Removed: nothing. The agent kept extensive permissions across every customer network it administered.
Outcome: 1,500+ businesses affected when the agent was compromised.
The 2021 Kaseya ransomware attack exploited the company’s VSA remote monitoring tool. This agent had extensive permissions across customer networks. When compromised, it became the perfect lateral movement tool.
Source: CISA, advisory AA21-209A (20 August 2021)