Memory Scraping

Glossary

What is Memory Scraping?

Memory scraping is a cybersecurity threat in which an attacker’s malware strain exfiltrates sensitive data directly from a targeted computer’s volatile memory (RAM).

This type of attack specifically targets information stored temporarily in a device’s memory, such as payment card data, usernames, passwords, and other confidential information. Moreover, threat actors commonly use memory-scraping techniques to steal data before it is encrypted or extracted to an attacker-controlled secure network.

However, unlike traditional data breaches, memory scraping bypasses other security mechanisms by targeting the system’s internal processes. Hence, the technique for this attack often makes detection more difficult.

Understanding How Memory Scraping Works

Memory scraping exploits vulnerabilities in software applications and point-of-sale (POS) systems. Attackers typically infiltrate a network or system and deploy malicious malware to scan the memory for unencrypted data, such as payment card information provided by end-users during transactions.

Subsequently, threat actors can capture or record the inputted data, which they can then transmit to their servers. Therefore, the most commonly targeted industries for memory scraping attacks are retail and e-commerce, where POS systems are widely used to process payment card transactions.

Common Memory Scraping Techniques

Memory scraping uses various methods to extract sensitive information from a system’s memory, including:

  1. RAM Scraping Malware: Malware installed on a device or POS system scans the memory in real-time, extracting unencrypted payment card data while transactions are processed.
  2. Direct Memory Access (DMA): This technique allows an attacker to access memory directly without going through the CPU, making the data theft process more efficient.
  3. Code Injection: Attackers inject malicious code into legitimate processes to access and scrape sensitive information stored in memory.

Impact on Businesses and Consumers

Memory scraping can inflict significant consequences for both businesses and consumers. For businesses, especially in retail and hospitality, memory scraping can lead to financial losses, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. On the consumers’ end, memory scraping may experience identity theft, fraudulent transactions, and the unauthorised use of their payment card information.

Infected systems often continue to operate normally, making it difficult to detect memory scraping until the damage is already done.

Signs of Memory Scraping Attacks

  1. Unexpected POS System Behaviour: Point-of-sale systems that experience slowdowns, crashes, or unusual activity could indicate memory scraping malware.
  2. Unauthorised Transactions: If businesses notice a sudden spike in fraudulent transactions, it may be a sign that memory-scraping malware is compromising payment data.
  3. Security Alerts: Notifications from security monitoring systems about unusual memory access could be a warning of a memory-scraping attempt.

How To Protect Against Memory Scraping

  1. Encrypt Sensitive Data in Memory: Encryption methods protect sensitive information, ensuring that it cannot be easily read even if data is scraped.
  2. Implement Strong POS Security: Regularly update point-of-sale software and use security measures such as firewalls, whitelisting, and antivirus tools to prevent malware from infiltrating the system.
  3. Monitor Memory Access: Use monitoring tools to detect unauthorised memory access in real-time and prevent data theft before it occurs.

Memory scraping poses a serious threat to businesses and consumers, especially in industries reliant on point-of-sale systems. Employing competent security practices, regularly updating systems, and using encryption can help mitigate or prevent the risk of memory scraping attacks.

How iZOOlogic Can Help Your Company or Organisation

iZOOlogic offers advanced protection solutions against memory scraping through our Threat Intelligence services. Learn how we can safeguard your company’s payment systems and prevent data theft.

To find out more about how iZOOlogic can help protect your company’s cyber security, schedule a demo.