Blind Eagle: How a Persistent Hacker Group Targets South America's Financial Sector
The Blind Eagle hacker group has become one of the most persistent cyber threats in South America, relentlessly targeting banks and financial institutions — particularly in Colombia. This article breaks down who they are, their tactics, and how they manage to keep their malicious operations running despite repeated takedown efforts.
Who Is Blind Eagle?
The Actors
Blind Eagle (also known as Águila Ciega) is a South American cyber-espionage group, identified by researchers as a financially-motivated threat actor with a focus on stealing sensitive information and credentials.
Their Targets
- Banks and financial institutions (e.g., Bancolombia, BBVA)
- Government agencies
- High-value individuals and businesses within Colombia and surrounding countries
Their Objective
Their campaigns aim to exfiltrate:
- Banking credentials
- Sensitive corporate data
- Personal information that could be leveraged for fraud or further attacks
The Attack Chain: Old Tricks, Modern Tools
Blind Eagle employs a combination of tried-and-true social engineering with updated malware delivery techniques.
1. The Lure: Phishing
They craft fake banking websites, visually indistinguishable from legitimate sites. Victims are directed to these through phishing emails or fraudulent messages designed to create urgency.
2. The Trap: Malicious VBS Files
Once on the fake site, victims are prompted to download what seems to be a legitimate file. This file is a Visual Basic Script (VBS) — an old but still functional Windows scripting technology.
Why VBS?
- Runs silently on most Windows machines
- Often bypasses basic antivirus
- Simple and lightweight
3. The Infection: Remote Access Trojans (RATs)
The downloaded VBS doesn't cause damage directly. Its job is to fetch and install the real payload — sophisticated malware such as:
- AsyncRAT
- Remcos RAT
These Remote Access Trojans (RATs) give attackers full control over the victim's machine, enabling:
- Keystroke logging
- File exfiltration
- Webcam and microphone activation
- Network pivoting to access internal systems
Staying "Invisible": The Role of Bulletproof Hosting
A key discovery by researchers was how Blind Eagle keeps their malicious infrastructure online despite constant efforts to report and dismantle it.
Enter Proton66
Blind Eagle hosts its phishing sites and command-and-control servers on a Russian bulletproof hosting service called Proton66.
What is Bulletproof Hosting?
- A hosting service designed specifically for cybercriminals
- Ignores abuse complaints and takedown requests from authorities
- Allows hosting of phishing pages, malware distribution, and C2 servers
- Provides a "safe haven" for criminal operations
Why This Matters
Blind Eagle demonstrates how attackers blend old techniques (VBS scripts), modern RAT tools, and resilient infrastructure (Proton66) to mount effective, long-term campaigns.
This approach makes them hard to eradicate and highly damaging to the financial sector in Latin America.
How to Protect Against Blind Eagle's Tactics
For Individuals
- Do not click on links in unsolicited emails or messages claiming to be from banks.
- Always verify the URL before entering credentials — look for HTTPS and correct domain names.
- Keep Windows updated and disable unnecessary scripting engines if possible.
- Run reputable endpoint protection software capable of detecting RATs.
For Organizations
- Conduct phishing awareness training regularly.
- Implement advanced email filtering to block malicious attachments and links.
- Monitor outbound traffic for connections to known C2 servers.
- Isolate infected systems immediately to contain RAT infections.
Conclusion: An Adaptive and Persistent Threat
Blind Eagle exemplifies a persistent, adaptable threat actor combining social engineering, legacy technologies, modern malware, and bulletproof infrastructure to compromise victims in the South American financial sector.
By understanding their tactics and proactively defending against them, individuals and organizations can reduce their risk and respond more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Blind Eagle?
Blind Eagle is a South American cyber-espionage group that targets banks and government entities, primarily in Colombia, using phishing and RATs to steal sensitive data.
What is a VBS file and why is it dangerous?
A VBS (Visual Basic Script) file is a Windows scripting file. Attackers use it to silently execute malicious commands and download malware.
What are AsyncRAT and Remcos RAT?
They are Remote Access Trojans — malware that provides attackers with full remote control over infected systems.
What is bulletproof hosting?
Bulletproof hosting is a hosting service that ignores abuse reports and takedown requests, enabling cybercriminals to host malicious content and stay online.