Potent malware that hid for six years spread through routers
Enlarge (credit: Kaspersky Lab)
Researchers have discovered malware so stealthy it remained hidden for six years despite infecting at least 100 computers worldwide.
Slingshot-which gets its name from text found inside some of the recovered malware samples-is among the most advanced attack platforms ever discovered, which means it was likely developed on behalf of a well-resourced country, researchers with Moscow-based Kaspersky Lab reported Friday. The sophistication of the malware rivals that of Regin-the advanced backdoor that infected Belgian telecom Belgacom and other high-profile targets for years-and Project Sauron, a separate piece of malware suspected of being developed by a nation-state that also remained hidden for years.
Complex ecosystem"The discovery of Slingshot reveals another complex ecosystem where multiple components work together in order to provide a very flexible and well-oiled cyber-espionage platform," Kaspersky Lab researchers wrote in a 25-page report published Friday. "The malware is highly advanced, solving all sorts of problems from a technical perspective and often in a very elegant way, combining older and newer components in a thoroughly thought-through, long-term operation, something to expect from a top-notch well-resourced actor."
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