Easter eggs can be hidden coding, messages, features, or jokes intentionally placed within software, video games, or other digital media. Developers often use them to add fun or personality to their products for user amusement. Easter eggs can also be used as a security measure for developers to prevent unauthorized access to their systems, or as a type of backdoor access. They can even be used by security experts acting as hackers to find vulnerabilities in a network.
Bad guy hackers use Easter Eggs to insert malicious code or data within legitimate software or websites, concealing bad coding or data in ways that make it hard to detect, with the intention that users will open them to install malicious software unknowingly and unintentionally on their device.
Easter Egg Attacks are Real.
Learn how they can exploit vulnerabilities in your system.
You’ve heard of malware, you’ve heard of viruses, and of cyberattacks – but what are Easter Eggs, and Easter Egg Attacks? We’re not talking about cute little bunnies.
What are Easter Eggs? (in cybersecurity)
Easter egg attacks are forms of hidden attacks that can exploit vulnerabilities in your system. They can be disguised as harmless features like games, or hidden codes in software, or hidden scripts in websites. They are used to gain access to sensitive information, or to install malware or other unwanted software on your device, with the intention of taking control of your system.
The name ‘Easter egg attack’ comes from the attribute that they are hidden features or games not part of the original software and are designed to unlock vulnerabilities in your system.
Easter Egg Attacks
Types of Easter Egg Attacks
There are various types of Easter egg attacks that hackers can use to compromise your security, with some of the most common being:
Hidden Code
Hidden code is one of the most common types of Easter egg attacks. Hackers hide code in software or websites used to exploit vulnerabilities in your system and use it to gain access to sensitive information or to take control of your system.
Hidden Scripts
Here, hackers hide scripts in websites used to exploit vulnerabilities in your browser. Cybercriminals often inject malicious code into JavaScript, HTML, Flash, or another code executed within a browser. These scripts can be used to install malware or other unwanted software on your device.
Hidden Features
Hidden features are mostly used in video games and software but can also be used in Easter egg attacks. In software, they can be used to exploit vulnerabilities and used to gain access to sensitive information or to take control of your system. They can take the form of hidden text, images, videos, animations, mini-games, or secret functionalities.
How Easter Egg Attacks Compromise your Security
Since they are difficult to detect, users will unintentionally download them to their devices. Once an Easter egg attack is initiated, hackers can use your system to carry out further attacks or work to steal your personal information.
Famous Easter Egg Attacks
Heartbleed Bug
Discovered in 2014, this flaw in OpenSSL software allowed hackers to easily trick a vulnerable web server into sending sensitive information including usernames and passwords, on millions of websites. The bug was caused by a hidden piece of code added to the software by a hacker.
Is your website properly patched against this vulnerability? Not sure? Contact us HERE.
SolarWinds Hacking
This complex attack used hidden code to gain access to the systems of many large organizations in 2020 and was successful because the third party hidden code was able to bypass many of the security measures being used. The time it takes between when an attacker is able to gain access and the time an attack is actually discovered is often referred to as dwell time. The dwell time took well over a year from the time the attackers first entered the SolarWinds network until the breach was discovered.
How to Detect and Prevent Easter Egg Attacks
Detecting to prevent Easter egg attacks can be challenging, but there are steps and tools you can use to protect yourself:
Keep your software and devices up to date
One of the best ways to protect yourself from Easter egg attacks is to keep your software and devices up to date. This will ensure that you have the latest security patches and updates installed on your system. Be sure to use a trustworthy source for your patches and updates.
Use antivirus software
Antivirus software can detect and remove many types of Easter egg attacks, including hidden code and scripts. A machine-learning, AI-based antivirus with multilayered features is your best bet for keeping your devices and networks safe from attacks.
Only download from trusted sources
Make sure you only download software or apps from trusted sources. Do your research, check professional sites and consumer reviews before downloading to determine if others have had any issues.
Install a firewall
The best way to guard your network against external threats is by using a firewall. Firewalls are used to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic, and to discover new threats and develop patches as soon as possible.
Stay Vigilant!
Since Easter Egg Attacks are often disguised as harmless features or games, be cautious when downloading or installing software or apps. Keep your antivirus software up to date and run it regularly to detect and remove any potential threats.
Educate yourself and others about Easter Egg Attacks, and all other types of cyber invasions. Stay informed, aware, and vigilant to protect yourself from the bad guys.
At QCM, we’re serious about security. We have multiple offerings to help keep your environment safe, including third party offerings and managed security services and reporting. No matter how big or small your company is, we have a solution for you. Don’t take chances with your data, your business, or your money. Protect yourself today for a safer tomorrow.
Check out QCM Technologies Security Offerings
QCM can Help Protect You Against All Types of Cyberattacks
Reference previous articles:
National Slam the Scam Day 2024
Protect Your Money: How to Recognize Scam Emails, Texts and Calls
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Systems, Applications, & Products in Data Processing, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA)
(QCM served as lead consultant on this project)
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Bristol Global Mobility
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Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
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