Cyber security experts recently reported that the infamous hacking group known only as DarkHotel have launched attacks on various luxury hotels by using zero-day exploits publicized after the downfall of another hacking group Hacking Team.
DarkHotel is a hacking group specializing in cyber espionage and targets business executives. The group has been in operation for more than eight years, according to Wired. The hacking group is known to use various spearphising techniques in its hacking operation.
DarkHotel was reported using the zero-day vulnerability of the Adobe Flash Player. The zero-day exploit was publicized after a hacking spree that toppled the operation of another corporate hacking group known as the Hacking Group.
By exploiting the vulnerabilities of Adobe Flash Player, hackers were able to target computers all over the world.
DarkHotel's hacking operation was first discovered by Kaspersky Labs cyber security experts in 2014. In a statement posted on its official website Kaspersky Labs said, "In 2015, the Darkhotel group extended its geographical reach around the world while continuing to spreaphish targets in North and South Korea, Russia, Japan, Bangladesh, Thailand India, Mozambique and Germany."
In its effort to more effective in its hacking exploits, DarkHotel launched more than a dozen zero-day hacking spree targeting the Adobe Flash Player.
The group's modus involves hijacking the target hotel's Wi-Fi connection and once they have infiltrated the network, they will install spyware software that creeps into the target's computer. Additionally, the group also uses intricate social engineering technique and stolen certificates in order to steal private business related information from its target.
DarkHotel is known to target high ranking officials of known pharmaceutical and electronics companies. The group is also known to target employees of chemical and automotive companies as well as people working with law enforcement and military organizations.