Amadey

The Amadey hacking tool is a botnet builder developed by unknown ill-minded threat actors and sold on various hacking forums. It first appeared at the start of 2019. This threat also can be used as a first-stage payload that can introduce additional malware to the host. Initially, the Amadey hacking tool cost $500 approximately. This threat gained some traction and appears to have sold well, as malware researchers have spotted the Amadey tool being used in many different campaigns worldwide. Even the infamous TA505 hacking group got its hands on the Amadey threat.

Distribution Tactics

Amadey is a type of malware that primarily targets Windows-based systems. It typically enters a target system through various means, including:

1. Email Attachments: Amadey may be distributed through spam emails containing malicious attachments, such as infected Microsoft Office documents (e.g., Word or Excel files), PDF files, or ZIP archives. Once the recipient opens the attachment, the malware can be executed.
2. Malicious Websites: Amadey can be delivered through compromised or malicious websites. This could occur if you visit a compromised website or click on a malicious link that triggers a drive-by download, resulting in a malicious program being installed on your system without your knowledge.
3. Exploit Kits: Exploit kits are toolkits used by cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in software. Amadey may be distributed like that, which takes advantage of unpatched software vulnerabilities to deliver the malware onto the target system.

Operates Silently

Amadey operators can gain administrative privileges and remote access via their Web browser to command the infected systems. However, all of this is carried out silently and out of sight of the victim user. It is likely that the victims may not even realize that a malware infection has hijacked their system and that it is now part of a botnet.

Persistence

Once the Amadey botnet builder infiltrates a system, it can check whether any of the most common anti-malware tools are present. The Amadey hacking tool is able to gain persistence by modifying the Windows Registry, thus ensuring that the threat will be launched every time the system is rebooted.

Capabilities

This hacking tool has a somewhat limited list of capabilities. The Amadey botnet builder can gather information about the infected host, including:

• Operating System.
• Username.
• Network Configuration.
• Hardware.

Apart from being able to hijack a computer and add it to a botnet, which would be used to carry out DDoS (Distributed-Denial-of-Service) attacks potentially, this threat also can be employed as a first-stage payload, which will serve as a backdoor for the attackers to infect the host with additional and potentially more threatening malware.

None of us can afford to overlook cybersecurity in this day and age. Make sure you download and install a legitimate antivirus software suite that will keep your system safe.

How to Avoid the Amadey Bot

To help avoid the Amadey malware and similar threats, consider implementing the following preventive measures:

1. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and other software applications.
2. Exercise Caution with Email Attachments: If you receive an unexpected attachment, verify its authenticity with the sender through a different communication channel before opening it.
3. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Avoid clicking on links in emails or messages that seem suspicious or come from untrustworthy sources.
4. Use Reliable Security Software: Install reputable antivirus products and anti-malware software on your system and keep it up to date.
5. Regular Data Backup: Maintain regular backups of your important files and data on separate storage devices or in the cloud. In case of a malware infection or other incidents, having recent backups ensures you can restore your data and minimize potential damage.
6. Exercise Safe Browsing Habits: Avoid visiting suspicious or untrusted websites. Be cautious when clicking advertisements or links, as they may redirect you to malicious websites that distribute malware.