Dharma ransomware is a variant of ransomware malware that encrypts victims' files and demands payment for decryption. It is part of the broader family of ransomware known as Dharma, which has been active since at least 2016 and is known for targeting Windows-based systems. The ransomware typically encrypts files using strong encryption algorithms, appends a unique extension to encrypted files, and drops ransom notes instructing victims on how to pay the ransom, often in cryptocurrency. The sample referenced here is categorized as low severity with limited technical details and no known exploits in the wild at the time of reporting (2019). Dharma ransomware variants have been distributed through phishing emails, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) brute force attacks, and exploit kits. The lack of affected versions and patch links suggests this is an OSINT sample rather than a newly discovered zero-day vulnerability. The threat level is moderate (3 out of an unspecified scale), with a 50% certainty rating, indicating some uncertainty about the sample's impact or prevalence. Overall, Dharma ransomware remains a persistent threat due to its evolving variants and continued targeting of vulnerable systems, especially those with exposed RDP services or weak security controls.

For European organizations, Dharma ransomware poses a risk primarily to Windows-based endpoints and servers, especially those with inadequate patching, weak or reused passwords, or exposed remote access services. Successful infections can lead to significant data encryption, causing operational disruption, loss of data availability, and potential financial losses due to ransom payments or recovery costs. The impact extends to confidentiality if sensitive data is exfiltrated prior to encryption, although this is less commonly reported with Dharma compared to other ransomware families. The low severity rating and absence of known exploits in the wild at the time suggest limited immediate threat; however, the persistent nature of Dharma ransomware variants means that organizations must remain vigilant. Disruptions could affect critical infrastructure, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial sectors, which are prominent in Europe and often targeted by ransomware actors. Additionally, the reputational damage and regulatory consequences under GDPR for data breaches or downtime could be significant.

European organizations should implement a multi-layered defense strategy against Dharma ransomware. This includes: 1) Enforcing strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all remote access services, especially RDP, to prevent brute force attacks. 2) Regularly patching and updating all software and operating systems to close vulnerabilities that ransomware might exploit. 3) Implementing network segmentation to limit lateral movement in case of infection. 4) Maintaining up-to-date, tested backups stored offline or in immutable storage to enable recovery without paying ransom. 5) Deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying ransomware behaviors and blocking execution. 6) Conducting regular user awareness training to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious activities. 7) Monitoring network traffic and logs for unusual patterns indicative of ransomware deployment. 8) Restricting administrative privileges and applying the principle of least privilege to reduce the attack surface. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on specific attack vectors known for Dharma ransomware, such as RDP brute forcing and phishing.