Source URL: https://blog.talosintelligence.com/pdfs-portable-documents-or-perfect-deliveries-for-phish/
Source: Cisco Talos Blog
Title: PDFs: Portable documents, or perfect deliveries for phish?
Feedly Summary: A popular social engineering technique returns: callback phishing, or TOAD attacks, which leverage PDFs, VoIP anonymity and even QR code tricks.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: Cisco’s update to its brand impersonation detection engine enhances email security by improving the detection of threats that use PDF payloads to impersonate legitimate brands. The update addresses social engineering tactics such as Telephone-Oriented Attack Delivery (TOAD) and highlights the exploitation of QR codes and PDF annotations in phishing attacks. This information is crucial for security professionals to understand emerging threats and improve defenses against sophisticated email attacks.
Detailed Description: The text discusses updates made by Cisco to its brand impersonation detection engine to combat sophisticated phishing attacks that leverage PDF attachments. Key points include:
– **Overview of Brand Impersonation**: Cybercriminals are increasingly using PDF attachments to impersonate well-known brands, convincing victims to divulge sensitive information.
– **Social Engineering Techniques**:
– **Telephone-Oriented Attack Delivery (TOAD)**: A prevalent method where attackers direct victims to call adversary-controlled numbers, posing as legitimate representatives to extract confidential information.
– **Callback Phishing**: Unlike traditional phishing, TOAD relies on direct voice communication, exploiting perceived security of phone calls.
– **Use of PDF Payloads**:
– Attackers embed brand logos and information in PDF attachments to increase legitimacy.
– Techniques include including clickable links and QR codes within PDFs, redirecting users to phishing sites.
– **Intel Gathering and IOC Development**:
– Talos plans to gather intelligence on phone numbers used in these attacks as they serve as Indicators of Compromise (IOCs).
– The reuse of VoIP phone numbers in phishing attempts increases the challenge of tracing attacks.
– **Exploitation of Annotations and QR Codes**:
– Attackers utilize PDF annotations to hide malicious URLs, making detection difficult.
– QR codes are often used in tandem with phishing emails to trick users into scanning codes that lead to phishing websites.
– **Data on Brand Impersonation Trends**:
– The report cites recent data on the most impersonated brands and methods used, emphasizing the rise in attacks targeting recognized companies.
– **Protection Strategies**:
– Recommendations include using advanced machine learning systems and rule-based engines to detect impersonation attempts effectively.
– Cisco’s updated engine aims to enhance security around email threats and protect businesses from these evolving tactics.
– **Conclusion**: As brand impersonation becomes a more common tactic among cybercriminals, security measures must adapt accordingly to ensure organizations are protected against these sophisticated threats.
These insights are particularly vital for professionals in security, compliance, and infrastructure roles to understand the evolving landscape of phishing attacks and take proactive measures to defend against them.