Unveiling Careto: How a Spanish Government-Linked Hacking Group Operated in Shadows

In recent years, cybersecurity has become a focal point for both governments and organizations, especially concerning advanced persistent threats like the Careto hacking group. Initially identified by Kaspersky more than a decade ago, this group has drawn attention for its sophisticated strategies and targets, including the Cuban government. In this article, we’ll explore the origins, operations, and implications of Careto as one of the most advanced hacking threats.

Unraveling the Careto Hacking Group

Careto, which means “ugly face” in Spanish, was discovered by Kaspersky researchers who initially believed they were tracking a known government-backed cyber group. They quickly realized that Careto represented a more complex and advanced operation.

Early Investigations and Findings

• Kaspersky identified Careto’s activities in 2014, describing it as “one of the most advanced threats at the moment.”
• The group targeted sensitive data, including conversations and keystrokes from compromised systems.
• Initial targets included various government institutions and private companies worldwide.

Despite their findings, Kaspersky avoided publicly attributing the group to any specific government initially. However, internal discussions led the researchers to believe that Careto was linked to the Spanish government.

Connections to Spain and Cuba

One of the pivotal moments in Kaspersky’s investigation was identifying a Cuban government employee as the initial victim of Careto’s malware. This incident, referred to as “patient zero,” highlighted Careto’s interest in Cuba, particularly due to the presence of ETA members in the country.

Key Victims and Targets

Careto’s operations were not limited to Cuba. The group targeted a wide range of victims across multiple continents, including:

• Africa: Algeria, Morocco, Libya
• Europe: France, Spain, the United Kingdom
• Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Venezuela

Researchers noted that Careto’s malware was found in numerous countries, but Cuba had the highest concentration of victims, all linked to a single government institution.

The Evolution of Careto’s Malware

Since its discovery, Careto’s malware has evolved significantly. Kaspersky found evidence of malware versions dating back to 2007, capable of exploiting various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Even potential vulnerabilities targeting mobile devices were uncovered.

Advanced Techniques and Tactics

Careto employed sophisticated techniques such as:

• Spear-phishing emails masquerading as legitimate news sources.
• Exploiting vulnerabilities in antivirus software, including Kaspersky’s own products.
• Using malware capable of intercepting internet traffic, accessing encrypted communications, and even activating microphones on infected devices.

Recent Developments and Future Implications

After a period of silence, Kaspersky recently announced the re-emergence of Careto’s malware, indicating that the group is still operational and evolving. In their latest findings, the group targeted organizations in Latin America and Central Africa, demonstrating their continued interest in espionage.

Despite the challenges of attribution, researchers believe Careto is likely a nation-state actor. The complexity and sophistication of its attacks position Careto among the elite of government-backed hacking groups, surpassing many well-known entities in terms of operational finesse.

Conclusion

As we continue to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity, the activities of groups like Careto remind us of the ongoing threats posed by advanced persistent threats. Understanding their tactics and implications is crucial for organizations and governments alike.

For more information on cybersecurity trends and threats, check out our cybersecurity resources or visit Kaspersky for insights into the latest in malware research.