“Snake” is a term commonly used to refer to a type of malware that is designed to remain undetected on a system for an extended period. It is often associated with advanced and sophisticated cyber threats. There are various malware strains that might be colloquially referred to as “Snake,” but one notable example is the “Turla” malware.
Turla, also known as Snake or Uroburos, is a complex and sophisticated cyber-espionage malware believed to be the work of an advanced persistent threat (APT) group. APT groups are typically state-sponsored or highly organized cybercriminal organizations that conduct targeted and long-term cyber-espionage campaigns.
Key characteristics of Snake (Turla) malware include:
- Advanced Techniques: Turla employs advanced techniques to evade detection, such as rootkit capabilities, polymorphic code, and the ability to inject malicious code into legitimate processes.
- Persistence: Snake malware is known for its ability to maintain persistence on infected systems, ensuring it remains active and undetected over an extended period.
- Targeted Attacks: Turla is often associated with targeted attacks against government entities, diplomatic missions, military organizations, and other high-profile targets.
- Data Exfiltration: The primary goal of Turla is to gather sensitive information from compromised systems. This can include intellectual property, government secrets, or other confidential data.
- Modular Design: The malware is modular, meaning it can be customized and updated by the attackers to suit their specific objectives. This adaptability makes it challenging for security researchers to keep up with its evolving tactics.
It’s important to note that the term “Snake” may also be used more broadly to describe different types of malware or cyber threats. As with any sophisticated malware, prevention and mitigation efforts involve a combination of robust cybersecurity practices, regular software updates, network monitoring, and user awareness training. Additionally, using reputable antivirus and anti-malware tools can help detect and remove such threats from systems.