What’s the BlackLock ransomware?
BlackLock is a comparatively new ransomware group. First seen in March 2024, the ransomware operation initially operated below the identify El Dorado, earlier than rebranding as BlackLock late final 12 months.
BlackLock follows a RaaS (ransomware-as-a-service) enterprise mannequin, leasing its instruments and infrastructure to associates who launch assaults, sharing a proportion of the proceeds with BlackLock.
And I assume they do the conventional factor of encrypting your information and demanding a ransom?
Sure, like many different ransomware teams, BlackLock each encrypts victims’ recordsdata and exfiltrates information – issuing threats to publish it if ransoms aren’t paid. BlackLock makes use of custom-built ransomware to focus on Home windows, VMWare ESXi, and Linux environments.
So not simply Home windows?
No, though the Linux model of BlackLock’s ransomware just isn’t thought of as mature as its Home windows-based sibling.
So what makes BlackLock noteworthy?
BlackLock has change into a giant deal, in a short time. It has been predicted to be one of many largest RaaS operations of 2025, following a dramatic improve within the variety of posts on its darkish net leak web site.
BlackLock is reported to have launched 48 assaults within the first two months of 2024, impacting a number of business sectors with building and actual property corporations hit the toughest.
As well as, BlackLock has been actively attracting new associates on RAMP, a Russian-language ransomware-focused cybercrime discussion board, as effectively recruiting builders, preliminary entry brokers and traffers (individuals who direct victims to malicious content material.)
BlackLock is represented on RAMP by a person calling themselves “$$$”, who has posted 9 instances extra regularly than its nearest competitor (RansomHub) – giving some indication of the group’s aggressive promotion to different criminals.
Should not extra be carried out to close down cybercriminal boards like this?
It is not a straightforward drawback to resolve. However regulation enforcement has had success in seizing ransomware and different cybercriminal websites up to now. We are able to solely hope that they may proceed to have successes.
How will you understand if your organization has been hit by BlackLock?
It is going to be very apparent that you’ve got a significant issue. Information is not going to solely be encrypted, but additionally renamed – with random characters.
As well as, the ransomware drops a file on impacted programs entitled “HOW_RETURN_YOUR_DATA.TXT” which comprises the extortion word, demanding a Bitcoin cost.
And, after all, for those who do not co-operate with the BlackLock gang your information is printed on its leak web site?
Afraid so. Researchers who’ve seemed on the BlackLock leak web site say that it makes use of intelligent methods to attempt to make it more durable for investigators to obtain particulars of victims and determine what recordsdata have been stolen, presumably in an try to stress victims into paying out extra shortly.
Ransomware consultants have been capable of fastidiously circumvent these boundaries by utilizing randomised obtain intervals, distinctive browser brokers and different strategies to automate file downloads.
So how can my firm defend itself from Ragnar Locker?
The very best recommendation is to observe our suggestions on easy methods to defend your organisation from different ransomware. These embody:
- making safe offsite backups.
- operating up-to-date safety options and making certain that your computer systems are protected with the newest safety patches towards vulnerabilities.
- utilizing hard-to-crack distinctive passwords to guard delicate information and accounts, in addition to enabling multi-factor authentication.
- encrypting delicate information wherever doable.
- decreasing the assault floor by disabling performance that your organization doesn’t want.
- educating and informing employees in regards to the dangers and strategies utilized by cybercriminals to launch assaults and steal information.
Editor’s Be aware: The opinions expressed on this and different visitor creator articles are solely these of the contributor and don’t essentially mirror these of Tripwire.
