Storm-1977 Targets Education Clouds with AzureChecker: Over 200 Crypto Mining Containers Deployed

TL;DR

• Microsoft has identified Storm-1977 as the threat actor behind password spraying attacks on educational cloud tenants.
• The attacks involve the use of AzureChecker.exe to deploy over 200 crypto mining containers.
• This highlights the increasing vulnerability of educational institutions to cyber threats.

Introduction

Microsoft has recently revealed that a threat actor, identified as Storm-1977, has been conducting password spraying attacks against cloud tenants in the education sector over the past year. These attacks have utilized a Command Line Interface (CLI) tool known as AzureChecker.exe, which has been employed by various threat actors.

The Attack Methodology

The attacks involve the use of AzureChecker.exe, a CLI tool that has been adopted by a wide range of threat actors. This tool facilitates the deployment of crypto mining containers, with over 200 such containers deployed in this particular campaign. The tech giant noted that these attacks underscore the growing vulnerability of educational institutions to cyber threats.

Key Highlights:

• Password Spraying Attacks: Storm-1977 has been using password spraying techniques to gain unauthorized access to cloud tenants in the education sector.
• AzureChecker.exe: This CLI tool has been instrumental in the deployment of over 200 crypto mining containers.
• Impact on Education Sector: The attacks highlight the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in educational institutions to protect against such threats.

Implications and Security Measures

The revelation by Microsoft underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures in the education sector. Educational institutions must implement stringent security protocols to safeguard against password spraying attacks and the deployment of malicious tools like AzureChecker.exe.

Conclusion

The activities of Storm-1977 serve as a wake-up call for educational institutions to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. By understanding the methods employed by threat actors and implementing appropriate security measures, educational cloud tenants can better protect themselves against such attacks.

Additional Resources

For further insights, check:

• The Hacker News: Storm-1977 Hits Education Clouds with AzureChecker