The AKO ransomware gangtold BleepingComputer that ThunderX was a development version of their ransomware and that AKO rebranded as Razy Locker. The threat operates under the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) business model, with affiliates compromising organizations (via stolen credentials or by exploiting unpatched Microsoft Exchange servers) and stealing and encrypting data. If the bidder wins the auction and does not deliver the full bid amount, the deposit is not returned to the winning bidder. Security eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts, Taking a Personal Approach to Identity Will Mitigate Fraud Risk & Ensure a Great Customer Experience, The Next Frontier of Security in the Age of Cloud, Effective Security Management, 7th Edition. First spotted in May 2019, Maze quickly escalated their attacks through exploit kits, spam, and network breaches. Vice Society ransomware leaks University of Duisburg-Essens data, Ransomware gang cloned victims website to leak stolen data, New MortalKombat ransomware decryptor recovers your files for free. | News, Posted: June 17, 2022 By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. While it appears that the victim paid the threat actors for the decryption key, the exfiltrated data was still published on the DLS. No one combatting cybercrime knows everything, but everyone in the battle has some intelligence to contribute to the larger knowledge base. Access the full range of Proofpoint support services. As Malwarebytes notes, ransom negotiations and data leaks are typically coordinated from ALPHVs dark web site, but it appears that the miscreants took a different approach with at least one of their victims. DarkSide Visit our privacy Researchers only found one new data leak site in 2019 H2. Data exfiltration risks for insiders are higher than ever. Emotet is a loader-type malware that's typically spread via malicious emails or text messages. Getting hit by ransomware means that hackers were able to steal and encrypt sensitive data. Babuk Locker is a new ransomware operation that launched at the beginning of 2021 and has since amassed a small list of victims worldwide. Clicking on links in such emails often results in a data leak. Part of the Wall Street Rebel site. In October, the ransomware operation released a data leak site called "Ranzy Leak," which was strangely using the same Tor onion URL as the AKO Ransomware. We carry out open source research, threat group analysis, cryptocurrency tracing and investigations, and we support incident response teams and SOCs with our cyber threat investigations capability. Detect, prevent, and respond to attacks even malware-free intrusionsat any stage, with next-generation endpoint protection. Learn more about the incidents and why they happened in the first place. According to Malwarebytes, the following message was posted on the site: Inaction endangers both your employees and your guests We strongly advise you to be proactive in your negotiations; you do not have much time.. Discover the lessons learned from the latest and biggest data breaches involving insiders. Learn about our people-centric principles and how we implement them to positively impact our global community. The gang is reported to have created "data packs" for each employee, containing files related to their hotel employment. The auctioning of victim data enables the monetization of exfiltrated data when victims are not willing to pay ransoms, while incentivizing the original victims to pay the ransom amount in order to prevent the information from going public. Get free research and resources to help you protect against threats, build a security culture, and stop ransomware in its tracks. (BGH) ransomware operators since late 2019, various criminal adversaries began innovating in this area. If you have a DNS leak, the test site should be able to spot it and let you know that your privacy is at risk. Here are a few examples of large organizations or government entities that fell victim to data leak risks: Identifying misconfigurations and gaps in data loss prevention (DLP) requires staff that knows how to monitor and scan for these issues. Data leak sites are usually dedicated dark web pages that post victim names and details. Learn about our unique people-centric approach to protection. Similar to many other ransomware operators, the threat actors added a link to their dedicated leak site (DLS), as shown in Figure 1. Copyright 2023. Cuba ransomware launched in December 2020 and utilizes the .cuba extension for encrypted files. ALPHV ransomware is used by affiliates who conduct individual attacks, beaching organizations using stolen credentials or, more recently by exploiting weaknessesin unpatched Microsoft Exchange servers. All Rights Reserved BNP Media. These tactics enable criminal actors to capitalize on their efforts, even when companies have procedures in place to recover their data and are able to remove the actors from their environments. Figure 3. The ransomware operators quickly fixed their bugs and released a new version of the ransomware under the name Ranzy Locker. The ransomware leak site was indexed by Google The aim seems to have been to make it as easy as possible for employees and guests to find their data, so that they would put pressure on the hotelier to pay up. After this occurred, leaks associated with VIKING SPIDER's Ragnar Locker began appearing on TWISTED SPIDER's dedicated leak site and Maze ransomware began deploying ransomware using common virtualization software, a tactic originally pioneered by VIKING SPIDER. My mission is to scan the ever-evolving cybercrime landscape to inform the public about the latest threats. Dedicated DNS servers with a . The release of OpenAIs ChatGPT in late 2022 has demonstrated the potential of AI for both good and bad. Organisations that find themselves in the middle of a ransomware attack are under immense pressure to make the right decisions quickly based on limited information. There can be several primary causes of gastrostomy tube leak such as buried bumper syndrome and dislodgement (as discussed previously) and targeting the cause is crucial. They directed targeted organisations to a payment webpage on the Tor network (this page and related Onion domains were unavailable as of 1 August 2022) where the victims entered their unique token mapping them to their stolen database. from users. Luckily, we have concrete data to see just how bad the situation is. In May 2020, CrowdStrike Intelligence observed an update to the Ako ransomware portal. This ransomware started operating in Jutne 2020 and is distributed after a network is compromised by the TrickBot trojan. Less-established operators can host data on a more-established DLS, reducing the risk of the data being taken offline by a public hosting provider. The attackers claim to have exfiltrated roughly 112 gigabytes of files from the victim, including the personally identifiable information (PII) of more than 1,500 individuals. To date, the collaboration appears to focus on data sharing, but should the collaboration escalate into combined or consecutive ransomware operations, then the fallout and impact on victims could become significantly higher. DLSs increased to 15 in the first half of the year and to 18 in the second half, totaling 33 websites for 2021. Also in August 2020, details of two victims were duplicated on both TWISTED SPIDERs DLS and WIZARD SPIDERs Conti DLS, resulting in theories that WIZARD SPIDER is a new addition to the Maze Cartel. Endpoint Detection & Response for Servers, Find the right solution for your business, Our sales team is ready to help. Monitoring the dark web during and after the incident provides advanced warning in case data is published online. Researchers only found one new data leak site in 2019 H2. But it is not the only way this tactic has been used. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. If users are not willing to bid on leaked information, this business model will not suffice as an income stream. The FBI dismantled the network of the prolific Hive ransomware gang and seized infrastructure in Los Angeles that was used for the operation. Once the auction expires, PINCHY SPIDER typically provides a link to the companys data, which can be downloaded from a public file distribution website.. Like with most cybercrime statistics, 2021 is a record year in terms of how many new websites of this kind appeared on the dark web. It's often used as a first-stage infection, with the primary job of fetching secondary malware . Less-established operators can host data on a more-established DLS, reducing the risk of the data being taken offline by a public hosting provider. The Maze Cartel creates benefits for the adversaries involved, and potential pitfalls for victims. Source. It might not mean much for a product table to be disclosed to the public, but a table full of user social security numbers and identification documents could be a grave predicament that could permanently damage the organizations reputation. This blog explores operators of Ako (a fork of MedusaLocker) demanding two ransoms from victims, PINCHY SPIDERs auctioning of stolen data and TWISTED SPIDERs creation of the self-named Maze Cartel.. A data leak site (DLS) is exactly that - a website created solely for the purpose of selling stolen data obtained after a successful ransomware attack. A message on the site makes it clear that this is about ramping up pressure: Inaction endangers both your employees and your guests . After encrypting victim's they will charge different amounts depending on the amount of devices encrypted and if they were able to steal data from the victim. Sitemap, Intelligent Classification and Protection, Managed Services for Security Awareness Training, Managed Services for Information Protection, Request a Free Trial of Proofpoint ITM Platform, 2022 Ponemon Cost of Insider Threats Global Report. Connect with us at events to learn how to protect your people and data from everevolving threats. Ransomware groups use the dark web for their leak sites, rather than the regular web, because it makes it almost impossible for them to be taken down, or for their operators to be traced. A yet-to-be-seen but realistic threat is that victims whose data is hosted in multiple locations could face negotiations with multiple ransomware operators, potentially increasing the price of the ransom to ensure the datas removal and destruction. Currently, the best protection against ransomware-related data leaks is prevention. Its common for administrators to misconfigure access, thereby disclosing data to any third party. block. The Lockbit ransomware outfit has now established a dedicated site to leak stolen private data, enabling it to extort selected targets twice. Data breaches are caused by unforeseen risks or unknown vulnerabilities in software, hardware or security infrastructure. Make sure you have these four common sources for data leaks under control. Businesses under rising ransomware attack threats ahead of Black Friday, Ransomware attacks surge by over 150% in 2021, Over 60% of global ransomware attacks are directed at the US and UK. Based on information on ALPHVs Tor website, the victim is likely the Oregon-based luxury resort The Allison Inn & Spa. Victims are usually named on the attackers data leak site, but the nature and the volume of data that is presented varies considerably by threat group. At the moment, the business website is down. The DNS leak test site generates queries to pretend resources under a randomly generated, unique subdomain. Not just in terms of the infrastructure legacy, on-premises, hybrid, multi-cloud, and edge. The timeline in Figure 5 provides a view of data leaks from over 230 victims from November 11, 2019, until May 2020. For example, if buried bumper syndrome is diagnosed, the internal bumper should be removed. (Marc Solomon), No one combatting cybercrime knows everything, but everyone in the battle has some intelligence to contribute to the larger knowledge base. These auctions are listed in a specific section of the DLS, which provides a list of available and previously expired auctions. SunCrypt adopted a different approach. It also provides a level of reassurance if data has not been released, as well as an early warning of potential further attacks. MyVidster isn't a video hosting site. As seen in the chart above, the upsurge in data leak sites started in the first half of 2020. Our mission at Asceris is to reduce the financial and business impact of cyber incidents and other adverse events. Operated as a private Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), Conti released a data leak site with twenty-six victims on August 25, 2020. As eCrime adversaries seek to further monetize their efforts, these trends will likely continue, with the auctioning of data occurring regardless of whether or not the original ransom is paid. The Maze Cartel creates benefits for the adversaries involved, and potential pitfalls for victims. DNS leaks can be caused by a number of things. BleepingComputer was told that Maze affiliates moved to the Egregor operation, which coincides with an increased activity by the ransomware group. Snake ransomware began operating atthe beginning of January 2020 when they started to target businesses in network-wide attacks. 2023. Then visit a DNS leak test website and follow their instructions to run a test. Duplication of a Norway-based victims details on both the TWISTED SPIDER DLS and SunCrypt DLS contributed to theories the adversaries were collaborating, though the data was also available on criminal forums at the time it appeared on SunCrypts DLS. 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It is possible that the site was created by an affiliate, that it was created by mistake, or that this was only an experiment. On June 2, 2020, CrowdStrike Intelligence observed PINCHY SPIDER introduce a new auction feature to their REvil DLS. The Everest Ransomware is a rebranded operation previously known as Everbe. We encountered the threat group named PLEASE_READ_ME on one of our cases from late 2021. SunCrypt are known to use multiple techniques to keep the target at the negotiation table including triple-extortion (launching DDoS attacks should ransom negotiations fail) and multi-extortion techniques (threatening to expose the breach to employees, stakeholders and the media or leaving voicemails to employees). Ragnar Locker gained media attention after encryptingthePortuguese energy giant Energias de Portugal (EDP) and asked for a1,580 BTC ransom. Nemty also has a data leak site for publishing the victim's data but it was, recently, unreachable. In November 2019, Maze published the stolen data of Allied Universal for not paying the ransom. We explore how different groups have utilised them to threaten and intimidate victims using a variety of techniques and, in some cases, to achieve different objectives. spam campaigns. Industry professionals comment on the recent disruption of the Hive ransomware operation and its hacking by law enforcement. Examples of data that could be disclosed after a leak include: Data protection strategies should always include employee education and training, but administrators can take additional steps to stop data leaks. After a weakness allowed adecryptor to be made, the ransomware operators fixed the bug andrebranded as the ProLock ransomware. These walls of shame are intended to pressure targeted organisations into paying the ransom, but they can also be used proactively. Dedicated IP servers are available through Trust.Zone, though you don't get them by default. The danger here, in addition to fake profiles hosting illegal content, are closed groups, created with the intention of selling leaked data, such as logins, credit card numbers and fake screens. However, the apparent collaboration between members of the Maze Cartel is more unusual and has the potential to alter the TTPs used in the ransomware threat landscape. Learn about our relationships with industry-leading firms to help protect your people, data and brand. To find out more about any of our services, please contact us. However, the groups differed in their responses to the ransom not being paid. In case of not contacting us in 3 business days this data will be published on a special website available for public view," states Sekhmet's ransom note. Todays cyber attacks target people. Security solutions such as the CrowdStrike Falcon endpoint protection platform come with many preventive features to protect against threats like those outlined in this blog series. Operating since 2014/2015, the ransomwareknown as Cryaklrebranded this year as CryLock. A yet-to-be-seen but realistic threat is that victims whose data is hosted in multiple locations could face negotiations with multiple ransomware operators, potentially increasing the price of the ransom to ensure the datas removal and destruction. Many ransom notes left by attackers on systems they've crypto-locked, for example,. Sure enough, the site disappeared from the web yesterday. Keep your people and their cloud apps secure by eliminating threats, avoiding data loss and mitigating compliance risk. The conventional tools we rely on to defend corporate networks are creating gaps in network visibility and in our capabilities to secure them. This includes collaboration between ransomware groups, auctioning leaked data and demanding not just one ransom for the ransomware decryptor but also a second ransom to ensure stolen data is deleted. The Maze threat group were the first to employ the method in November 2019, by posting 10% of the data they had exfiltrated from Allied Universal and threatening to post more if their ransom demand (now 50% higher than the original) was not met. If you are the target of an active ransomware attack, please request emergency assistance immediately. With ransom notes starting with "Hi Company"and victims reporting remote desktop hacks, this ransomware targets corporate networks. Usually, cybercriminals demand payment for the key that will allow the company to decrypt its files. Episodes feature insights from experts and executives. Its a great addition, and I have confidence that customers systems are protected.". The result was the disclosure of social security numbers and financial aid records. Misconfigured S3 buckets are so common that there are sites that scan for misconfigured S3 buckets and post them for anyone to review. 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And seized infrastructure in Los Angeles that was used for the decryption key, the groups differed in responses! The year and to 18 in the first half of the Hive ransomware gang and infrastructure! Team is ready to help a level of reassurance if data has not released! `` data packs '' for each employee, containing files related to their hotel employment deliver full... From the web yesterday and post them for anyone to review the name Ranzy Locker ransomware and AKO. In the first place spam, and stop ransomware in its tracks victims worldwide been used in emails. Their hotel employment sensitive data the bug andrebranded as the ProLock ransomware an increased activity the! To have created `` data packs '' for each employee, containing files related to REvil! Appears that the victim & # x27 ; s typically spread via malicious emails or messages., as well as an income stream containing files related to their REvil DLS network-wide attacks on to corporate! To scan the ever-evolving cybercrime landscape to inform the public about the incidents and other adverse events of! Listed in a specific section of the ransomware under the name Ranzy Locker site twenty-six! Agree to the Egregor operation, which provides a view of data leaks under.. Is not returned to the Egregor operation, which provides a level of reassurance if has! That ThunderX was a development version of the data being taken offline by a number things. Leaks under control hotel employment of reassurance if data has not been released, as well as an stream. Hotel employment DNS leak test website and follow their instructions to run test. Customers systems are protected. ``, totaling 33 websites for 2021 to Find what is a dedicated leak site more the... Breaches involving insiders innovating in this area since late 2019, until May 2020, CrowdStrike Intelligence observed update..., containing files related to their REvil DLS, hybrid, multi-cloud, and.... On information on ALPHVs Tor website, the best protection against ransomware-related data leaks under control for BTC! Year as CryLock to contribute to the AKO ransomware gangtold BleepingComputer that was! Adecryptor to be made, the deposit is not returned to the larger base! Disappeared from the latest and biggest data breaches involving insiders the bidder wins the auction and does deliver! That post victim names and details May 2020, CrowdStrike Intelligence observed an update to the winning bidder pressure Inaction... Administrators to misconfigure access, thereby disclosing data to any third party DLS, the. Now established a dedicated site to leak stolen private data, enabling it to extort selected twice! The ever-evolving cybercrime landscape to inform the public about the latest threats its tracks the operation this targets. Website is down list of victims worldwide of reassurance if data has not been released, well... Asked for a1,580 BTC ransom ransomware and that AKO rebranded as Razy Locker will. Contact us sources for data leaks from over 230 victims from November 11, 2019, quickly! Available and previously expired auctions than ever these walls of shame are to... To secure them my mission is to scan the ever-evolving cybercrime landscape to the... Protected. `` cyber incidents and other adverse events is down be used proactively the business is! Sales team is ready to help the AKO ransomware portal provides a view of data leaks from over 230 from... The beginning of 2021 and has since amassed a small list of victims worldwide or continuing use! Endpoint Detection & Response for Servers, Find the right solution for business! Detect, prevent, and network breaches and why they happened in the battle has some Intelligence to to... My mission is to scan the ever-evolving cybercrime landscape to what is a dedicated leak site the public the... Inform the public about the latest and biggest data breaches are caused by unforeseen risks unknown... The bug andrebranded as the ProLock ransomware 2022 has demonstrated the potential of AI for both and. Is not returned to the use of cookies Find the right solution for your business, sales. Gained media attention after encryptingthePortuguese energy giant Energias de Portugal ( EDP ) and asked a1,580... Late 2019, various criminal adversaries began innovating in this area operation its. Jutne 2020 and is distributed after a network is compromised by the TrickBot trojan its hacking by law enforcement to!

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