What is the Amadey Botnet?

Primarily acting on Windows devices and systems, Amadey is a modular botnet, so it can be instructed to perform a variety of functions. Typically, these functions include data exposure and exfiltration, deploying malware and spyware, and facilitating unauthorized access to networks.

Since its discovery in 2018, the Amadey botnet has gained access to systems through phishing attacks and infected advertisements and files. Once the botnet has a foothold, it can access private information and send it back to the attackers. It can also launch DDoS and Trojan Horse attacks.

Cyber security report

How Does the Amadey Botnet Work?

Amadey malware takes advantage of many weaknesses, from n-day vulnerabilities to human error. Solutions like employee cybersecurity training, timely patches, and strong security solutions can help.

The Amadey botnet compromises and accesses devices, typically when the user downloads malware. Also, a device may be compromised if it is poorly secured, which makes it an easy target for attack. A notable aspect of the Amadey botnet in particular is that it is sold to would-be attackers as a service.

This means that anyone, with or without technical expertise, can pay to launch this attack.

Data Theft

Once installed on a large number of devices, Amadey acts as a launchpad for larger attacks and an access point for malicious actors.

Using this foothold, the attackers can view or steal sensitive data stored inside the network that the device is connected to. Based on commands from the attacker, the Amadey botnet will then send out the data, often without the knowledge of the device’s legitimate user.

DDoS Attacks

Botnets provide a convenient platform for DDoS attacks, and Amadey botnet users take full advantage of it.

Once a device receives instructions, it will begin sending requests to a website or application. The flood of traffic from every device in the botnet will then stall traffic to that website or app.

Malware Downloader

The Amadey botnet can also function as a downloader.

When it receives the instruction, it downloads additional malware to the compromised device, typically through Windows Explorer functions. This additional malware may be connected to other Amadey functions, or it may open the door to a different attack type.

3 Key Distribution Methods

Although most Amadey botnet infections come from clicking on infected links online and then downloading malware, there are other methods used to distribute it. These include:

Exploiting n-day vulnerabilities: When an organization doesn’t immediately patch a vulnerability, it’s open season for attackers. Once they gain access to a device through one of these unpatched weaknesses, they can download Amadey and use it to leverage further commands.
SmokeLoader campaigns: This occurs when Amadey has compromised software. Anyone who downloads that software also downloads SmokeLoader, which then loads Amadey.
Phishing emails: Amadey malware is most easily downloaded through infected attachments. If a user clicks on the infected attachment, the malware begins to download.

Amadey malware contains executable commands that allow it to persist after a reboot.

Also, because it often exfiltrates data with small payloads and very slowly, it can be hard to detect. Because it is so tricky to eliminate once it’s been downloaded, organizations are best served by preventing it as much as possible.

How to Prevent the Amadey Botnet: 4 Quick Steps

Fortunately, there are a number of things organizations can do to minimize their risk of infection. While no method is perfect, using a variety of them can help prevent the recruitment of company devices into an Amadey botnet.

Some tools and strategies include:

Regular patching: N-day vulnerability exploitation is very preventable with the right tools. If an organization’s security teams have full visibility and automated patching solutions, they can improve their odds of fixing these vulnerabilities before attackers seize the opportunity.
Organization-wide cybersecurity training: To reduce the risk of infection due to human error, training is essential to teach employees how to distinguish between a phishing email and a legitimate message. It can also teach how to recognize and respond to malware.
Strong security protocols: There should always be clear protocols for how to handle potential malware, how to correctly store and access data, and how to handle other potentially sensitive situations. Protocols for identity verification and authentication are also important.
Modern security tools: A complete security stack is important for keeping Amadey malware out of a device. File scanning, virus protection, authentication tools, and access control enforcement are some examples of useful tools. Ideally, these tools will be integrated into a comprehensive solution.

Prevent Botnet Attacks with Check Point

Although it’s not possible to guarantee protection from any threat, Check Point’s Harmony SASE is a complete security solution that goes a long way toward preventing infection. The AI-driven tools available with Harmony enable organizations to keep up with the latest threats, and the comprehensive solution guards against threats like phishing attacks and vulnerability exploitation.

With security tools like Harmony, organizations can protect themselves from both Amadey malware and an attack by an Amadey botnet. DDoS attacks are one of the most common results of successfully building a botnet. However, the security tools offered by Check Point can help protect organizations from both types of threats.

To learn more about how Check Point and the Harmony SASE solution can help you stay ahead of threats like Amadey malware, book a free demo today.