February 13, 2025 | Impress IT Solutions | Cybersecurity & Threat Intelligence

A newly discovered malware campaign known as FINALDRAFT is using Microsoft Graph API to conduct stealthy cyber espionage on Windows and Linux systems. The campaign has already targeted government agencies, telecommunications companies, and universities, raising concerns that businesses and organizations worldwide could be at risk.

For businesses in West Houston, this underscores the importance of proactive cybersecurity defenses to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive data from espionage-level threats. At Impress IT Solutions, we provide advanced threat detection, network security, and endpoint protection to ensure our clients are not vulnerable to attacks like FINALDRAFT.

How the FINALDRAFT Malware Works

Threat researchers have linked this attack to a cybercrime group known as REF7707, which has deployed FINALDRAFT in targeted espionage campaigns since November 2024.

Key Attack Techniques Used by FINALDRAFT:

✔ Lateral Movement via Stolen Credentials – Attackers use Windows Remote Management (WinrsHost.exe) to spread through networks.
✔ Malware Deployment via certutil – The malicious payload is downloaded using Microsoft’s certutil tool, which is often abused in cyberattacks.
✔ Shellcode Injection & Process Hijacking – The malware injects itself into mspaint.exe, making it harder to detect.
✔ Command-and-Control (C2) via Microsoft Graph API – Hackers use Outlook email drafts to send and receive commands, evading traditional security monitoring.
✔ Stealth Evasion Techniques – FINALDRAFT uses NTLM hash impersonation and PowerPick (a post-exploitation tool) to execute commands without triggering PowerShell.exe.
✔ Linux Variant – The malware can also affect Linux systems, allowing hackers to run shell commands and erase traces of their presence.

This sophisticated remote access malware demonstrates the evolving tactics of cybercriminals—leveraging legitimate cloud services like Microsoft Graph API to remain undetected.

How Impress IT Solutions Protects Businesses from Advanced Cyber Threats

At Impress IT Solutions, we take a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, ensuring that businesses in West Houston remain protected against stealthy malware, credential theft, and espionage threats.

1. Advanced Endpoint Security & Threat Monitoring

✔ Real-Time Threat Detection – Identifying and blocking malware like FINALDRAFT before it spreads.
✔ Behavioral Analysis & AI Security – Detecting unusual activity, such as process injection and lateral movement.
✔ Zero-Trust Access Controls – Preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to critical business systems.

2. Network Security & Cloud Protection

✔ Email Security & Microsoft 365 Protection – Preventing Graph API abuse and blocking malicious email-based commands.
✔ Firewall & Intrusion Prevention – Securing networks from credential theft, privilege escalation, and remote exploits.
✔ Dark Web Monitoring – Detecting if stolen credentials from West Houston businesses are being sold or used in attacks.

3. Incident Response & Ransomware Mitigation

✔ Immediate Containment of Breaches – Isolating affected systems before malware spreads.
✔ Forensic Investigation & Threat Intelligence – Identifying attack origins and strengthening future defenses.
✔ Data Backup & Disaster Recovery – Ensuring businesses can restore operations without paying ransom or losing critical data.

Why Businesses in West Houston Need Proactive Cybersecurity

The discovery of FINALDRAFT malware highlights how modern cyberattacks exploit trusted applications like Microsoft 365, Windows utilities, and cloud APIs to evade detection. Traditional security solutions alone are not enough—businesses need active monitoring, advanced threat intelligence, and a rapid response strategy to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

At Impress IT Solutions, we provide customized cybersecurity solutions that proactively detect and prevent attacks before they cause damage.

📞 Contact Impress IT Solutions today to schedule a free cybersecurity assessment and protect your business from cyber espionage, malware, and ransomware threats.