Illusive Networks seeks to slow Swift attackers through deception

Today’s savvy bank robbers don’t break into vaults looking for gold or diamonds: They’re more likely to be hacking networks looking for access to the Swift payment system. Illusive Networks wants to catch them in the act.

In February, hackers exploited Bangladesh Bank’s access to the Swift fund transfer network to steal US$81 million — and almost got away with $951 million.

They had infiltrated the bank’s network, installing malware on the Swift Alliance Access server that exchanged messages with the gateway to Swift’s secure fund transfer system. They used the bank’s Swift credentials to order payments, while their malware interfered with the printing of confirmation messages, delaying the bank’s discovery of the electronic heist.

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