Emotet, one of the most notorious and dangerous botnets, has resurfaced with a new technique to evade security measures. This time, the botnet uses OneNote attachments to deliver its malicious payload.

Emotet is malware that has been active since 2014 and has been known to steal sensitive data, spread it to other computers on the network, and serve as a platform for further malware attacks. It has been responsible for significant cyber attacks, including the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack.

According to security researchers, Emotet has started using OneNote attachments to deliver its malicious payloads. OneNote is a popular note-taking application widely used by individuals and organizations. The attackers embed the malware in the OneNote attachments, distributed via phishing emails.

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The new technique used by Emotet is hazardous because it bypasses the security measures many organizations have in place to protect against malware attacks. Organizations have implemented security measures to block macro-enabled Office documents commonly used to deliver malware. However, OneNote attachments are not usually subjected to the same level of scrutiny.

In addition, the attackers behind Emotet have also started using new techniques to evade detection. For example, the malware now encrypts its command-and-control (C2) communications, making it more challenging to detect and block. The malware also uses steganography to hide its code in images, making it more difficult to see through traditional means.

Organizations are advised to update their security measures to protect against Emotet’s latest attack techniques. This includes training employees to recognize and avoid phishing emails, implementing two-factor authentication, and using endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block Emotet attacks.

Emotet’s latest attack highlights the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats and the importance of keeping security measures up-to-date. Organizations must remain vigilant and adopt a multi-layered approach to protect against advanced threats like Emotet.