Previous All Posts Next

Qakbot Malware Returns with Dangerous New Tricks

Posted: May 25, 2017 to Cybersecurity.

Tags: Ransomware, Malware, Data Breach

A new twist on an old malware is making a big splash. The malware in question is called Qakbot. It's a little like ransomware in that it locks files on an infected computer, but it differs in that it locks out Active Directories and steals credentials in order to spread to other nearby systems. Qakbot has also been updated in its latest iteration. It's very good at hiding its code. It's also very adept at hiding from antivirus software because it's constantly changing itself, evolving or morphing to make it harder to overcome. Enterprises are the primary target of Qakbot. It infects systems in a number of common ways, through malignant downloads, phishing and the like. It can also be spread through devices and external drives, as well as through network connections. Qakbot shows signs of targeting enterprises worldwide, so all businesses everywhere should be on the lookout. The best way to guard against a Qakbot infection is to make sure you're up to date on all your systems and to make sure you and your employees follow best practices for preventing cyberattacks.

Protect Your Business Today

Petronella Technology Group has provided cybersecurity, compliance, and managed IT services from Raleigh, NC for over 23 years. Contact us today for a free consultation and technology assessment.

Need help implementing these strategies? Our cybersecurity experts can assess your environment and build a tailored plan.
Get Free Assessment
Explore Our Services
Cybersecurity AI Services Compliance HIPAA CMMC Managed IT

Related Articles

NIST CSF 2.0: What Changed, Why It Matters, and How to Update Your Cybersecurity Program [Video + Guide] NIST CSF 2.0: What Changed, Why It Matters, and How to Update Your Cybersecurity Program [Video + Guide] Incident Response Planning: Build a Cyber Incident Response Plan That Actually Works in 2026 [Video + Guide] Incident Response Planning: Build a Cyber Incident Response Plan That Actually Works in 2026 [Video + Guide] Email Security for Business: Stop Phishing, BEC, and Email-Based Attacks Before They Cost You Millions [Video + Guide] Email Security for Business: Stop Phishing, BEC, and Email-Based Attacks Before They Cost You Millions [Video + Guide] Network Segmentation Guide: How to Contain Breaches and Protect Critical Systems with Proper Network Design [Video + Guide] Network Segmentation Guide: How to Contain Breaches and Protect Critical Systems with Proper Network Design [Video + Guide]

About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
Related Service
Protect Your Business with Our Cybersecurity Services

Our proprietary 39-layer ZeroHack cybersecurity stack defends your organization 24/7.

Explore Cybersecurity Services
Previous All Posts Next
Free cybersecurity consultation available Schedule Now