The Cyber Threat Perspective cover image

The Cyber Threat Perspective

Episode 113: Phishing with Malicious RDP Files

Nov 6, 2024
A sophisticated Russian cyber group has ramped up spear-phishing efforts by exploiting malicious RDP files. This new tactic targets government and IT sectors, indicating a troubling evolution in their methods. The discussion covers vulnerabilities of Remote Desktop Protocol and highlights the potential risk of harmful file types in emails. Essential security practices are emphasized to guard against these threats, while the importance of user education and adhering to CIS benchmarks is underscored to bolster defenses.
28:14

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • APT29, also known as Midnight Blizzard, has shifted tactics to use malicious RDP files in spear-phishing campaigns, enhancing their threat level.
  • Organizations should implement stricter security measures and user education to combat the risks associated with malicious RDP file exploitation.

Deep dives

Understanding Midnight Blizzard's Tactics

The cyber threat group known as Midnight Blizzard, or APT29, focuses on sophisticated attacks targeting government entities and IT service providers in the U.S. and Western Europe. Their recent tactic involves spear phishing using malicious Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) files, a shift in approach that combines familiar techniques with new vulnerability exploitation. RDP is commonly utilized in IT for remote access, making its misuse particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems. This innovative phishing technique, dubbed rogue RDP, manipulates seemingly benign RDP configuration files to establish connections to malicious servers, allowing attackers to infiltrate networks without raising immediate alerts.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode