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 yr.
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 suppose they do the traditional factor of encrypting your knowledge and demanding a ransom?
Sure, like many different ransomware teams, BlackLock each encrypts victims’ information and exfiltrates knowledge – issuing threats to publish it if ransoms are usually not 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 is just not 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 internet leak website.
BlackLock is reported to have launched 48 assaults within the first two months of 2024, impacting a number of business sectors with development 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 nicely 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 steadily than its nearest competitor (RansomHub) – giving some indication of the group’s aggressive promotion to different criminals.
Should not extra be performed to close down cybercriminal boards like this?
It isn’t a straightforward drawback to resolve. However regulation enforcement has had success in seizing ransomware and different cybercriminal websites prior to now. We will solely hope that they’ll proceed to have successes.
How will you realize if your organization has been hit by BlackLock?
It will likely be very apparent that you’ve got a significant issue. Recordsdata won’t solely be encrypted, but additionally renamed – with random characters.
As well as, the ransomware drops a file on impacted techniques entitled “HOW_RETURN_YOUR_DATA.TXT” which comprises the extortion observe, demanding a Bitcoin fee.
And, after all, when you do not co-operate with the BlackLock gang your knowledge is revealed on its leak website?
Afraid so. Researchers who’ve appeared on the BlackLock leak website 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 information have been stolen, presumably in an try to stress victims into paying out extra rapidly.
Ransomware specialists have been in a position to rigorously circumvent these obstacles through the use of randomised obtain intervals, distinctive browser brokers and different methods to automate file downloads.
So how can my firm shield itself from Ragnar Locker?
The most effective recommendation is to observe our suggestions on learn how to shield 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 knowledge and accounts, in addition to enabling multi-factor authentication.
- encrypting delicate knowledge wherever potential.
- lowering 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 knowledge.
Editor’s Word: The opinions expressed on this and different visitor creator articles are solely these of the contributor and don’t essentially replicate these of Tripwire.
