Definition
DarkHotel is the name for a cyberespionage group that targets high-profile individuals and organizations. The group has been active since 2007, targeting government officials and business executives staying in luxurious hotels.
They use sophisticated techniques that allow them to send phishing emails, compromise Wi-Fi networks, and install malware on the victim’s DarkHoteldevice. Their main goal is to steal sensitive information like login credentials, credit card numbers, documents, etc.
Characteristics of DarkHotel Organizations
- They target high-profile individuals and organizations.
- They have a high level of success in compromising high-profile targets.
- They use sophisticated techniques like malware and spear phishing.
Protecting Against DarkHotel Attacks
- Back up your important data regularly to restore it when hit by ransomware.
- Activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- Train the employees on the importance of verifying email sources and the consequences of opening suspicious links and attachments.
- Use advanced threat detection and response systems to detect anomalous behavior.
- Keep your operating system and applications up-to-date to fix vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
- Collaborate with other online users and stay informed about the latest threats and the best defense strategies.
What Does DarkHotel Do?
Darkhotel combines various tactics to compromise the security of high-profile individuals living in hotels. These include zero-day vulnerability exploitation, phishing attacks, and malicious software like keyloggers and trojans. It is notorious for using fake login pages and malicious Wi-Fi networks to lure its targets.
Once the attackers compromise a victim’s device, they steal sensitive information and install malware to access the compromised device. With the installed malware, they can then monitor the victims’ activities and steal additional information.
What to Do if You are a Victim of DarkHotel?
- Disconnect your device from the internet to prevent malware from spreading or communicating with the attackers.
- Use a quality antivirus or malware removal tool to scan your device.
- Change your passwords on all your accounts and enable 2FA or MFA where applicable.
- Notify your employer or relevant authorities immediately, especially if you believe the malware was able to access sensitive information.