The cyber security threat landscape has gotten a lot worse since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of August 2021, 117 million new malware samples have already been found.
However, a not-so-new malware is on the rise again and targeting Windows PCs.
So lets explore its dangers and how you, or your business, can stay protected.
What Is the LemonDuck Malware?
LemonDuck is an actively updated and robust malware that has been on the cybersecurity radar since May 2019.
LemonDuck is a cross-platform threat that targets both your Windows and Linux devices.
LemonDuck infects systems by disguising itself as harmless files we see on an everyday basis.
In 2021, it exploited newly patched Exchange Server vulnerabilities to gain access to outdated systems.
Moreover, LemonDuck doesn’t stop at exploiting new or popular vulnerabilities.
What makes LemonDuck even more dangerous is that it does not tolerate any other attackers around it.
In fact, LemonDuck removes them from a compromised gear by getting rid of competing malware.
It also prevents any new infections by patching the same vulnerabilities it used to gain access.
LemonCat also uses LemonDuck malware, but a different organization operates it for its own goals.
It uses two domains with the word cat in its domains (sqlnetcat[.
]com, netcatkit[.
]com) and was seen exploiting vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server when it emerged in January 2021.
You should be wary of LemonCat as it is used for dangerous operations that compromise your data and systems.
In fact, these findings bring to light how dangerous this dual-threat can be to Windows devices.
Related:Why Are Malware Developers Attacking Big Businesses?
For example, you may already have effective antivirus software and installed security tools on your systems.
If not, you should consider getting Microsoft 365 Defender if you want protection on an enterprise level.
Its AI-powered industry-leading protections can help you to overcome the wide and sophisticated threats of LemonDuck.
Keep Your Organization Protected
LemonDuck and LemonCat are threats that you should take seriously.
However, it’s possible for you to stay protected by staying alert and updated and making smart choices.
