What is SmokeLoader?
SmokeLoader (S0226) is a malware that builds a botnet to launch large-scale DDoS attacks. These attacks overwhelm a target’s servers with traffic, making them unavailable.
SmokeLoader malware spreads through phishing emails and malicious links. It is known for its advanced features, like encrypted peer-to-peer communications, and plugins that allow it to drop other malware. These capabilities make the botnet difficult to detect and disrupt.
How to Defend Against SmokeLoader?
Defending against Smokeloader requires preventing the initial download and detecting its botnet communications.
- Be cautious with email attachments and links, as phishing is the primary delivery vector for this malware.
- Keep all software and operating systems patched to limit vulnerabilities that can be exploited for initial access.
- Deploy a reliable antivirus solution and endpoint detection to identify and block the downloader’s execution and its malicious plugins.
- Use network detection (NDR) with integrated threat intelligence to spot and block C2 communications from the botnet.
