Hackers strike Asustek computers, over a million users affected: Report

Hackers targetan unknown pool of users, who were identified by their network adapters' MAC addresses.

Cyber attack, hacker, hack
Photo: Reuters
Reuters
1 min read Last Updated : Mar 25 2019 | 9:38 PM IST
Hackers targeted "hundreds of thousands" of Asustek computer owners by pushing a backdoor update software tool from the computer maker's own servers, cyber security firm Kaspersky Lab said on Monday.

Kaspersky said the attack, which took place between June and November 2018, is possibly affecting over a million users all over the world.

Cyber security firm Symantec's spokeswoman Jennifer Duffourg also confirmed the software supply chain attack against Asustek users.

"Based on our analysis, trojanized updates via URIs were deployed by ASUS' live update server between June and late October 2018. These updates were digitally signed using two certificates from ASUS," Duffourg said.

The hackers were targeting an unknown pool of users, who were identified by their network adapters' MAC addresses, Kaspersky said.

More than 57,000 Kaspersky users installed the backdoor version of ASUS Live Update, the report said. Kaspersky said they informed Asustek about the attack on January 31, 2019.

Asustek did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.

One subscription. Two world-class reads.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

Next Story