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Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned December 13 th , 2013 December 13 , 2013 Chris Brenton Director of Security @chris_brenton [email protected]

Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

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Dyn Director of Security Chris Brenton did a presentation in NYC regarding DNS security and how he learned some valuable lessons the absurd way.

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Page 1: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Security Through Absurdity:

Lessons Learned

December 13th, 2013

Security Through Absurdity:

Lessons Learned

December 13th, 2013

Chris Brenton

Director of Security

@chris_brenton

[email protected]

Page 2: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Why Security Through Absurdity?

Pg. 2 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 3: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Pg. 3 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Because we need to enjoy life’shumorous moments

Page 4: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Two paths lie before you…

Pg. 4 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 5: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Enjoy the Journey

•Find the humor “nuggets”•Leverage the life lessons•Grow and move forward

Pg. 5 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

•Find the humor “nuggets”•Leverage the life lessons•Grow and move forward

Page 6: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Let It Thin Your Soul

Pg. 6 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

“Like butter scraped overtoo much bread”

Page 7: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Rock The Gandalf Look

By increasing the gray hair density

Pg. 7 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

By increasing the gray hair density

Page 8: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Rock The Gandalf Look

By increasing the gray hair density

I already have a 14 yr old daughter

dedicated to that last task

Pg. 8 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

By increasing the gray hair density

I already have a 14 yr old daughter

dedicated to that last task

Page 9: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Our Journey Begins

Contracted as a security consultant

Owner wants locked down VPN

access to business

Pg. 9 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Contracted as a security consultant

Owner wants locked down VPN

access to business

Page 10: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Security Requirements

Normally disabled state

Must call first to get access

Must know IP address

Pg. 10 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Normally disabled state

Must call first to get access

Must know IP address

Page 11: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

More Security Requirements

2 Factor authentication

Time limit on access

Log and alert on everything!

Pg. 11 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

2 Factor authentication

Time limit on access

Log and alert on everything!

Page 12: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

First Day Onsite

I show up early

Pg. 12 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 13: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

First Day Onsite

I show up early

UPS arrives

Pg. 13 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

I show up early

UPS arrives

Page 14: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

First Day Onsite

I show up early

UPS arrives

Retrieves key from under rock

Pg. 14 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

I show up early

UPS arrives

Retrieves key from under rock

Page 15: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

First Day Onsite

I show up early

UPS arrives

Retrieves key from under rock

Lets themselves into building

Pg. 15 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

I show up early

UPS arrives

Retrieves key from under rock

Lets themselves into building

Page 16: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Is This A Problem?

Pg. 16 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 17: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Is This A Problem?

Key has been under rock for 5 years

Pg. 17 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 18: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Is This A Problem?

Key has been under rock for 5 years

Everyone knows its there

Pg. 18 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Key has been under rock for 5 years

Everyone knows its there

Page 19: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Is This A Problem?

Key has been under rock for 5 years

Everyone knows its there– “X” employees (including disgruntle ones)– All delivery couriers

Pg. 19 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Key has been under rock for 5 years

Everyone knows its there– “X” employees (including disgruntle ones)– All delivery couriers

Page 20: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Is This A Problem?

Key has been under rock for 5 years

Everyone knows its there– “X” employees (including disgruntle ones)– All delivery couriers– Even the local pizza parlor staff

Pg. 20 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Key has been under rock for 5 years

Everyone knows its there– “X” employees (including disgruntle ones)– All delivery couriers– Even the local pizza parlor staff

Page 21: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Did I Forget to Mention…

Business model was computer sales

Pg. 21 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 22: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Did I Forget to Mention…

Business model was computer sales

In excess of $15K in inventory

Pg. 22 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Business model was computer sales

In excess of $15K in inventory

Page 23: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Did I Forget to Mention…

Business model was computer sales

In excess of $15K in inventory

Nothing high risk saved on the

corporate network

Pg. 23 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Business model was computer sales

In excess of $15K in inventory

Nothing high risk saved on the

corporate network

Page 24: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Security Task List

Mitigate risks that could put you out

of business next week

Pg. 24 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Mitigate risks that could put you out

of business next week

Page 25: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Security Task List

Mitigate risks that could put you out

of business next week

Then move on to the week after that

Pg. 25 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Mitigate risks that could put you out

of business next week

Then move on to the week after that

Page 26: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Security Task List

Mitigate risks that could put you out

of business next week

Then move on to the week after that

Lather, rinse repeat

Pg. 26 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Mitigate risks that could put you out

of business next week

Then move on to the week after that

Lather, rinse repeat

Page 27: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Did Life Teach Me?

Never assume a business risk analysis

has been performed

Pg. 27 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Never assume a business risk analysis

has been performed

Page 28: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What I Now Do Differently

Don’t assume your contact

understands their risks

Perform a mini risk assessmentPg. 28 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Don’t assume your contact

understands their risks

Perform a mini risk assessment

Page 29: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Pg. 29 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

We implemented a great security solution…But don’t have resources to maintaining it

Page 30: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Case Study #2

Phishing test

Pg. 30 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Phishing test

Page 31: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Phishing Test Exercise

Contracted to help IT test

social engineering

Test all employees via email

Pg. 31 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Contracted to help IT test

social engineering

Test all employees via email

Page 32: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Setup

Pg. 32 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 33: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

13 of 450 employees hit reply

Pg. 33 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 34: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

13 of 450 employees hit reply

Sent their logon credentials

Pg. 34 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

13 of 450 employees hit reply

Sent their logon credentials

Page 35: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

13 of 450 employees hit reply

Sent their logon credentials

Via plaintext email

Pg. 35 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

13 of 450 employees hit reply

Sent their logon credentials

Via plaintext email

Page 36: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

13 of 450 employees hit reply

Sent their logon credentials

Via plaintext email

To an unknown outside address

Pg. 36 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

13 of 450 employees hit reply

Sent their logon credentials

Via plaintext email

To an unknown outside address

Page 37: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Response

Email sent from real IT account

Pg. 37 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 38: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Response

Email sent from real IT account

Phishing test revealed

Pg. 38 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Email sent from real IT account

Phishing test revealed

Page 39: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Response

Email sent from real IT account

Phishing test revealed

Detailed explanation

Pg. 39 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Email sent from real IT account

Phishing test revealed

Detailed explanation

Page 40: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Response

Email sent from real IT account

Phishing test revealed

Detailed explanation

Phishing email included as reference

Pg. 40 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Email sent from real IT account

Phishing test revealed

Detailed explanation

Phishing email included as reference

Page 41: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Happened Next?

19 people hit “reply”

Pg. 41 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 42: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Happened Next?

19 people hit “reply”

and sent their credentials

Pg. 42 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

19 people hit “reply”

and sent their credentials

Page 43: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Happened Next?

19 people hit “reply”

and sent their credentials

In response to an email telling

them never to do this

Pg. 43 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

19 people hit “reply”

and sent their credentials

In response to an email telling

them never to do this

Page 44: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Math Sanity Check…

13 < 19

Pg. 44 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 45: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Root Cause Analysis

“I just skipped to the executive

summary”

Pg. 45 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

“I just skipped to the executive

summary”

Page 46: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Did Life Teach Me?

Email is the wrong medium for

in-depth concepts

How you convey info matters

Pg. 46 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Email is the wrong medium for

in-depth concepts

How you convey info matters

Page 47: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What I Now Do Differently

Consider the proper medium to

convey required information

Pg. 47 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Consider the proper medium to

convey required information

Page 48: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Pg. 48 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

We rely on host-based security… To warn uswhen the host has been compromised

Page 49: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Case Study #3

Phishing Rev 2

Pg. 49 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Phishing Rev 2

Page 50: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Phishing Attack

Spoofed email from CEO

Pg. 50 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 51: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Phishing Attack

Spoofed email from CEO

Claims to point to a BBC article

Pg. 51 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Spoofed email from CEO

Claims to point to a BBC article

Page 52: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Phishing Attack

Spoofed email from CEO

Claims to point to a BBC article

Link prompts for email logon

name and password

Pg. 52 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Spoofed email from CEO

Claims to point to a BBC article

Link prompts for email logon

name and password

Page 53: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

6 people are duped

Pg. 53 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 54: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

6 people are duped

Give away their logon name

and password

Pg. 54 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

6 people are duped

Give away their logon name

and password

Page 55: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

6 people are duped

Give away their logon name

and password

In order to read a news story

Pg. 55 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

6 people are duped

Give away their logon name

and password

In order to read a news story

Page 56: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Response

Containment

Pg. 56 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 57: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Response

Containment

2 Factor authentication

Pg. 57 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Containment

2 Factor authentication

Page 58: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Response

Containment

2 Factor authentication

Followed by a huge education

and awareness effort

Pg. 58 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Containment

2 Factor authentication

Followed by a huge education

and awareness effort

Page 59: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Was Included

Email to all employees

Pg. 59 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 60: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Was Included

Email to all employees

Internal blog entries

Pg. 60 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Email to all employees

Internal blog entries

Page 61: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Was Included

Email to all employees

Internal blog entries

Updates to awareness training

Pg. 61 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Email to all employees

Internal blog entries

Updates to awareness training

Page 62: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Was Included

Email to all employees

Internal blog entries

Updates to awareness training

Leverage the grape vine

Pg. 62 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Email to all employees

Internal blog entries

Updates to awareness training

Leverage the grape vine

Page 63: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Segway to 30 days later

Pg. 63 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 64: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Pentester Hired

Measure results of education effort

Pg. 64 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 65: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Pentester Hired

Measure results of education effort

Mass email phishing test sent

Pg. 65 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Measure results of education effort

Mass email phishing test sent

Page 66: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

Good news!

Pg. 66 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 67: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

Good news!

An order of magnitude improvement

in people reporting the attack

Pg. 67 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Good news!

An order of magnitude improvement

in people reporting the attack

Page 68: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

Bad News!

Pg. 68 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 69: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

Bad News!

6 people failed the test

Pg. 69 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Bad News!

6 people failed the test

Page 70: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Results

Bad News!

6 people failed the test

It’s a different 6 people

Pg. 70 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Bad News!

6 people failed the test

It’s a different 6 people

6 = 6

Page 71: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Did Life Teach Me?

You Can Never Save Everyone

Strive for 100% but have realistic

(cost effective) expectations

Pg. 71 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

You Can Never Save Everyone

Strive for 100% but have realistic

(cost effective) expectations

Page 72: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What I Now Do Differently

Awareness training is good

A reward system motivates people to

leverage what they learned

Pg. 72 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Awareness training is good

A reward system motivates people to

leverage what they learned

Page 73: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Pg. 73 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

We have an Internet policy…But not a Bring Your Own Device policy.

Page 74: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Case Study #4

Product security evaluation

Pg. 74 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Product security evaluation

Page 75: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Setup

Contracted by a bank

Pg. 75 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 76: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Setup

Contracted by a bank

Evaluate a new system they are

considering for purchase

Pg. 76 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Contracted by a bank

Evaluate a new system they are

considering for purchase

Page 77: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Setup

Contracted by a bank

Evaluate a new system they are

considering for purchase

Hired to evaluate security

Pg. 77 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Contracted by a bank

Evaluate a new system they are

considering for purchase

Hired to evaluate security

Page 78: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Evaluation

Pg. 78 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 79: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Evaluation

Worst system ever!!!

Pg. 79 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 80: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Evaluation

Worst system ever!!!

Hybrid that combines Windows

and a mini computer

Pg. 80 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Worst system ever!!!

Hybrid that combines Windows

and a mini computer

Page 81: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Evaluation

Worst system ever!!!

Hybrid that combines Windows

and a mini computer

Got root 3 times in 20 minutes

Pg. 81 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Worst system ever!!!

Hybrid that combines Windows

and a mini computer

Got root 3 times in 20 minutes

Page 82: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

0wn3d During Preso

Pg. 82 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 83: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

My Write Up

Most pointed review I’ve written to date

Pg. 83 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 84: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

My Write Up

Most pointed review I’ve written to date

Documented why the architecture was

horribly flawed

Pg. 84 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Most pointed review I’ve written to date

Documented why the architecture was

horribly flawed

Page 85: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

My Write Up

Most pointed review I’ve written to date

Documented why the architecture was

horribly flawed

Can’t be patched!

Pg. 85 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Most pointed review I’ve written to date

Documented why the architecture was

horribly flawed

Can’t be patched!

Page 86: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Quick Factoid!

The word “horrible” has over 50

synonyms

Pg. 86 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 87: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Quick Factoid!

The word “horrible” has over 50

synonyms

It is actually possible to use them all

in a single professional documents

Pg. 87 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

The word “horrible” has over 50

synonyms

It is actually possible to use them all

in a single professional documents

Page 88: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

How The Bank Responded

Pg. 88 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 89: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

How The Bank Responded

They purchased the system

Pg. 89 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 90: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

How The Bank Responded

They purchased the system

And opted for the premium support

Pg. 90 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

They purchased the system

And opted for the premium support

Page 91: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

How The Bank Responded

They purchased the system

And opted for the premium support

Contract had already been signed

Pg. 91 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

They purchased the system

And opted for the premium support

Contract had already been signed

Page 92: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Convo With The Bank

Me: Which part of “horribly insecure”

did you not understand?

Pg. 92 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Me: Which part of “horribly insecure”

did you not understand?

Page 93: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Convo With The Bank

Bank: But we can migrate the data

without any conversion costs!

Pg. 93 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Bank: But we can migrate the data

without any conversion costs!

Page 94: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Convo With The Bank

Me: Sounds like you made up your

mind ahead of time. Why did you

have me evaluate the system?

Pg. 94 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Me: Sounds like you made up your

mind ahead of time. Why did you

have me evaluate the system?

Page 95: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Convo With The Bank

Bank: We hoped you would like it.

Pg. 95 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 96: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Did Life Teach Me?

Not everyone understands

“Security Speak”

Pg. 96 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Not everyone understands

“Security Speak”

Page 97: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What I Now Do Differently

Tailor to your audience: Convert

“security speak” to “risk” and

“financial” lingo

Pg. 97 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Tailor to your audience: Convert

“security speak” to “risk” and

“financial” lingo

Page 98: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Pg. 98 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

We collect system logs…but no one actually looks at them

Page 99: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Case Study #5

The Epic battle of good and evil…

Pg. 99 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 100: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Setup

DNS SaaS company

Pg. 100 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 101: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Setup

DNS SaaS company

Offers a “dynamic DNS” product

Pg. 101 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

DNS SaaS company

Offers a “dynamic DNS” product

Page 102: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Setup

DNS SaaS company

Offers a “dynamic DNS” product

Great solution for cloud users

Pg. 102 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

DNS SaaS company

Offers a “dynamic DNS” product

Great solution for cloud users

Page 103: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

The Setup

DNS SaaS company

Offers a “dynamic DNS” product

Great solution for cloud users

Unfortunately can be used for evil

Pg. 103 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

DNS SaaS company

Offers a “dynamic DNS” product

Great solution for cloud users

Unfortunately can be used for evil

Page 104: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

How The Bad Guys Operate

Build an infrastructure of “Command

and Control” servers

Pg. 104 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 105: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

How The Bad Guys Operate

Build an infrastructure of “Command

and Control” servers

These manage infections and propagate

malware

Pg. 105 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Build an infrastructure of “Command

and Control” servers

These manage infections and propagate

malware

Page 106: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

How The Bad Guys Operate

Build an infrastructure of “Command

and Control” servers

These manage infections and propagate

malware

The “brains” of the setup

Pg. 106 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Build an infrastructure of “Command

and Control” servers

These manage infections and propagate

malware

The “brains” of the setup

Page 107: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

C&C Infrastructure

Designed to be fault tolerant

Pg. 107 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 108: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

C&C Infrastructure

Designed to be fault tolerant

Kill one server, the rest take up the slack

Pg. 108 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 109: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

C&C Infrastructure

Designed to be fault tolerant

Kill one server, the rest take up the slack

Dynamic DNS provides redundancy if

server is blocked or taken down

Pg. 109 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Designed to be fault tolerant

Kill one server, the rest take up the slack

Dynamic DNS provides redundancy if

server is blocked or taken down

Page 110: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

C&C Infrastructure

Designed to be fault tolerant

Kill one server, the rest take up the slack

Dynamic DNS provides redundancy if

server is blocked or taken down

Can recover when a few servers are lost

Pg. 110 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Designed to be fault tolerant

Kill one server, the rest take up the slack

Dynamic DNS provides redundancy if

server is blocked or taken down

Can recover when a few servers are lost

Page 111: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Old IR Methodology

Block the account

Pg. 111 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 112: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Old IR Methodology

Block the account

Black hole the host names

Pg. 112 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Block the account

Black hole the host names

Page 113: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Old IR Methodology

Block the account

Black hole the host names

Problem: If you don’t get the

whole C&C network it can recover

Pg. 113 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Block the account

Black hole the host names

Problem: If you don’t get the

whole C&C network it can recover

Page 114: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

New IR Methodology

Research the account

Pg. 114 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 115: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

New IR Methodology

Research the account

Help innocent clients recover their

system from infection

Pg. 115 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Research the account

Help innocent clients recover their

system from infection

Page 116: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

New IR Methodology

Research the account

Help innocent clients recover their

system from infection

When evil, play cat and mouse

Pg. 116 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Research the account

Help innocent clients recover their

system from infection

When evil, play cat and mouse

Page 117: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

New IR in Practice

Account created from Russia

Pg. 117 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Account created from Russia

Page 118: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

New IR in Practice

Account created from Russia

Ticked boxes as a suspect account

Pg. 118 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Account created from Russia

Ticked boxes as a suspect account

Page 119: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

New IR in Practice

Account created from Russia

Ticked boxes as a suspect account

12+ scripted host names created

Pg. 119 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Account created from Russia

Ticked boxes as a suspect account

12+ scripted host names created

Page 120: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

New IR in Practice

Account created from Russia

Ticked boxes as a suspect account

12+ scripted host names created

Fingerprint of Neutrino actors

Pg. 120 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Account created from Russia

Ticked boxes as a suspect account

12+ scripted host names created

Fingerprint of Neutrino actors

Page 121: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Time For Some Fun

Let them create their servers

Pg. 121 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Let them create their servers

Page 122: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Time For Some Fun

Let them create their servers

Gave them time to deploy iframes

Pg. 122 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Let them create their servers

Gave them time to deploy iframes

Page 123: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Time For Some Fun

Let them create their servers

Gave them time to deploy iframes

Let servers get integrated into C&C

Pg. 123 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Let them create their servers

Gave them time to deploy iframes

Let servers get integrated into C&C

Page 124: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Time For Some Fun

Let them create their servers

Gave them time to deploy iframes

Let servers get integrated into C&C

Pointed their hosts at honeypots

Pg. 124 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Let them create their servers

Gave them time to deploy iframes

Let servers get integrated into C&C

Pointed their hosts at honeypots

Page 125: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Impact of Redirection

Broke some C&C functionality

Pg. 125 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 126: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Impact of Redirection

Broke some C&C functionality

ID 30+ other C&C servers

Pg. 126 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Broke some C&C functionality

ID 30+ other C&C servers

Page 127: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Impact of Redirection

Broke some C&C functionality

ID 30+ other C&C servers

Block 140,000 infections

Pg. 127 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Broke some C&C functionality

ID 30+ other C&C servers

Block 140,000 infections

Page 128: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Impact of Redirection

Broke some C&C functionality

ID 30+ other C&C servers

Block 140,000 infections

Collect new data on functionality

Pg. 128 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Broke some C&C functionality

ID 30+ other C&C servers

Block 140,000 infections

Collect new data on functionality

Page 129: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What We Did Next

Warn C&C owners of infection

Pg. 129 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 130: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What We Did Next

Warn C&C owners of infection

Analyze previously unknown data

Pg. 130 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Warn C&C owners of infection

Analyze previously unknown data

Page 131: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What We Did Next

Warn C&C owners of infection

Analyze previously unknown data

Share data with the community

Pg. 131 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Warn C&C owners of infection

Analyze previously unknown data

Share data with the community

Page 132: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What We Did Next

Warn C&C owners of infection

Analyze previously unknown data

Share data with the community

Update our detection

Pg. 132 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Warn C&C owners of infection

Analyze previously unknown data

Share data with the community

Update our detection

Page 133: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What The Bad Guys Did Next

What they always do

Pg. 133 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

What they always do

Page 134: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What The Bad Guys Did Next

What they always do

Try to set their network back up

Pg. 134 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

What they always do

Try to set their network back up

Page 135: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Segway to 6 hours later

Bad guys come back

Pg. 135 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 136: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Segway to 6 hours later

Bad guys come back

Using different account credentials

Pg. 136 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Bad guys come back

Using different account credentials

Page 137: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Segway to 6 hours later

Bad guys come back

Using different account credentials

Same fingerprint

Pg. 137 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Bad guys come back

Using different account credentials

Same fingerprint

Page 138: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Segway to 6 hours later

Bad guys come back

Using different account credentials

Same fingerprint

Start spinning up new C&C servers

Pg. 138 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Bad guys come back

Using different account credentials

Same fingerprint

Start spinning up new C&C servers

Page 139: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Lather, Rinse, Repeat

We let them setup their C&C

network

Pg. 139 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

We let them setup their C&C

network

Page 140: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Lather, Rinse, Repeat

We let them setup their C&C

network

Then take it all away

Pg. 140 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

We let them setup their C&C

network

Then take it all away

Page 141: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Lather, Rinse, Repeat

We let them setup their C&C

network

Then take it all away

This repeats a third time

Pg. 141 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

We let them setup their C&C

network

Then take it all away

This repeats a third time

Page 142: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Don’t Go Away Mad…

Bad guys relocate to Central

America service provider

We warn the provider

C&C network has yet to recover

Pg. 142 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Bad guys relocate to Central

America service provider

We warn the provider

C&C network has yet to recover

Page 143: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Did Life Teach Me?

Remember as you watch this film

Pg. 143 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Page 144: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Did Life Teach Me?

Remember as you watch this film

When things appear their darkest

Pg. 144 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Remember as you watch this film

When things appear their darkest

Page 145: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Did Life Teach Me?

Remember as you watch this film

When things appear their darkest

Evil may win some of the battles

Pg. 145 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Remember as you watch this film

When things appear their darkest

Evil may win some of the battles

Page 146: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

What Did Life Teach Me?

Remember as you watch this film

When things appear their darkest

Evil may win some of the battles

Good always wins the epic war

Pg. 146 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

Remember as you watch this film

When things appear their darkest

Evil may win some of the battles

Good always wins the epic war

Page 147: Technology Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned

Thanks For Attending!

[email protected]

@Chris_Brenton

Pg. 147 Security Through Absurdity: Lessons Learned @chris_brenton

[email protected]

@Chris_Brenton