Data exfiltration techniques pdf 002], Amazon AWS S3 buckets/tools Mar 31, 2022 · Best practices for detecting data exfiltration. Often, unfortunately, insider threats go unnoticed. , 2016) or a malware that leaks data over a covert channel (McCormick, 2008, Zander, Armitage, Branch, 2007). Data Exfiltration. (section 4) •We describe two novel attack classes against PDF encryption, which abuse vulnerabilities in the current PDF standard and allow attackers to obtain the plaintext. Exfiltration consists of techniques that adversaries may use to steal data from your network. Data Exfiltration: Preventive and Detective Countermeasures Anushka Lal a,*, Ankit Prasad b, Ankit Kumar c, Shailender Kumar d techniques for better classification of data. Over the past few years, notable organizations such as the Google, Yahoo, the Pentagon, Iran nuclear facility and the United States military contractors and banks have fallen victims of data exfiltration. Dec 1, 2019 · PDF | On Dec 1, 2019, Hamzeh AlKilani and others published Data Exfiltration Techniques and Data Loss Prevention System | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate In this research, the authors applied data exfiltration techniques using both Microsoft office word and Adobe’s PDF file format that are commonly used by organizations. Exfiltration and Impact BianLian group actors search for sensitive files using PowerShell scripts (See Appendix: Windows PowerShell and Command Shell Activity) and exfiltrate them for data extortion. Even if we assume that connections to public networks are not allowed, if the target host is able to resolve arbitrary domain names, data exfiltration is possible via forwarded DNS queries [5]. Developing defense mechanisms and performing . While XPath and LDAP injection vulnerabilities can lead to authentication bypasses and data exfiltration, HTML injection in PDF generation libraries can lead to Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF), Local File Inclusion (LFI), and other common web vulnerabilities. Mar 1, 2024 · In 2020, Coveware reported that 70% of ransomware attacks were combined with data exfiltration (Tuttle, 2021). Even PDFs loaded from the filesystem in Acrobat, which have more rigorous protection, can still be made to make external requests. Sep 30, 2020 · Mainframe Data Exfiltration Techniques. Other covert data exfiltration methods such as printing sensitive documents, copying data to a USB key, or burning a data disc, can all be monitored and detected easily (Giani et al. In most cases, the longer such activity goes unnoticed, the greater the resulting damages are likely to be. In data exfiltration scenarios, cyberattackers copy or transfer data to another location. Once desired data has been collected, adversaries often package the data through compression and encryption to avoid detection. What focuses on the detection and prevention of sensitive data exfiltration and lost data? Data exfiltration prevention solutions focus on detecting and preventing the unauthorized transfer and loss of sensitive data. Oct 1, 2019 · Dubbed ‘PDFex’, the attack comes in two technique variants - Data exfiltration and CBC Gadgets. This occurs when attackers target endpoint devices such as laptops, desktops, and mobile devices to steal data. The number of incidents and capabilities of data Dec 27, 2020 · Download full-text PDF Read full Iran nuclear facility and the United States military contractors and banks have fallen victims of data exfiltration. Data Exfiltration Techniques Before the actual data exfiltration takes place attackers usually compress, encrypt or encode the payload which is about to be sent to the attackers’ server. The methods used to extract data from a targeted network typically involve transmitting it through a covert communication channel. Master Thesis, University of Twente. Methods such as these can also be avoided by disabling external devices on the air-gapped computers. How It Works Test Setup - Select a test-template for the DLP assessment, or create your own from the library of data sets and exfiltration methods. ) Common data exfiltration techniques. With the growing interest in data exfiltration, it is important to review data three types of covert data exﬁltration methods that can be applied to industrial networks. This research focuses on Stealth Data Exfiltration, a significant cyber threat characterized by covert infiltration, extended undetectability, and unauthorized dissemination of confidential data. 💡Teramind Nuggets → Conduct regular penetration testing and red team exercises to simulate data exfiltration attempts. Data Exfiltration . Cyber attackers use various sophisticated techniques, including various legitimate processes that are more difficult to detect. a broad range of regulatory and custom data sets and exfiltration methods, that together with the results provides actionable remediation guidelines. The number and capabilities of data exfiltration vectors are growing at an alarming rate. Just like any data breach, it can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and business disruptions Dec 3, 2024 · These simulations replicate tactics used by real adversaries, ranging from technical exploits to strategies like lateral movement and data exfiltration. One of the primary concerns of data security specialists is to mitigate insider threats and prevent data leaks. business partners, possess legitimate access to a company’s systems and data. Data exfiltration can be an indication of a network compromise and confirmation of threat actor activity within your network. A data Data Exfiltration Threats and Prevention Techniques provides readers the knowledge needed to prevent and protect from malware attacks by introducing existing and recently developed methods in malware protection using AI, memory forensic, and pattern matching, presenting various data exfiltration attack vectors and advanced memory-based data Feb 2, 2025 · As cloud environments evolve, so too must the techniques for investigating and mitigating data exfiltration. Chapter 4: Maintaining Persistence & Evasion: Techniques for Staying Hidden: (Rootkits, backdoors, lateral movement, anti-forensics, and advanced evasion techniques. DATA EXFILTRATION THREATS AND PREVENTION TECHNIQUES Comprehensive resource covering threat prevention techniques for data exfiltration and applying machine learning applications to aid in identification and prevention</b> <p><i>Data Exfiltration Threats and Prevention Techniques</i> provides readers the knowledge needed to prevent and protect from malware attacks by introducing existing and Jan 1, 2019 · Personal computers and computer networks have been the target of data theft attacks that commonly use techniques involving man-in-the-middle attacks (Conti et al. this uncontrolled data channel. To effectively prevent data exfiltration Data exﬁltration is the process of retrieving, copying, and transferring an individual’s or company’s sensitive data from a computer, a server, or another device without authorization [1]. Common methods include using malware, exploiting vulnerabilities, or physically transferring data through USB drives or other external storage devices. Next, we will focus on the tools leveraged by lucrative intrusion sets to gather valuable data from a victim’s environment. van Ede. We linked each technique on the left to potential means of mitigation and on the right to data sources that defenders can use to potentially detect the technique. This paper aims to address this gap by implementing a data exfiltration methodology, detailing some data exfiltration methods. • Stealth. Tailoring attack simulations to mimic specific threat actors is crucial. Discover the different data exfiltration types and how Fortinet solutions can prevent data exfiltration through known threats, emerging risks, and zero-day attacks. Data Exfiltration Techniques: Beacons excel in discreetly exfiltrating sensitive information from target systems. release customer data (34 percent), and direct contact with customers (21 percent). Prevent Data Exfiltration with Data exfiltration, also known as data theft or data leakage, is the unauthorized transfer of data from an organization's internal network to an external network. Finally, we will provide insights into detecting different tools and techniques associated with data exfiltration. The data exfiltration stage usually marks the final phase in the malware lifecycle [1]. Network Data Exfiltration Automated Exfiltration Data Compressed Data Encrypted Data Transfer Size Limits Exfiltration Over Other Network Medium 16 techniques Exfiltration 9 techniques Impact Nov 1, 2014 · Techniques or mediums by which data may be exfiltrated from a smartphone [15] defines data exfiltration as the retrieval and transfer of data from an organization's laptop assigned to an employee Data Exfiltration. Figure 6: Top Five Data Exfiltration Methods Observed Across Insider Threat Incidents 5 Figure 7: Top Five Sabotage Methods Observed Across Insider Threat Incidents 5 Figure 8: Victim Organization Industry Type (n=1515) 5 Figure 9: The Organization’s Balancing Act 6 Figure 10: Critical Assets Across Critical Services 11 Mar 5, 2025 · This article discusses data exfiltration techniques using the HTTP protocol, explaining why HTTP is one of the stealthiest methods for exfiltrating data. In this blog, we explained what lateral movement is and why lateral movement techniques are a prevalent practice among adversaries. Data leakage, however, can occur due to more mundane actions, such as accidentally sending an email with sensitive information to the wrong recipient, misconfiguring a cloud storage Data exfiltration is of increasing concern throughout the world. Jun 27, 2023 · To combat data exfiltration, you'll need to diligently invest in prevention measures including: Strong access controls; Employee education and training; Advanced security tools and solutions. This guidance provides examples of the methods malicious insiders have used or could use to exfiltrate data, and suggests technical measures that can be used to: > prevent data exfiltration Nov 1, 2017 · These countermeasures aim to detect, prevent, or investigate exfiltration of sensitive or private data. Data exfiltration is often done with the help of various cyber-attack techniques that allow attackers to steal sensitive data from the victim organization without them knowing. 003 Apr 16, 2024 · Commands range from reconnaissance tasks and lateral movement to data exfiltration, providing comprehensive control over the compromised. This paper provides an overview of the basic data exfiltration techniques that deal with file structures and were utilized • Background on Data Exfiltration • Recent Trends in Healthcare • Deep Dive into Data Exfiltration • Information Stealers • Ransomware & Custom Data Exfiltration Tools • Data Exfiltration and Extortion • Cyber Espionage • Cloud and Insider Threats • Mitigations Non-Technical: Managerial, strategic and high-level (general audience) May 18, 2023 · DATA EXFILTRATION THREATS AND PREVENTION TECHNIQUES Comprehensive resource covering threat prevention techniques for data exfiltration and applying machine learning applications to aid in identification and prevention Data Exfiltration Threats and Prevention Techniques provides readers the knowledge needed to prevent and protect from malware attacks by introducing existing and recently control (C2) methods. Most Common Data Exfiltration Techniques. networking mediums. It poses a significant challenge for organizations as there are numerous methods by which data can be surreptitiously extracted, making it difficult to determine the exact data that has been taken. Once the data is collected, adver-saries often utilize various techniques, including compression and encryption, to obfuscate the information and evade detec-tion when removing it. This could be as simple as their own file transfer website, through to more sophisticated techniques, such as data pumps. This can be done using a variety of techniques and is often difficult to detect. ATT&CK for Mobile also contains a separate matrix of network-based effects, which are techniques that an adversary can employ without Jan 1, 2018 · Data exfiltration is a serious and ongoing issue in the field of information security. Data exfiltration is a formidable challenge in cybersecurity, defined as the deliberate theft or unauthorized transfer of data from personal or corporate devices. However, such attack vectors have not been deeply explored in the literature. I. •Further filters define user based on risk potential –Employment state: 2-week notice, temporary employee, contractor –High-risk locations: projects, government, locations witha history Activity data •"Action" data attributable to a user, their assets, etc. In computing terminology, exfiltration refers to the unauthorized release of data from within a computer system. Data mining techniques as employed in intrusion detection fall into one of two categories which are misuse detection and anomaly detection (Nadiammai and Hemalatha, 2013). The ransomware binary does not normally include any mechanism for data exfiltration. In combination with the most common data exfiltration techniques, more knowledgeable individuals posing an insider threat may use: Encryption. It implies moving information from an Data exﬁltration is the process of retrieving, copying, and transferring an individual’s or company’s sensitive data from a computer, a server, or another device without authorization [1]. It covers post-exploitation techniques and demonstrates them in a practical lab setup. INTRODUCTION Data exfiltration is performed by malicious actors in order to steal data from a network. 2006). Detecting data exfiltration can be a difficult task and depends largely on the type of attack method used. DATA EXFILTRATION THREATS AND PREVENTION TECHNIQUES Comprehensive resource covering threat prevention techniques for data exfiltration and applying machine learning applications to aid in identification and prevention</b> <p><i>Data Exfiltration Threats and Prevention Techniques</i> provides readers the knowledge needed to prevent and protect from malware attacks by introducing existing and May 6, 2023 · In today’s cyber warfare realm, every stakeholder in cyberspace is becoming more potent by developing advanced cyber weapons. Some other studies focus on using images In this document, we discuss some known data exfiltration techniques and propose protection strategies that can be deployed to mitigate the impact from such threats. , 2022) found that between 2019 and 2022, from 124 ransomware attacks, forensic analysis suggested there were traces of data exfiltration in 43% of the attacks. The precocious cyber weapons, targeted and motivated with some specific intention are called as Advanced Persistent Threats (APT). In the case of a malware, Jan 2, 2023 · Considering the devastating financial and reputational outcomes of targeted attack campaigns such as cyber espionage, data exfiltration, and ransomware attacks, organizations are to benefit significantly from being prepared against lateral movement attacks. DMore advanced techniques such as data pumps Where large-scale data exfiltration is the name of the game, hackers will often need to build out their own infrastructure on the internet. Covid-19 Impact. This article takes a detailed look at data exfiltration from multiple perspectives. Encrypting data prior to exfiltration can be easy for certain individuals to accomplish. Jul 26, 2021 · Request PDF | Data Exfiltration: Methods and Detection Countermeasures | Data exfiltration is of increasing concern throughout the world. Prior to January 2023, BianLian actors encrypted files [T1486] after exfiltration for double extortion. When these insiders act maliciously or negligently, they can cause significant damage through theft, sabotage, or espionage. These countermeasures aim to detect, prevent, or investigate exfiltration of sensitive or private data. Most often used to encode the data as normal communications, minimizing outbound connections to avoid detection. With more than 300 billion emails sent per day globally, it is not surprising that email is the top Dec 3, 2024 · Data exfiltration often involves sophisticated techniques, such as malware, phishing, social engineering, or exploiting vulnerabilities to access and extract data. DNS encryption to their advantage for botnet communications and/or data exfiltration. 002], Amazon AWS S3 buckets/tools Jul 11, 2018 · Data exfiltration is the last stage of the kill chain in a (generally) targeted attack on an organisation. data mining, signature-based, heuristsic, behavioural and sandboxing techniques. While robust for detecting and preventing insider threats, machine learning and deep learning techniques face several challenges. QUESTION 2 KEY INSIGHT Ensure your security tools and incident response plans can effectively address increasingly advanced, multi-faceted ransomware attacks (including DDoS and data theft). In military jargon exfiltration is the removal of personnel or units from areas under enemy control by stealth, deception, surprise, or clandestine means. Hackers are going to use native tools available on the system before getting to more complex methods – especially if those tools are also ubiquitous on Windows/Linux where most will be more familiar. It is also called data theft, data extrusion, and data leakage. Aug 14, 2024 · Step 3: The data exfiltration Most phishing attacks are associated with data theft, where the attackers are looking to steal credentials, financial account details, and more. DS0010: Cloud Storage: Cloud Storage Access Figure 6: Top Five Data Exfiltration Methods Observed Across Insider Threat Incidents 5 Figure 7: Top Five Sabotage Methods Observed Across Insider Threat Incidents 5 Figure 8: Victim Organization Industry Type (n=1515) 5 Figure 9: The Organization’s Balancing Act 6 Figure 10: Critical Assets Across Critical Services 11 Aug 29, 2024 · Data exfiltration methods depend heavily on the affiliate conducting the network compromise. When other faster SQL injection (SQLi) data retrieval techniques fail, data is usually retrieved in bit-by-bit Chapter 4: Maintaining Persistence & Evasion: Techniques for Staying Hidden: (Rootkits, backdoors, lateral movement, anti-forensics, and advanced evasion techniques. Groups of Understanding Data Exfiltration. Observably, Scattered Spider threat actors have exfiltrated data [TA0010] after gaining access and threatened to release it without deploying ransomware; this includes exfiltration to multiple sites Here, we have the techniques that APT29 is known to use in the middle column. Several directions are presented to motivate future research in enhancing the performance and security of DNS encryption. Enschede, the Netherlands, 78 pages. Data Exfiltration Threats and Prevention Techniques provides readers the knowledge needed to prevent and protect from malware attacks by introducing existing and recently developed methods in malware protection using AI, memory forensic, and pattern matching, presenting various data exfiltration attack vectors and advanced memory-based data The Post Exploitation Adversary Simulations - Network Data Exfiltration Techniques training class has been designed to present students the modern and emerging tools and techniques available for network data exfiltration, testing and bypassing DLP/IDS/IPS/FW systems, protocol tunneling, hiding, pivoting and generating malicious network events. In other words, a data leak can lead to planned exfiltration. Data Exfiltration Threats and Prevention Techniques provides readers the knowledge needed to prevent and protect from malware attacks by introducing existing and recently developed methods in malware protection using AI, memory forensic, and pattern matching, presenting various data exfiltration attack vectors and advanced memory-based data Data Exfiltration By inspecting data as it arrives on the endpoint, Falcon Data Protection identifies not only the originating source but unique features within data, allowing it to be tracked as it moves between files. In misuse detection, each instance in a data set is labeled as normal tion when removing it. May 17, 2024 · View PDF Abstract: The rising complexity of cyber threats calls for a comprehensive reassessment of current security frameworks in business environments. Data exfiltration occurs when data is stolen. Jan 1, 2025 · These methods help identify and mitigate potential data exfiltration attempts and other cybersecurity risks. 2. Being well-acquainted with these techniques forms the initial step for the implementation of proper security measures. Inbound Email. Nov 28, 2024 · Leverage machine learning algorithms to identify complex data exfiltration techniques. Data types Data exfiltration is the theft or unauthorized removal or movement of any data from a device. Once they’ve collected data, adversaries often package it to avoid detection while removing it. Myriad tools, both free and commercial, are available to encrypt data. Consequently, analysts can mistakenly mark the data This module covers three injection attacks: XPath injection, LDAP injection, and HTML injection in PDF generation libraries. This can include compression and encryption. This is usually done by the backdoor itself or by using a third party tool, such as archiving software WinRAR. This Aug 3, 2021 · Additional Data Exfiltration Techniques . Keywords—DNS, Data Exﬁltration, DNS Tunneling, Anomaly Detection, Isolation Forest I. They have equipped with the most advanced malware and maintain a hidden attribution. Oct 15, 2024 · Common Data Exfiltration Cyber Attack Techniques. Unlike most traditional DLP solutions that are content-centric, Falcon Data Protection identifies data that is exiting Data exfiltration is of increasing concern throughout the world. 002 ], Amazon AWS S3 buckets/tools [ T1537 ], HTTP POST requests [ T1048. ) Chapter 5: Exfiltration & Data Breaches: Stealing and Securing Sensitive Information: (Data exfiltration methods, data hiding techniques, and command and control (C2) infrastructure. Data exfiltration has been observed through the usage of tools such as PuTTY [ T1048. ) May 22, 2023 · In Data Exfiltration Threats and Prevention Techniques, readers can expect to find detailed information on: Sensitive data classification, covering text pre-processing, supervised text classification, automated text clustering, and other sensitive text detection approaches Supervised machine learning technologies for intrusion detection systems, covering taxonomy and benchmarking of supervised Jan 10, 2025 · In addition to the technologies mentioned above, organizations should employ specific detection methods to identify common data exfiltration techniques: Monitoring DNS queries: Analyzing DNS traffic for suspicious queries can reveal attempts to establish command-and-control communication or exfiltrate data through DNS tunneling. Why? vs. The current techniques for averting these DATA EXFILTRATION THREATS AND PREVENTION TECHNIQUES Comprehensive resource covering threat prevention techniques for data exfiltration and applying machine learning applications to aid in identification and prevention Data Exfiltration Threats and Prevention Techniques provides readers the knowledge needed to prevent and protect from malware attacks by introducing existing and recently Data exfiltration refers to the unauthorized and covert transfer of data from an organization's infrastructure to an external destination. Data exfiltration has been observed through the usage of tools such as PuTTY [T1048. 2017. Groups of ] that is collected prior to exfiltration. Whilst many excellent papers and tools are available for various techniques this is our attempt to pull all these together. The methods used to extract data Dec 10, 2020 · I'll share how I was able to use a custom JavaScript enumerator on the various PDF objects to discover functions that make external requests, enabling me to to exfiltrate data from the PDF. (section 5) •We evaluate popular PDF viewers and show that all of the Jun 4, 2022 · To name some of these data exfiltration methods: Structured Query Language (SQL) attacks against sensitive relational databases , cryptography signature based detection , detecting DNS over HTTPS , exploiting minification of web applications , stealthy data exfiltration from Industry Control Systems (ICS) by manipulating Programmable Logical User definition data •User id, real name, location, position, etc. Data exfiltration is concerned with what data are exfiltrated and how. • Exfiltration Over Other Network Medium (T1011): Technique used to exfiltrate data through Jan 1, 2018 · Data exfiltration can be perpetrated by an outsider or an insider of an organization. AI tools can detect subtle anomalies, such as changes in file transfer protocols or encrypted traffic. Jan 3, 2025 · Types of Data Exfiltration 1. • Exfiltration Over C2 Channel (T1041): Exfiltrating data using an existing command and control channel. The package is usually removed after data exfiltration to eliminate the traces left on the compromised computer. The existence and emergence of such attack vectors make the data exfiltration countermeasures critical for an organization's security. Advancements in AI and ML will continue to play a significant role in automating threat Covering preparatory techniques, deprecating the previous PRE-ATT&CK domain • MITRE ATT&CK - Mobile: Provides a model of adversarial tactics and techniques to operate within the Android and iOS platforms. (Meurs et al. Data exfiltration methods depend heavily on the affiliate conducting the network compromise. Emphasis on Threat Intelligence Sharing: Organizations and cybersecurity communities are focusing on sharing threat intelligence to stay updated on emerging data exfiltration techniques and enhance their defense capabilities. 1 INTRODUCTION The latest Gemalto Breach Level Index [22] reported an increase in data breaches of 164% over control (C2) methods. This was part of TryHackMe DNS Data Exfiltration room. Data exfiltration is a conscious act aimed at siphoning away valuable data, often orchestrated via cyberattack methods and malicious actors. Feb 9, 2024 · Protecting an organization from data exfiltration requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Endpoint Data Exfiltration. Data Encrypted for ansom (Traditional ansomware) Data Exfiltration DD compared to other methods. 1. Given the increasing number of data exfiltration incidents, a large number of data exfiltration countermeasures have been developed. (Learn how each of these play into the overall concept of InfoSec. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the Data Exfiltration Techniques market. This paper highlighted the potential damage and easy exploration of these methods to exﬁltrate data. The researchers tested the PDFex attack techniques against 27 widely used PDF viewers including Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, Evince, Nitro, and Chrome and Firefox's built-in PDF viewers, and found all of them to be vulnerable. Adversaries may also impose limitations on the data transmission size to minimize the risk of detection. control (C2) methods. Oct 17, 2018 · The adversary is trying to steal data. We cover the dangers of data exfiltration, who conducts exfiltration attempts, and the methods they employ. Detecting Adaptive Data Exfiltration in HTTP Traffic. Data exfiltration is also a type of theft, but it is more often associated with ransomware and the active removal of information from the network, often in significant In environments with high-maturity, it may be possible to leverage User-Behavioral Analytics (UBA) platforms to detect and alert on user-based anomalies. Techniques such as phishing, network penetration, and application layer attacks are employed to identify vulnerabilities. INTRODUCTION Personal computers and computer networks have been the targets of data theft attacks commonly using techniques in-volving man-in-the-middle attacks [7] or a malware that leaks data over a covert channel [25], [40]. Additionally, data loss prevention policies can be defined to detect and alert on exfiltration events on particularly sensitive data. of PDF encryption and show how to construct exfiltration channels by combining PDF standard features. Nov 27, 2024 · Second, we will analyse the different categories of targeted data during the exfiltration phase. This can occur due to hackers exploiting misconfigurations, rogue insider threats, or other malicious activities. The methods are storage-based, behaviour-based and timing-based. ) This guidance provides examples of the methods malicious insiders have used or could use to exfiltrate data, and suggests technical measures that can be used to: > prevent data exfiltration Nov 1, 2017 · These countermeasures aim to detect, prevent, or investigate exfiltration of sensitive or private data. The number of incidents and capabilities of data exfiltration attacks are growing at an unprecedented rate. Data exﬁltration is either achieved through physical means or network. 002], Amazon AWS S3 buckets/tools Exfiltrating data involves the removal or retrieval of data through intentional malicious activity. In a controlled the land techniques and allowlisted applications to navigate victim networks , as well as frequently modifying their TTPs. Adaptive Data Exfiltration, Anomaly Detection, Network Security ACM Reference Format: Thijs S. Third, we discuss existing inference methods for profiling normal patterns and/or detecting malicious encrypted DNS traffic. Mar 26, 2025 · What is data exfiltration? Data exfiltration is when sensitive data is accessed without authorization or stolen. Data exfiltration is a serious cybercrime facing many organizations worldwide. Jun 21, 2022 · Furthermore, an organization’s data infrastructure contains several means⁠—originally designed for the legitimate exchange of data⁠—that can be used for data exfiltration. bcenkb keu crpfv tdedc pkws iflra tubmkm yqfhfy cuhj pticpo dsto kcelkb jikc guhl zxxw