In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, organisations face constant threats to their sensitive data. An incident that happened in 2020 that has grabbed the headlines is the Accellion data breach. Four years have passed since the Accellion data breach, yet its echoes still reverberate through the cybersecurity landscape. This blog focuses on the Accellion data breach, exploring the details of the incident, its impact, and the broader lessons it imparts to businesses and individuals about the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.
The Back Story
In the mid of December 2020, Mandiant (Mandiant is an American cybersecurity firm and a subsidiary of Google) responded to multiple incidents in which a web shell (web shell is a shell-like interface that enables a web server to be remotely accessed, often for cyberattacks) called DEWMODE was used to exfiltrate data from Accellion File Transfer Appliance (FTA) devices. The Accellion FTA device is a purpose-built application designed to allow an enterprise to securely transfer large files. The cybercriminals exploited these “zero-day” flaws, gaining access to sensitive files and, in some cases, deploying ransomware. A zero-day vulnerability is a security gap in software or hardware that attackers exploit before the software vendor or hardware manufacturer knows about it and releases a patch. This gives attackers a window of opportunity to launch attacks with a high chance of success, as there’s no defence against something unknown. The exfiltration activity has affected organisations globally, ranging from government agencies and financial institutions to healthcare providers and private companies, including those in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. [1] [2]
The Consequences.
The Accellion breach wreaked havoc, hitting an $8.1 million settlement in its data breach lawsuit with approximately 9.2 million individuals impacted by this attack [4]. From exposed Social Security numbers to medical records and finances, the damage was extensive, leading to financial losses, reputational damages, and extended legal issues. This incident wasn’t just a data disaster but it exposed critical vulnerabilities, showed how cybercriminals are constantly adapting, and highlighted the dangers of outdated systems. While it triggered improvements in cybersecurity, the impact is still felt, emphasising the need for constant vigilance and proactive security measures to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.
According to Accellion, this activity involves attackers leveraging a few vulnerabilities to target FTA customers. In one incident, an attack on an SLTT (state, local, tribal, and territorial) organisation potentially included the breach of confidential organisational data. In some instances observed, the attacker has subsequently extorted money from victim organisations to prevent public release of information exfiltrated from the Accellion appliance [2] [3]. Even though Accellion released a quick fix within 72 hours of the initial attack, the first attack turned out to be just the opening of their next cyberattack campaign targeting their FTA product that lasted until January 2021. Accellion identified and patched new vulnerabilities throughout those weeks, showing their commitment to protecting their customers. Even now, they continue to work closely with affected organisations to minimize the damage and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.
The Accellion breach exposed several critical lessons and the best security habits we need to practice.
- Timely patching of vulnerabilities is non-negotiable. Organisations must adopt a proactive approach to vulnerability management, prioritising patch deployment and avoiding procrastination.
- The Accellion breach highlighted the evolving sophistication of cybercriminals. Zero-day vulnerabilities, previously the domain of nation-states, are increasingly accessible to even independent actors.
- Reliance on outdated technology can be a ticking time bomb. Regular system upgrades are crucial to stay ahead of evolving threats.
- Having a robust risk management plan and an efficient incident response strategy is essential. Organisations must be prepared to detect, contain, and respond promptly to security incidents to minimise the impact on sensitive data.
- Encrypting sensitive data is a fundamental practice in safeguarding information. By implementing robust encryption measures, the compromised data remains unreadable and unusable even if unauthorised access occurs.
- Businesses must assess the security measures implemented by their third-party vendors, especially those handling sensitive data. Regularly evaluating the cybersecurity posture of service providers is crucial to maintaining a secure ecosystem.
- Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Training employees on cybersecurity best practices, recognising phishing attempts, and fostering a culture of security awareness are crucial components in preventing data breaches.
The Accellion incident served as a wake-up call, leading to a renewed focus on cybersecurity best practices. Increased awareness, improved vulnerability management, and a shift towards robust security architectures are all positive steps toward a more secure future. Remember, the Accellion breach is not an isolated event. It’s a testament to the constant dance between cyber attackers and defenders. By learning from past mistakes and actively strengthening our defences, we can strive to mitigate the risks of such breaches and protect the sensitive data entrusted to us.
References
[1] Mandiant.com
[2] CISA.gov
[3] Kiteworks.com
[4] scmagazine.com
