The Master Boot Record (MBR) is the information in the first sector of any hard disk that identifies how and where an operating system is located so that it can be booted (loaded) into the computer’s main storage or Random Access Memory (RAM). The Master Boot Record is also sometimes called the “partition sector” or the “master partition table” because it includes a table that locates each partition that the hard disk has been formatted into. In addition to this table, the MBR also includes a program that reads the boot sector record of the partition containing the operating system to be booted into RAM. In turn, that record contains a program that loads the rest of the operating system into RAM.
Attackers have used destructive wiper malware to destroy the Master Boot Record of a computer rendering it inoperable. By destroying the MBR, it makes it so the machine cannot load the operating system. Without an operating system, there’s no way to rewrite the Master Boot Record into place and the machine becomes completely useless and unrecoverable.
Wiper malware has reportedly been used by Nation States in state-sponsored hacking incidents. For example, in February 2022, Russian Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) have been tied to an attack on 70 Ukrainian government websites, using this destructive malware. This malware was used to target the Ukrainian government, non-profit, and IT organizations, and increased attacks and espionage against military targets. However, Small to medium-sized businesses are rarely attacked with these sophisticated malware tools that can destroy a computer. However, there are protective measures every organization should be doing to reduce the likelihood of falling victim to Wiper malware or other attacks.
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Sources:
Additional Reading:
Wiper Used in Attack on Iran National Media Network
More Intel Emerges on WhisperGate Malware That Hit Ukraine
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