Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a new trend where attackers are abusing Velociraptor, a popular open-source forensic and endpoint monitoring tool, to evade detection and maintain persistence within compromised networks. Velociraptor is designed to help security teams collect and analyze endpoint data for threat hunting and incident response. However, threat actors are now leveraging its legitimate capabilities for malicious purposes, complicating detection efforts.
The attackers exploit Velociraptor's powerful data collection and remote execution features to blend in with normal network activity, making it difficult for traditional security tools to identify their presence. By using Velociraptor, adversaries can stealthily gather intelligence, execute commands, and move laterally across networks without raising alarms.
Researchers emphasize the importance of monitoring Velociraptor deployments closely and implementing strict access controls to prevent abuse. Organizations are advised to audit their use of forensic tools regularly and ensure that only authorized personnel have access. Additionally, integrating behavioral analytics and anomaly detection can help identify suspicious activities associated with legitimate tools being misused.
This emerging tactic highlights the evolving nature of cyber threats, where attackers repurpose trusted security tools to bypass defenses. Staying informed about such trends and adopting a layered security approach is crucial for organizations to protect their digital assets effectively. Continuous threat intelligence sharing and collaboration among cybersecurity communities will also play a vital role in mitigating risks posed by these sophisticated attacks.
This Cyber News was published on thehackernews.com. Publication date: Sun, 31 Aug 2025 22:14:03 +0000