Hackers prey on devices running open-source Linux OS

As organisations opt to use open-source operating systems worldwide, cybersecurity researchers have warned that more and more threat actors are now executing targeted attacks against Linux-based devices while developing more Linux-focused tools. Over the past eight years, over a dozen advanced persistent threat actors have been observed to use Linux malware or some Linux-based modules, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. There is a significant trend in many countries towards using Linux as a desktop environment by big enterprise companies, as well as in governmental entities, that pushes threat actors to develop malware for this platform. The APT actors targeting Linux include infamous threat groups as Barium, Sofacy, the Lamberts, and Equation, as well as more recent campaigns such as, LightSpy by TwoSail Junk and WellMess," Kaspersky said in a statement.