufficiently or quickly enough to ensure business continuity on their own, and reluctantly paid the ransom
The statistics
- By tracking Bitcoin addresses supplied on ransom notes and sample files and by working with the firm Neutrino, Sophos has calculated that SamSam has earned its creator(s) more than US$5.9 million since late, 2015
- Sophos has determined that 74% of the known victims are based in the United States. Other regions known to have suffered attacks include Canada, the UK, and the Middle East
- The SamSam attacker has received ransom payments as high as $64,000, based on analysis of ransom payments to the Bitcoin wallets tracked
- Unlike most other ransomware, SamSam encrypts not only document files, images, and other personal or work data, but also configuration and data files required to run applications (e.g., Microsoft Office). Victims whose backup strategy only protects the user’s documents and files won’t be able to recover a machine without reimaging it, first
- Every subsequent attack shows a progression in sophistication and an increasing awareness of how to evade operational security
- The cost victims are charged in ransom has increased dramatically, and the tempo of attacks shows no sign of slowdown
The balance sheet
- Sophos estimates that the SamSam attacker earned an average of a hair under US$300,000* per month in 2018
- From tracking Bitcoin payments made to known wallet addresses owned by the attacker, Sophos has calculated the SamSam take as exceeding US$5.9 million*
- The largest single ransom received by the SamSam attacker was valued at $64,478* (at the time of payment)
- Payment is made by victims in bitcoin via a custom “payment site” on the dark web that is at a unique address for each victim organization
- The payment site lets the SamSam attacker interact directly with victims, who use a message board-like interface to communicate
- The ransom amount varies widely by the organization, but has steadily increased over the time the ransomware has been in active use
- After full payment has been received, the SamSam attacker moves the cryptocurrency into a system of tumblers and mixers which attempt to launder the source of the Bitcoin through myriad micro transactions
* Note: In order to accurately estimate costs, due to wildly fluctuating exchange rates, we calculate the value of a given quantity of Bitcoin as its worth on the day it was acquired by the SamSam attacker, if the SamSam attacker were immediately to cash it out
Recommended security practices
- There is no silver bullet to security; an active and layered security model is the best practice
- If you study the methodology, there are several points at which basic security measures can stop the SamSam attacker
- Sophos recommends implementing these top four security practices right now:
- Restricted access to port 3389 (RDP) by only allowing staff who use a VPN to be able to remotely access any systems. Utilize multi-factor authentication for VPN access
- Complete, regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests across the network; if you haven’t followed through on recent pen-testing reports, do it now
- Multi-factor authentication for sensitive internal systems, even for employees on the LAN or VPN
- Create back-ups that are offline and offsite and develop a disaster recovery plan that covers the restoration of data and whole systems
- Additional best security practices Sophos recommends are:
- Layered security that blocks attackers from all points of entry and from gaining access once inside a network
- Rigorous and diligent patching
- Server-specific security with Lockdown capabilities and anti-exploit protection, especially for unpatched systems
- Security that synchronizes and shares intelligence to activate lockdowns
- Endpoint and server security with credential theft protection
- Hard to crack and unique IT admin passwords with multi-factor authentication
- Improve password policies: Encourage employees to use secure password managers, longer passphrases and the non-reuse of passwords for multiple accounts – How to pick a proper password.
- Periodic assessments, using third party tools like Censys or Shodan, to identify publicly-accessible services and ports across your public-facing IP address space, then close them
- Improved account access controls: Enact sensible policies to secure idle accounts; automatically lock accounts and alert IT staff after a number of failed login attempts
- Regular phishing tests and staff education about the perils of phishing
For additional information on SamSam Ransomware please visit – https://www.sophos.com/en-us/medialibrary/PDFs/technical-papers/SamSam-The-Almost-Six-Million-Dollar-Ransomware.pdf
Source: TechEconomy.ng
GRTech
Identity Management Day: Sophos Warns Against Data Breaches Linked to Identity Theft
REPORTER: Sandra Ani
79% of data breaches are linked to identity theft and cost businesses an average of $4.5 million, according to reports from the Identity Defined Security Alliance (IDSA) and the Ponemon Institute.
Additionally, the 2025 edition of the Sophos Active Adversary Report reveals that the average time between the start of an attack and data exfiltration is only 72.98 hours (3.04 days), while the average time between exfiltration and attack detection is just 2.7 hours.
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly fast, and the longer a compromised identity remains active, the greater the potential damage.
In light of this, Sophos, one of the world’s leading providers of innovative security solutions designed to neutralize cyberattacks, is taking advantage of Identity Management Day, which takes place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, to remind businesses of the best practices they should follow to manage and secure digital identities.
Cybercriminals can use a compromised identity to access confidential information, steal data, move laterally within the organization, and launch further attacks.
It is therefore crucial to take immediate action to contain breaches and minimize their consequences.
In this context, automation plays a key role by enabling organizations to respond quickly and effectively to identity-related threats.
Five Automated Measures to Protect Against Identity Theft
1. Disable the User
When an identity breach is detected, one of the first steps is to disable the compromised user account. By preventing the attacker from using the stolen identity to access company systems and data, this measure outpaces the hacker and helps contain the breach.
Automation significantly speeds up this process. With automated response tools, businesses can quickly identify compromised accounts and disable them in real-time. This reduces the attack window and minimizes potential damage.
2. Force Password Reset
Passwords are often the first line of defense against unauthorized access attempts. In the event of an identity breach, it is essential to immediately force a password reset for the compromised account to prevent hackers from using stolen credentials.
Automated rules can be set up to trigger an instant password reset as soon as a breach is detected. This saves time and ensures that the reset process is initiated without delay, reducing the risk of further unauthorized access attempts.
3. Force Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Reset
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a verification code in addition to their password. If an identity breach occurs, it is crucial to reset MFA for the compromised account. This means that the user will have to re-authenticate using their MFA tool, which automatically invalidates any stolen authentication tokens the attacker may have acquired.
Automated rules can trigger the refresh of MFA tokens, ensuring that compromised accounts are quickly reauthenticated. This prevents cybercriminals from using stolen authentication tokens to access company systems.
4. Lock the Account
Locking a compromised account prevents hackers from attempting to use it until the issue is resolved. This also gives the organization time to investigate the breach and apply the necessary corrective measures.
Automation streamlines the account locking process, allowing businesses to lock compromised accounts as soon as a breach is detected. This immediate response helps contain the breach and blocks further unauthorized access attempts.
5. Revoke Active Sessions
In addition to disabling the user account and forcing a password reset, it is essential to revoke all active sessions associated with the compromised identity. This ensures that the attacker is immediately logged out of all systems they accessed using stolen credentials.
Automated actions can be configured to revoke active sessions in real-time, instantly disrupting any unauthorized access. This is a critical measure to neutralize the breach and prevent further malicious activity.
For more information, please visit: https://www.secureworks.com/blog/5-critical-response-actions-for-an-identity-breach
GRTech
Samsung Expands Accessibility with Local Language Integration on Galaxy S25, A56, A36, and A26 Devices
By SANDRA ANI
Samsung Electronics has taken a bold step in enhancing user experience and inclusivity by introducing Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba as official language options on selected Samsung Galaxy devices.
The feature, which is now available on the Galaxy S25, A56, A36, and A26 devices, reaffirms Samsung’s commitment to delivering innovative technology that speaks the language of its users.
With this groundbreaking update, Samsung users across Nigeria can now navigate their smartphones in their preferred local language, making technology more accessible, while also upholding our cultural heritage.
A Celebration of Culture and Technology
To mark the launch, Samsung hosted a cultural-themed press briefing featuring traditional music, local cuisine, and a showcase of the new language feature. Employees and guests attended in traditional Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa attires, celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.
Samsung also announced plans to expand local language support to more devices in the near future, reinforcing its dedication to making technology more inclusive for African users.
Empowering Users Through Language
The integration of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba on Samsung devices reflects the brand’s mission to bridge the digital gap and enhance user engagement. Speaking at the press conference, Oge Maduagwu, Head of Marketing, Samsung Electronics West Africa, said, “At Samsung, we understand that technology is most powerful when it is accessible to all. By incorporating our local Nigerian languages, we are making our devices more intuitive and relatable, ensuring that millions of Nigerians can interact with their smartphones in the language they love and understand best”.
Seamless Language Transition on Galaxy Devices
Stephen Okwara, Head of Product Management, Samsung Electronics West Africa added, “The new local language feature is designed to deliver a seamless user experience, allowing customers to easily switch between languages. Users can activate Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba on the Galaxy S25, A26, A36, and A56 by navigating to:
Settings > Language & Input > Select Language
“This update enhances smartphone usability, particularly for those who prefer their native language over English, ensuring greater digital inclusivity, enhancing digital literacy and encouraging more users to engage with technology in their native tongues”, he concluded.
Availability
Customers can visit all Samsung Experience Stores or authorized retailers in Nigeria to learn more and experience the feature firsthand.
TechNews
NITDA DG Inaugurates National Technical Working Group on Cloud Infrastructure
REPORTER: Sandra Ani
In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated the Technical Working Group (TWG) on National Cloud Infrastructure.
This initiative aims to enhance local cloud capabilities, attract hyper-scale investments, and position Nigeria as a leading technology hub in Africa.
Speaking at the inauguration, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, emphasised the need for accurate data and regulatory frameworks to support these initiatives, necessary for Nigeria to control its digital infrastructure, data, and technological future noting that,
“Without this foundation, we cannot achieve true digital sovereignty. Our goal is to build an ecosystem where both local data centre providers can scale, and global hyper-scalers see Nigeria as a viable investment destination.”
While identifying lack of accurate data on Nigeria’s IT infrastructure as significant challenge, Inuwa noted that while Africa comprises nearly 19% of the world’s population, it hosts less than 1% of global data centres.
“This disparity, coupled with limited insights into Nigeria’s existing IT capacity, hampers investment efforts and without clear data on our infrastructure, attracting investment becomes challenging,” he said.
The NITDA boss maintained that, to address this, NITDA commissioned comprehensive research to assess Nigeria’s digital landscape which findings have highlighted the need for improved regulatory frameworks, clearer investment incentives, and stronger public-private collaboration. He added that subsequently upon this, NITDA has engaged global consultants to redefine strategies for cloud development.
As the TWG embarks on its mission, NITDA urges industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to contribute their expertise and resources. “With collective effort, Nigeria can emerge as the premier digital hub for West and Central Africa,” Inuwa concluded.
While corroborating the Director General’s point of views, Acting Director of Regulation and Compliance, Barrister Emmanuel Edet, underscored the importance of regulatory intervention in fostering a robust digital economy.
“Our objective is to establish policies and legal frameworks that support cloud development, enabling us to securely host and manage our data. This is crucial for the growth of our digital economy, he said.”
He also highlights the necessity of capacity building, stating that, “Equipping ourselves with top-tier training and expertise is essential to fully leverage digital technologies.” Barrister Edet called on all stakeholders to actively participate in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
“Collaboratively, we must develop a framework that reflects our national interests, and it should be widely accepted. This effort will define Nigeria’s role in the global digital arena, he observed.
The TWG will help in the drive to attract hyperscale investments and enhance local cloud capabilities by proffering measures to encourage the use of accurate data, recommend the enactment and compliance to enabling policies.
Members of the TWG which includes Google, AWS, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, HUAWEI Cloud, Equinix, Kasi, Rack Centre, Africa Data Centres, several other data centre operators and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission expressed support and readiness to volunteer and contribute resources.
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