Scattered Spider: Advanced Techniques for Launching High-Profile Attacks

Scattered Spider is a threat group responsible for attacking several organizations since May 2022 by using techniques like social engineering, ransomware, extortion, SIM Swapping and many other tactics.

There were also reports that this threat group was affiliated with the BlackCat ransomware since mid-2023.

Their most notable attacks that made it to the media include the compromise of Twilio in August 2022, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts in 2023.

However, this threat group has been constantly evolving with tactics, techniques, and procedures for their operations.

Scattered Spider Attack

According to the reports shared with Cyber Security News, Scattered Spider’s activities overlap with other intrusion set activities like 0ktapus, Scatter Swine, UNC3944, Octo Tempest, Muddled Libra, and many others.

The threat group is reported to consist of 17- to 22-year-old native English-speaking individuals who reside in Western countries.

Document
Live Account Takeover Attack Simulation

How do Hackers Bypass 2FA?

Live attack simulation Webinar demonstrates various ways in which account takeover can happen and practices to protect your websites and APIs against ATO attacks .

Between March and July 2022, this threat group compromised over 130 unique organizations in several industries, including technology, telecommunications, and cryptocurrency. 

Targeted Industries (Source: Sekoia)

Reports from Microsoft stated that this threat group also used personal information like residential addresses or relative names to threaten their victims into giving corporate credentials.

Once they gain access to the corporate networks, they perform a review of internal documents to collect details about the processes and procedures.

Later, they use this information to expand their scope and access sensitive systems and data.

In an advanced attack scenario, the threat group is using double-extortion tactics by deploying the BlackCat ransomware into the victim’s environment.

From Initial Access Broken To Ransomware Affiliate

During their early stages in 2022, Scattered Spider activities were associated with using intrusion sets to gain initial access to the organization’s accounts via social engineering.

Once they gather initial access information and other credentials, they sell it to other criminals for money. 

Timeline of Scattered Spider (Source: Sekoia)

In mid-2023, Scattered Spider joined BlackCat ransomware operations and began to deploy ransomware payloads on Windows and Linux systems.

Further, they evolved into performing data exfiltration, extortion, and other attacking methods. 

In late 2023, the threat group expanded its targets to Manufacturing, Hospitality, Law, Gaming, Natural resources, Financial services, and many others.

As of February 2024, the victims of Scattered Spider includes,

  • True Corporation
  • Zendesk
  • Squarespace
  • Walmart
  • Linkedin
  • Costco
  • Cellular Sales
  • Grubhub
  • Samsung
  • Gitlab
  • Fireblocks
  • Sinch
  • Roblox
  • Us Cellular
  • Apple
  • Binance
  • Verizon
  • Aflac
  • Bell
  • Allstate
  • Athene

Indicators Of Compromise

Phishing Domains

Phishing Servers

You can block malware, including Trojans, ransomware, spyware, rootkits, worms, and zero-day exploits, with Perimeter81 malware protection. All are extremely harmful, can wreak havoc, and damage your network.

Stay updated on Cybersecurity news, Whitepapers, and Infographics. Follow us on LinkedIn & Twitter.

Eswar

Eswar is a Cyber security content editor with a passion for creating captivating and informative content. With years of experience under his belt in Cyber Security, he is covering Cyber Security News, technology and other news.

Recent Posts

Threat Actors Manipulate Search Results to Lure Users to Malicious Websites

Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and paid advertisements to manipulate search…

7 hours ago

Hackers Imitate Google Chrome Install Page on Google Play to Distribute Android Malware

Cybersecurity experts have unearthed an intricate cyber campaign that leverages deceptive websites posing as the…

7 hours ago

Dangling DNS Attack Allows Hackers to Take Over Organization’s Subdomain

Hackers are exploiting what's known as "Dangling DNS" records to take over corporate subdomains, posing…

7 hours ago

HelloKitty Ransomware Returns, Launching Attacks on Windows, Linux, and ESXi Environments

Security researchers and cybersecurity experts have recently uncovered new variants of the notorious HelloKitty ransomware,…

8 hours ago

RansomHub Ransomware Group Hits 84 Organizations as New Threat Actors Emerge

The RansomHub ransomware group has emerged as a significant danger, targeting a wide array of…

8 hours ago

Threat Actors Leverage Email Bombing to Evade Security Tools and Conceal Malicious Activity

Threat actors are increasingly using email bombing to bypass security protocols and facilitate further malicious…

21 hours ago