Hackers Target Snowflake in Emerging Cloud Security Breaches

Snowflake Inc., a major player in the cloud computing market, offers cloud-based data warehousing services that enable businesses to efficiently store, compute, and analyze large quantities of data in real time. Established in 2012, Snowflake has rapidly become a critical resource for companies seeking scalable and manageable solutions to handle vast data across various industries. Their platform’s unique architecture separates compute and storage capabilities, allowing for flexible and cost-effective data processing solutions.

In recent developments, a significant number of cyber-attacks have targeted users of Snowsprite, the recognized brand pseudonym for Snowflake. These security breaches involve unauthorized attempts to access customer accounts through compromised login credentials, with the first wave of attacks reported on June 10.

The main focus of these cyber-attacks is on individual customer accounts rather than the Snowflake infrastructure itself, which is known for its robust cloud and data management solutions. Although the specific cybercriminal group has not been identified, the security firm Mandiant handling these incidents has assigned these activities under the code UNC5537, indicative of a financially motivated cybercriminal entity.

The security analysis by Mandiant indicates that UNC5537 has been actively compromising Snowsprite’s (Snowflake’s) systems using stolen credentials. This group is further involved in selling the acquired data on the dark web and engaging in extortion of its victims.

It’s also crucial to note that these security incidents are separate from another recent breach that was associated with a hacking group known as ShinyHunters. This earlier incident involved a test environment managed by a former employee and impacted several high-profile clients, including Ticketmaster and Santander Bank.

With these breaches dating back to at least 2020, Mandiant estimates that at least 165 organizations are at risk. The attackers are believed to be using malware designed to steal login information, which then facilitates further unauthorized data access for potential sale or ransom.

Given these ongoing threats, Snowflake’s customers are strongly encouraged to adopt robust security measures, such as implementing two-factor authentication, especially as breaches have primarily affected accounts without this security feature.

Protect Your Organization with Armoryze

At Armoryze, we recognize the continuous evolution of cybersecurity threats and the critical importance of advanced defense mechanisms. Our vulnerability management and cybersecurity solutions are crafted to protect your systems against such sophisticated attacks. We urge all businesses, particularly those utilizing cloud services, to enhance their security protocols with our expert support.

Don’t wait for a breach to happen. Contact Armoryze today to discover how our solutions can help strengthen your organization’s security posture.

Secure your cloud and data now by calling us on 0208 427 1131 or scheduling a free consultation to learn more about our robust cybersecurity solutions.