In a concerning development, a hacking group known as TAG-140 has recently been identified targeting key sectors in India with a sophisticated cyber tool. This group, believed to have connections beyond Pakistan, has been using a modified version of a remote access trojan (RAT) called DRAT to infiltrate Indian government, defense, and rail sectors.
Recorded Future’s Insikt Group, a renowned cybersecurity firm, has linked this malicious activity to TAG-140. Interestingly, TAG-140’s operations overlap with SideCopy, an adversarial collective identified as an operational sub-cluster within a larger threat actor network.
The deployment of the DRAT V2 RAT by TAG-140 represents a significant threat to India’s critical infrastructure and sensitive government systems. This targeted approach underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures within these sectors to safeguard against such malicious intrusions.
The use of a modified RAT like DRAT V2 enables threat actors like TAG-140 to gain unauthorized access to networks, exfiltrate sensitive information, and potentially disrupt essential services. Such cyberattacks can have far-reaching consequences, including national security risks and financial implications.
For Indian government agencies, defense organizations, and rail sectors, this recent targeting by TAG-140 serves as a stark reminder of the evolving cyber threat landscape. It highlights the need for continuous vigilance, proactive defense strategies, and collaboration with cybersecurity experts to detect and mitigate such advanced threats effectively.
As cybersecurity professionals and IT experts, staying informed about emerging threats like the DRAT V2 RAT deployed by TAG-140 is crucial. By monitoring threat intelligence reports, implementing robust security protocols, and conducting regular security audits, organizations can enhance their resilience against sophisticated cyber adversaries.
In conclusion, the activities of TAG-140 deploying the DRAT V2 RAT to target Indian government, defense, and rail sectors emphasize the pressing need for heightened cybersecurity measures. By remaining vigilant, proactive, and informed, organizations can defend against evolving cyber threats and safeguard their critical infrastructure from malicious actors.