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Neshta (Neshuta)

Posted: December 23, 2023
from Cybersecurity Glossary
Aliases:
Neshuta, Virus.Win32.Neshta.a, Virus:Win32/Neshta.A, W32.Neshuta
Category:
Virus
Platform:
Windows
Damage:
Stolen Information On The System’s Hardware And Software, Scouting For Further Cyberattacks, Data Theft, Privacy Violations.
Risk Level:
High

Believed to have originated in Belarus during the early 2000s, Neshta is a file infector virus. It specifically targets executable (.exe) files, infiltrating systems to collect data on users and the overall system. Notably, Neshta is commonly associated with cyberattacks on large organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, finance, consumer goods, and energy.

Possible symptoms

  • Increased CPU or memory usage due to background processes spawned by the virus.
  • Unusual network activity, such as a spike in data transfers or connections to suspicious IP addresses.
  • Unexpected system crashes or freezes, potentially caused by the virus interfering with critical processes.
  • Anomalies in file sizes or checksums of executable (.exe) files, indicating potential infection.
  • Unauthorized access or modification of sensitive files and data.
  • Abnormal behavior in installed security software, such as disabled antivirus protection or firewall settings.
  • Presence of new or unfamiliar files in system directories, particularly in executable file locations.

Sources of the infection

  • Email attachments containing infected executable files, often disguised as legitimate documents or software updates.
  • Compromised external storage devices, such as USB drives, used to transfer infected files between systems.
  • Drive-by downloads from malicious websites or compromised web pages.
  • Exploitation of software vulnerabilities, especially outdated or unpatched applications and operating systems.
  • Infiltration through network shares and removable media, spreading the virus to connected devices.
  • Social engineering techniques, such as phishing emails or malicious links, tricking users into executing infected files.
  • Transmission through infected network traffic, exploiting weak or default passwords and unsecured network configurations.
  • Compromised software installers or updates, distributing the virus alongside legitimate software packages.

Overview

Believed to have originated in Belarus during the early 2000s, Neshta (also known as Neshuta, Virus.Win32.Neshta.a, Virus:Win32/Neshta.A, W32.Neshuta) is a file infector virus targeting executable (.exe) files. It operates discreetly, infecting files in the background while gathering information about the system and its users.

Notably, Neshta has been linked to cyberattacks on large organizations in sectors like manufacturing, finance, consumer goods, and energy.

The virus poses a significant threat with its potential to steal information on the system's hardware and software, scout for further cyberattacks, engage in data theft, and violate privacy.

Common symptoms of Neshta infection include increased CPU or memory usage, unusual network activity, unexpected system crashes, anomalies in file sizes or checksums, unauthorized access to sensitive files, abnormal behavior in security software, and the presence of unfamiliar files in system directories.

Neshta spreads through various sources, including email attachments, compromised external storage devices, drive-by downloads, exploitation of software vulnerabilities, network shares, social engineering techniques, infected network traffic, and compromised software installers or updates.

If you suspect your system is infected, immediate disconnection from the network is crucial to prevent further spread. Use a Gridinsoft Anti-Malware for scanning and removal, followed by a thorough system scan to ensure complete eradication. Restore affected files from clean backups and seek assistance from cybersecurity professionals for detailed analysis and remediation.

Preventive measures against Neshta include ensuring up-to-date operating systems and antivirus software, exercising caution when downloading and executing files, especially from untrusted sources, regularly backing up critical data, employing network security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and conducting periodic security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in the system.

🤔 What to do?

If you suspect your system is infected with Neshta, immediately disconnect from the network to prevent further spread. Use a Gridinsoft Anti-Malware to scan your system and remove infected files. Perform a thorough system scan to ensure complete eradication.

Additionally, review and restore affected files from clean backups. Seek assistance from cybersecurity professionals for a detailed analysis and remediation.

🛡️ Prevention

Ensure your operating system and antivirus software are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Exercise caution when downloading and executing files, especially from untrusted sources. Regularly back up your critical data and store backups in an isolated environment. Employ network security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to monitor and block suspicious activities.

Conduct periodic security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in your system.

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